Cristina Colon-Semenza, PT, MPT, PhD

Dr. Colón-Semenza is a Research Scientist in the Center for Neurorehabilitation where she focuses upon studying behavior change related to exercise for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases.  Dr. Colón-Semenza has extensive experience working as a physical therapist across the spectrum of neurological disorders and across practice settings. Additionally, she is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy. She recently received her PhD from the program in Rehabilitation Science at Boston University under the mentorship of Dr. Ellis. Dr. Colón-Semenza’s dissertation work was focused upon motivation for exercise in people with Parkinson disease. Prior to her graduate work, Dr. Colón-Semenza practiced at the University of Connecticut’s rehabilitation clinic where she specialized in the evaluation and treatment of individuals with neurological diseases and disorders. She received her Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Delaware and her Bachelor of Science from Rutgers College.

Dr. Colón-Semenza has published several peer-reviewed articles and has presented both regionally and nationally on topics related to neurologic physical therapy practice. Dr. Colón-Semenza is an active participant of the American Physical Therapy Association, both locally and nationally. She is a delegate to the House of Delegates for the state of Connecticut and is a chairperson of the Special Interest Group focused upon Neurologic Physical Therapy through the CT American Physical Therapy Association. She is a board member of the Connecticut chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association.

Licenses and Certifications

Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS)