Our Team
Director
Dr. Simone V. Gill, PhD, OTR/L – Principal Investigator
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PhD Students
Laura Keegan – Fifth-year PhD Student
Laura Keegan, BA, is a 5th year Ph.D. Candidate in Rehabilitation Sciences at Boston University who received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a minor in Cognitive Sciences, from the University of Massachusetts Boston. Keegan’s research primarily focuses on at-home, remote, data collection methods. Keegan’s questions focus on the bidirectional relationship between an infant’s motor development and environmental factors (such as socioeconomic variables and maternal mental health), as well as understanding how children’s motor skills may influence language outcomes in both autistic and non autistic children. The intersection of research, inclusion, and accessibility is vital to her research. Keegan is a passionate advocate for accessible and inclusive play as a fundamental right for all children.
Fun Fact: The Golden Girls is her favorite comfort show!
Adriana I. Ramos Marichal, MSOT, OT/L – Second-year PhD Student
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Undergraduate Students
Maura Woodland-Medenilla – Pursuing B.S. in Health Science
Maura Woodland-Medenilla joined the Motor Development Lab in Fall 2023 as a research assistant on the POLO-O project. Originally from Basking Ridge, New Jersey, she is completing her Bachelor of Science in Health Science at Boston University with plans to graduate in Fall of 2025. Having worked with the special needs population in high school, Maura is interested in the interaction between cognitive, motor, and developmental abilities in children with autism. She plans to pursue medical school and currently works as a medical assistant. Outside of school, work, and the lab, Maura enjoys running, cooking, exploring the city, traveling, and spending time with friends.
Fun Fact: Maura has traveled to 16 different countries!
Erin Butler – Pursuing B.S. in Human Physiology
Erin Butler joined the Motor Development Lab in 2024 as an undergraduate research assistant. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology at Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, along with a minor in Public Health. Erin also works as a coach for Franciscan Children’s Hospital’s Adaptive Sports Program, where she has gained valuable experience supporting children with autism and developed a strong interest in how autism impacts gross motor development. She recently earned her EMT certification, further expanding her clinical experience. This summer, Erin will be working as a Community Health Intern, where she looks forward to gaining hands-on experience in population health and healthcare delivery. Originally from Washington, Connecticut, she plans to graduate from Boston University in 2028 and pursue a career as a pediatrician.
Fun Fact: Erin plays Club Ice Hockey for BU!
Volunteers
Hsiao-Han Ho, OTD
Alumni
Chi Whan Choi, PhD, DPT
Maria Ayoub, PhD
Danny Shin, PhD
Daekyoo Kim, PhD