Director's Bio
Dr. Camila Torriani is a dedicated and accomplished associate professor at The University of Texas at El Paso, where she contributes significantly to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Her academic journey includes a notable tenure as a professor at the School of Physical Education, University of Sao Paulo - Brazil, from 2010 to 2021. There, she led an interdisciplinary research program, deeply engaged in exploring motor behavior, focusing on motor learning in the aftermath of neurological diseases, primarily in stroke survivors.
Her current research interests are centered on neurorehabilitation outcomes at the systems/person level, aiming to promote the optimal recovery of goal-directed movement behaviors. Dr. Torriani's work is driven by a passion for understanding physical and psychosocial factors influencing physical activity levels and sedentary behavior. She is actively involved in implementing physical exercise programs for stroke individuals, both in-person and through innovative telerehabilitation methods.
Throughout her career, Dr. Torriani's research has been supported by the University of Sao Paulo and various Brazilian research agencies. She has been an influential mentor, supervising master's and Ph.D. students since 2014 at the University of Sao Paulo. She supervises students in the Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Program at The University of Texas at El Paso.
Her collaborative efforts extend beyond national boundaries, having developed research partnerships with universities in her home country and internationally. Dr. Torriani has made substantial contributions to neurorehabilitation, evidenced by her co-authorship of over 80 research papers, including chapters, proceedings, and commentaries.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Dr. Torriani brings a wealth of clinical experience in treating chronic stroke survivors. She plays a crucial role in overseeing exercise prescriptions for stroke survivors and individuals with Parkinson’s Disease as part of community service at the University. Her multifaceted expertise and commitment to improving the lives of those affected by neurological conditions make her an asset to the Department of Physical Therapy and Movement Sciences.