Faculty Affiliates

Cathy S. Elrod, PT, PhD
Professor of Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy Department, School of Health Sciences
College of Health & Education, Marymount University
celrod@marymount.edu
703-284-5984 (o)

Cathy Elrod has been on faculty at Marymount University’s Physical Therapy program since 1997. Her clinical expertise is in the management of the medically complex patient. She has worked with older adults in large trauma hospitals, home health care, and hospice. Through funding from federal grants, she became a Master Trainer for two evidence-based falls prevention programs (EBFPPs), A Matter of Balance (MOB) and Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL), and has been integrating them into the Northern Virginia region. She has presented regionally and nationally on her work on implementing EBFPPs within the community. The Malek School of Health Professions has recognized Dr. Elrod for her excellence in teaching with the MSHP Faculty Teaching Award in 2007 and 2013 and for her research with the MSHP Outstanding Scholarship Award in 2017.

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Eric Bubar
Associate Professor, Engineering,
Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University
Email: eric.bubar@marymount.edu

Eric has a formal degree in Applied Physics with a research concentration in Stellar Astrophysics. He uses these general research skills to develop open-source solutions for individuals needing assistive technologies using hobbyist microcontrollers, electronics, and 3D printing/design. Through this work, Eric has collaborated with individuals worldwide (primarily through eNABLE and the Alliance for Project-Based Learning Solutions) to create and deploy upper limb assistive devices that provide some of the functionality offered by prosthetic limbs in situations where medically validated devices are unavailable. Through his research lab at Marymount University, he continuously works on creating solutions to problems as diverse as adapting devices to allow children with limb differences to play musical instruments to create tools to aid police officers with rehabilitation exercises. Most recently, Eric has brought a virtual reality development lab to the university with his design of virtual reality STEM-themed escape rooms and work with the Marymount Center for Optimal Aging to create gamified rehabilitation/exercise experiences and simulations, allowing the practice of ADLs (Activities of Daily Living).

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Julie D. Ries, PT, Ph.D.
MCOA Fellow (2021 – 2023), Professor of Physical Therapy
Center for Optimal Aging, Physical Therapy Department,
School of Health Sciences, College of Health & Education, Marymount University
Email: jries@marymount.edu
Phone: 703-284-5983

Julie Ries has been on faculty at Marymount’s Physical Therapy program since its inception. She has extensive PT clinical experience in acute care, home care, and neurological rehabilitation. She is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in rehabilitation for individuals with dementia and is active in research with this population. She has presented numerous continuing education courses and invited lectures on topics related to rehab for older adults with dementia. The Malek School of Health Professions has recognized Dr. Ries for her excellence in teaching with the MSHP Faculty Teaching Award in 2003, 2006, and 2014 and for her outstanding research endeavors with the MSHP Faculty Scholarship Award in 2010 and 2019. She received the 2010 Excellence in Geriatric Research Award, a national award presented by the APTA’s Section on Geriatrics, for her research on clinical outcome measures for individuals with Alzheimer’s.

Click here to view Julie Ries’s profile.