Theresa Crytzer

Dr. Theresa Crytzer is a dedicated clinician, educator, and researcher with over 20 years of experience in physical therapy and assistive technology, particularly in serving children and adults with complex neurological disabilities. She has provided care across a variety of specialized settings, including The Children's Institute of Pittsburgh, the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, and the UPMC Center for Assistive Technology.

Dr. Crytzer earned her Ph.D. in Sports Medicine and Nutrition from the University of Pittsburgh in 2022, where she also completed a prestigious National Institutes of Health (NIH) T32 Post-Doctoral Fellowship in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She holds a Master's Level Certificate in Clinical Research from the University of Pittsburgh's Institute for Clinical Research (2019), a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from Slippery Rock University (2000), and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Carlow University.

Her current research focuses on the development of web-based interventions to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors among individuals with spinal cord injury. Her work has received funding support from the Duquesne University Faculty Development Fund and the Paluse Grant through the Center for Catholic Faith and Culture.

Dr. Crytzer actively contributes to the physical therapy and rehabilitation engineering fields. She serves as Vice Chair of the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) Standards Committee on Inclusive Fitness and is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Her community service includes roles on the Housing Board for the Spina Bifida Association of Western Pennsylvania, the Ethical Review Board of the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, and the ReelAbilities Film Festival. At Duquesne University, she is a member of the Student Standing Committee, Interprofessional Education Committee and the Disability Working Group

• PhD, Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, 2022
• Certificate, Clinical Research (Master's Level), University of Pittsburgh, 2019
• DPT, Physical Therapy, Slippery Rock University, 2000
• BA, Psychology, Carlow University

CV

• Assistive Technology
• Cardiopulmonary Science
• Pediatric Physical Therapy