Current PhD Students
Daniel Abrahamson

Why did you choose rehabilitation science at the UW?

As a prosthetist orthotist I was looking for a Doctoral program that would both allow me to build upon my existing skill set while presenting me with new and interesting ideas. I am really happy with my choice. The Rehabilitation Sciences PhD program has broadened my thinking about disability, and changed how I think about prosthetics and orthotics.

Why did you choose interdisciplinary education?

I was (and still am) interested in learning from and working with other rehab disciplines. I get excited by collaboration and love the range of ideas that PT, OT, Speech and Psychology bring to the table. I also like the fact that I am not the only prosthetist orthotist in my cohort.

What are your research interests?

I am really interested in creating outcome measure that help us understand the effectiveness of different prosthetic and orthotic interventions. I am particularly interested in measuring mobility outside of the clinic and laboratory settings using cutting edge technology incorporating GPS units with accelerometers and force sensors.

What is your professional background?

I have worked as a Prosthetist Orthotist in a variety of settings including hospital based clinics and private facilities. I started off doing pediatric orthotics at a Shriners Hospital and then shifted my focus to prosthetics for older adults. In 2003 I started teaching in the UW Prosthetics and Orthotics program, which I have continued while pursuing my PhD in rehabilitation science.

What are your personal interests and activities outside of school?

I love spending time with my family. I have two boys, a wonderful wife, six chickens, a big dog, a cat, and two goats. We like to grow a lot of our own food and play music together as a family. My boys are awesome musicians.

What about transportation?

I ride my bike to the UW most of the time, when I am feeling lazy I take the bus. One of my favorite things about Seattle is the Burke-Gillman trail; it runs right by my house so I have an easy bicycle commute on a smoothly paved trail with no cars. I rent a bike locker at the UW and shower in the hospital locker room. It is a sweet set-up! I highly recommend it.