Dr. Elizabeth Stegemöller is the lab director. She is a music therapist and neuroscientist. She joined Iowa State University in 2013 and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology. She is also the director of the Graduate Neuroscience Program at Iowa State University. Dr. Stegemöller’s main research focus is to determine how music and/or music therapy facilitates movement and modulates associated brain activity in persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD). She currently has multiple funded projects and has over 50 publications in her career. Along with her research, Dr. Stegemöller offers several outreach programs for persons with PD, including weekly singing, dance, and boxing groups, and well as yearly events such as the PD Singing Festival. Dr. Stegemöller is very passionate about her work and hopes that through her research and outreach efforts, she can contribute to the development of new and innovated therapies involving music that improve the treatment and care of persons with Parkinson's Disease.
CURRENT GRADUATE STUDENTS
Lydia Carlson
Lydia Linch is a Master's student in Neuroscience. She joined the AMMPD lab in the summer of 2021 and has been a member of the lab throughout her undergraduate studies, continuing into her graduate studies. Lydia's research is focused on investigating the neural mechanisms behind music listening in healthy younger adults, healthy older adults, and persons with Parkinson's disease. In her free time, Lydia enjoys reading, embroidery, and playing her saxophone.
McKayla Fullem
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McKayla Fullem is a neuroscience PhD student. She joined the AMMPD lab in the fall of 2025. She develops flexible laser-induced graphene (LIG) biosensors engineered to detect volatile organic biomarkers associated with Parkinson’s disease. McKayla enjoys playing unique board games in her free time. |
Alex Lobberect
Alex Lobberecht is pursuing a Master's degree at in Kinesiology. Originally from Oskaloosa, Iowa, he's the youngest of four siblings. Alex enjoys leading an active lifestyle with interests in cycling, lifting, and hiking. He values time with friends and family and is also an avid football and basketball fan.
Caelia Marshall
Caelia Marshall is a neuroscience PhD student. She joined the Alternative Medicine and Music laboratory in 2023. Caelia’s research interests include the junction of neurodegenerative diseases, memory, and music. Professionally, Caelia will work to bridge the gap between the Black community and the benefits of biomedical research. When she’s not in the lab, Caelia enjoys singing, traveling internationally, and playing with her cat, Meg.
Aron Nakama
Aron Nakama is a PhD student in Neuroscience. He completed his Masters in Cell Biology and Neuroscience in 2017 studying Asymmetric Cell Division in embryos. Aron currently serves as the Teaching Lab Coordinator for Human Anatomy and Physiology. Aron’s research will focus on curiosity and its effects on learning and memory within the college classroom. Apart from ISU, Aron coaches swimming at the local swim club and spends his time with his wife and three kids.
Ryan Smith
Ryan Smith joined the AAMPD lab as a PhD student in Kinesiology in 2023. He holds the credential music therapist-board certified (MT-BC) and has experience working as a music therapist in neurologic rehabilitation, hospice, and mental health. Ryan’s research interests center around examining the working mechanisms of therapeutic music experiences, especially movement with music. His personal interests include rock climbing, promoting active transit, and making music in various settings.
Brenda Tubelo
Brenda Tubelo is a PhD student in Kinesiology. She earned her M.S. in Rehabilitation Sciences in Brazil, focusing on the paravertebral muscles in individuals with Parkinson’s disease to gain insights into postural abnormalities and postural instability in this group. Brenda relocated to Iowa with her husband and dog, and she enjoys soccer and hiking in her free time.