ABOUT OUR TEAM
Kristi Streeter, PhD
Principal Investigator
Department of Physical Therapy
Background: I've always had a love and interest in science. It was during my undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where I fell in love with scientific research. After receiving my B.S. in Biology, I joined Dr. Tracy Baker's lab for my doctoral studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I studied a novel form of respiratory plasticity: inactivity-induced motor facilitation. I then spent six years working as a post-doctoral fellow with Dr. David Fuller at the University of Florida focused on respiratory neural control following spinal cord injury. As a Wisconsinite, I was thrilled to begin a faculty position in the Department of Physical Therapy at Marquette University in 2019. I teach the Neuroanatomy content for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and run the Respiratory Neural Control Lab in the College of Health Sciences. Our lab is particularly interested in the role of phrenic afferents in the control of breathing.
Outside of lab: In my spare time I enjoy spending time outdoors with my husband, two kiddos, and our dog. I enjoy traveling, have a love for sushi, creating my own recipes, and playing volleyball.
Nicole Popp, BS
Research Technician
Background: My educational and research background is in the field of neurobiology and my research experience spans a range of techniques from cellular/molecular biology to neurophysiology. As an undergraduate, I conducted research in the field of molecular neuroscience where I investigated the effect of an anesthetic compound on specific receptors in the nervous system to better understand side effects such as seizures. Currently, my research in the Streeter lab utilizes neurophysiology to investigate the mechanisms of afferent mediated neuroplasticity and the therapeutic potential of diaphragm stimulation following spinal cord injury.
Outside the lab: I love spending time outdoors and enjoy gardening, hiking and yoga. On cooler days I enjoy baking and reading a good book.
Taylor Holmes, DPT
Doctoral Student
Exercise and Rehabilitation Science Graduate Program
Background: I graduated from Carroll University with my DPT in 2015 and worked as an Acute Care Physical Therapist for 5+ years. In my time as an Acute PT, I was lucky enough to work with a variety of clinical populations; however, my favorite practice area was within the Cardiopulmonary ICU. With time and experience, I was blown away by the impact and progress that can be made (across nearly any patient population) with cardiopulmonary interventions. I also really enjoyed working with students on clinical rotations and was lucky enough to serve as an adjunct faculty member at both Carroll University and Marquette University. These interests (and some pushing from my wife/friends) led me to apply for admission into the doctoral program in Exercise and Rehabilitation Science. My current work in the lab is focused on the effects of a prolonged diaphragm pacing intervention within a rodent model of spinal cord injury.
Outside the lab: You will most likely find me at home with my wife, 2 kids, and dog. I enjoy nearly any outdoor activity (often made better by cold beer), watching any kind of sports (also better with beer), and traveling anywhere with mountains or large bodies of water. I firmly believe that the best way to end the day is with a baked treat and a good book.
Carrie Schmitz
DPT Student
Physical Therapy Program
Background: I am in my last year of Marquette’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Growing up as a gymnast, I had many experiences with the physical therapy world. As a student, I enjoy how physical therapy combines my loves of anatomy and physiology with the art of helping others. With only a few months left to go, I have felt extremely privileged to work with my clients during clinical rotations to improve their overall function and quality of life. My primary physical therapy interests include neurologic and geriatric PT, specifically focusing on degenerative neurologic disorders and vestibular/balance issues. With the COVID-19 pandemic it has become abundantly clear how respiratory function influences all aspects of life, and I feel fortunate to contribute to the development of treatments for patients with respiratory compromise following neurologic injury.
Outside of Lab: In my free time I enjoy reading mysteries/thrillers, singing, dancing, and hiking. My favorite days involve chocolate chip pancakes.
Carley Hintz
Masters Student
Exercise and Rehabilitation Science Graduate Program
Background: My name is Carley Hintz, and I am a senior studying Biomedical Sciences and Spanish for the Health Professions. I am also in the accelerated degree program where I am pursuing my master’s degree in Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences.
Outside of the lab, I enjoy running, as I am a member of the track and field team at Marquette. I also enjoy exploring the city of Milwaukee, traveling, and spending time outdoors.
Tony Sabel
Community Advocate
Kaylyn Schwichtenberg
DPT Student
Physical Therapy Program
Background: I am a student at Marquette studying exercise physiology and in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. I became interested in the physical therapy program at Marquette after working with a physical therapist for a dance injury. I started working in Dr. Streeter’s lab during my junior year internship, and I am continuing to help out with projects. Working in the lab has given me new experiences that have broadened my understanding of respiratory physiology and neurophysiology.
Outside of lab: In my free time, I enjoy dance, spending time with friends and family, and painting.
Background: I was prepared for a spinal cord injury before I ever knew it by choosing to go to college at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, playing intramural wheelchair basketball, and volunteering at the Center for Students with Disabilities. I acquired my spinal cord injury downhill snow inner tubing with two friends on January 22, 2007. Surgery the next morning consisted of removing my 5th cervical vertebrae and fusing my spine from C3 to C7. My medical team thought that I would never be able to have mobility by use of a manual wheelchair. My inpatient recovery/rehab consisted of battling pneumonia twice, my lung collapsing, being on a ventilator, having a trach, having a feeding tube, and learning how to instruct others to do my ADL’s, and still managed to be discharged April 5th, 2007. I returned to UW-Whitewater in Fall of 2007 and used a powerchair for mobility. I participated in my first wheelchair rugby practice at Lakeshore Foundation during Spring break 2008. I returned to school in Fall 2008 using only a manual wheelchair for mobility. I graduated in Spring 2010 with a B.S. in Social Work and started Graduate School at George Williams College of Aurora University . I graduated with my Masters in Social Work in Spring of 2012. The next 10 years have been spent in multiple roles within the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Fond du Lac including, internship, Drop-in Center Coordinator, Program Coordinator, and Executive Director.
For Fun: In my athletic/spare time I enjoy participating in various 5k to Half marathon events/fundraisers and playing wheelchair rugby since 2009 and currently through WASA – Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association. I also enjoy working with students to give them hands-on experience working with a SCI and have served on the WASA BOD since its inception in 2015. A perfect day would be playing bag toss in my driveway, sun, suntan lotion, water/mixed drink, and the voice of Bob Uecker on the Brewers Radio network.