Michelle M. Lusardi, PT, DPT, PH.D., Professor Emeritus of Physical Therapy

Dr. Lusardi completed her professional education at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, earning a BS in Physical Therapy, Cum Laude in 1976. As a clinician, Dr. Lusardi worked with patients and their families in acute care, subacute rehabilitation, and home care settings. During this time, Dr. Lusardi coordinated and taught many continuing education programs in therapeutic exercise at regional and national levels. She completed her Master's degree in Allied Health (concentration in education) at the University of Connecticut in 1987, and a PhD in Family Studies (concentration in Gerontology) at the University of Connecticut in 1993. During her graduate studies, Dr. Lusardi was awarded a research fellowship at the Traveler's Center on Aging. She was a member of the Physical Therapy Faculty in the School of Allied Health at University of Connecticut 1986-1996, serving as chair of the interdisciplinary Allied Health Courses Committee, and President of the Alpha Eta Honor Society. Dr. Lusardi has been recognized as an outstanding educator by the students of her college four times. Dr. Lusardi received a Summer Research Fellowship from the National Institute on Aging in 1994.

Dr. Lusardi came to Sacred Heart University's Department of Physical Therapy & Human Movement Science in 1997, developing and teaching the neuroscience/neuropathology, lifespan development, and advanced rehabilitation components of the problem-based learning curriculum. She is the lead author of a rehabilitation textbook, Orthotics and Prosthetics in Rehabilitation (Butterworth Heinemann 2000), used in many physical therapy and orthotics/prosthetics professional programs. As director of the Elders 2000 project (1997-2000, supported by a grant from the DHHS, Bureau of Health Professions, Allied Health Program), Dr. Lusardi coordinated an interdisciplinary faculty team that reviewed and revised curriculum on aging in entry level PT, OT and Nursing programs, established an undergraduate minor on Health & Aging, and instituted the annual Eldercare Symposium for health professionals working with older adults. Currently, she is the director of the GREAT Initiative (2001-2004, supported by a grant from the DHHS, Bureau of Health Professions, Allied Health Program) heading the interdisciplinary team that has developed and implemented an innovative, online graduate program in Geriatric Health and Wellness for health and human service professionals.

Dr. Lusardi is a grant-funded researcher with an active clinical research program, focusing on 1) strategies to identify community living older at risk for functional decline, frailty, and falls; and 2) effectiveness of wellness and rehabilitation interventions to improve functional status in at risk elders. Dr. Lusardi's work has been published in peer-reviewed professional journals, as well as in chapters in textbooks on geriatrics and physical therapy. She serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, and is a reviewer for Physiotherapy Theory & Practice. Dr. Lusardi is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association, serving in numerous roles in the Section for Geriatrics, including as a member of the board of directors for the Section from 1997-2001. Her professional service activities include roles as an educational consultant and on-site reviewer for the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Dr. Lusardi received the Joan M. Mills Award for Exceptional Service in 2000 and the “Distinguished Educator Award” in 2003, both from the APTA Section on Geriatrics.

Contact: Cambridge Building, 1-P-20 Ph: 203-365-4721 Fax: 203-365-4723 Email: lusardim@sacredheart.edu

Mailing Address: Sacred Heart University College of Health Professions 5151 Park Ave. Fairfield, CT 06825-1000

Curriculum Vitae