Prisca Collins, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Director of Community Engagement

My teaching is influenced by my research work in leadership development for social justice. I endeavor to facilitate development of critical thinking skills that help students sift through the many competing ideas & resources available to them, identify what is sound and compatible with their personal, professional and societal values, and make sound decisions. I am committed to continuous self-assessment and retooling to promote engaged learning, professional and personal growth.

- Prisca Collins

Connect with
Prisca Collins

building is Campisi Center for Physical Therapy
Phone 863.680.4525

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Biography

Prisca Collins, PT PhD is a licensed physical therapist, program evaluator, author, researcher and associate professor of physical therapy. Her teaching, research and clinical expertise focuses on addressing psychosocial factors that predispose individuals to developing chronic musculoskeletal problems; and leadership development for social justice and social change. She has authored scholarly papers addressing strategies for training culturally responsive practitioners, and the management of chronic musculoskeletal problems; and a memoir titled “My Coat of Many Colors: The Joy of a Multicultural Identity Grounded in Christ. Her current ongoing research examines the relationship between low back pain, obesity and activation of core muscles. 

Interests

I enjoy reading, writing, exercise and volunteering in medical missions and other faith-related service activities.

Education

Ph.D University of Pittsburgh, Rehabilitation Sciences: focus in Policy, Organization &Management Studies, June 2004

Pre Doctoral Fellowship University of Pittsburgh, Office of Child Development, Interdisciplinary 2-year Fellowship in Policy and Evaluation, 2001-2003 

M.S. University of Pittsburgh, Health & Rehabilitation Sciences with focus in Orthopedic Physical Therapy, April 1998

B.S. Florida International University, Physical Therapy, August 1989

Publications and Exhibitions

Stegink-Jansen CW, Collins PM, Lindsey RW, Wilson JL. A geographical analysis of hand therapy services in relation to United States population characteristics. Journal of Hand Therapy, in press 

Collins P, Carr C. Exposure, knowledge, and interest in Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy as career options. Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, in press 

Bateni H, Collins P, Odeh C. Comparison of the effect of cane, tripod cane tip and quad cane on postural steadiness in healthy older adults. Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, in press

Collins P, Hopson RKM: Editors. Building a new generation of culturally responsive evaluators through AEA’s Graduate Education Diversity Internship Program. New Directions for Evaluation. 2014. Vol. 143. 

Collins P, Kirkhart KE, Brown T. Envisioning an evaluation curriculum to develop culturally responsive evaluators and support social justice. New Directions for Evaluation. 2014; 143:22-36 

Moeti P. (aka Collins) and Marchetti G, Clinical outcomes from mechanical intermittent cervical traction for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy: A Case Series. Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2001; 31(4): 207-21.