Maria Torres-Palsa, DPT, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

As a practicing physical therapist, I bring clinical experience into the classroom, in combination with evidence-based practice. Students are constantly influencing my teaching philosophy. Their constant input and feedback, shape my approach for each classroom encounter. In the Human Anatomy lab, I encourage students to use the cadaver prosections and models to learn the structures, and use teach-back methods with their classmates. The best way to learn is to teach.

- Maria Torres-Palsa

Connect with
Maria Torres-Palsa

building is Campisi Center for Physical Therapy
Phone 863.680.4715

E-mail

View CV

Biography

I was born and raised in Guayaquil, Ecuador. I moved to the U.S.A during my sophomore year of college and earned my B.S. in Biology from Belmont Abbey College in NC. I then moved to Toledo, Ohio. I earned my DPT in 2011 from the University of Toledo, where I was also involved with the Wellness Center. I continued my graduate training at the University of Toledo and earned my PhD in Exercise Biology degree in 2016, while working as a PT in a local hospital and teaching classes in the Kinesiology and DPT departments. I continued my PT practice in Ohio in both acute and outpatient settings until Fall of 2018.

I enjoy running and strength training, as well as teaching Zumba classes. I have ran 3 marathons, including the New York City and Chicago marathons. I am looking forward to running around Lake Hollingsworth and the beautiful neighborhoods of Lakeland.

Education

Ph.D. - University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, Exercise Science, 2016
DPT - University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, Physical Therapy, 2011
B.S. - Belmont Abbey College, Belmont, North Carolina, Biology, 2007

Honors and Awards

  • Outstanding Poster Presentation Award, 6th Annual College of Health Science Student Research Forum, University of Toledo, April 10, 2015
  • Graduate Student Tuition Scholarship, University of Toledo, 2009-2010
  • Diamante Latino Scholarship, University of Toledo, 2008
  • Outstanding Biology Student, Belmont Abbey College, 2007
  • Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges, Belmont Abbey College, 2007
  • Benedictine Scholarship, Belmont Abbey College, 2005-2007
  • Madeline H. Nichols Scholarship, Belmont Abbey College, 2005-2007

Publications and Exhibitions

Torres-Palsa MJ, Kreft A, Pizza FX.ICAM-1 in Skeletal Muscle Regeneration.  Kinesiology Graduate Student Research Symposium, University of Toledo, April 15, 2016, Toledo, OH

Torres-Palsa MJ, Koziol M, Goh Q, Cicinelli PA, Peterson JM, Pizza FX.Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 by myofibers in mdx mice.  Kinesiology Graduate Student Research Symposium, University of Toledo, May 1, 2015, Toledo, OH

Torres-Palsa, Koziol MV, Goh Q, Peterson J, Pizza FX.Skeletal muscle fibers in dystrophin-deficient mice express intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (Poster Presentation). The 6th Annual College of Health Sciences Inter-professional Undergraduate and Graduate Student Research Forum, University of Toledo, April 10, 2015, Toledo, OH

Torres-Palsa MJ, Koziol MV, Goh Q, Peterson J, Pizza FX.Skeletal muscle fibers in dystrophin-deficient mice express intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (Poster presentation).  Experimental Biology, April 26-30, 2014, San Diego, CA

Torres-Palsa MJ, Potential effects of cryotherapy in the inflammatory response to exercise-induced muscle damage: A literature review (Poster presentation).  The Robert Livengood Student Research Forum, University of Toledo, October 12, 2010, Toledo, OH