Active Aging and Rehabilitation Lab (AARL)

Dr. Annie Tapp, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS

Title: Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at Youngstown State University Physical Therapy Program

Bio: Dr. Annie Tapp is an Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Youngstown State University and Director of the Active Aging and Rehabilitation Lab (AARL). She earned her BS in Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina, her DPT from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and her PhD in Health Sciences from Youngstown State University, where her dissertation examined the efficacy and implementation of high-intensity locomotor training for stroke rehabilitation. She is a board-certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist with 15 years of clinical experience, including work at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab (formerly the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago).

Dr. Tapp's published research has centered on high-intensity gait training in stroke rehabilitation, and her broader research interests include vestibular function in older adults, the implementation of evidence-based interventions into clinical practice, and health economics and outcomes research. Through the AARL, she coordinates community wellness programs for individuals with Parkinson's disease and mentors DPT students and graduate assistants in clinically driven research. She welcomes collaboration with students, investigators, and community partners interested in bridging the gap between rehabilitation evidence and real-world practice.

Contact Information:

• Email: aqtapp@ysu.edu
• Phone: (330) 941-1897
• Office: Cushwa Hall B313

Dr. Shannon Dudash, PT, DPT, PhD; Board certified geriatric clinical specialist (ABPTS), Wound Care Certified (WCC)

Title: Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education at Youngstown State University Physical Therapy Program

Bio: Dr. Shannon Dudash is an Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Youngstown State University, where she also contributes to the Active Aging and Rehabilitation Lab (AARL). A proud product of YSU, she earned her BS in Biology, her Doctorate in Physical Therapy, and her PhD in Health Sciences all from the university she now calls home, with her doctoral dissertation focused on fall management in older adults.

A board-certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist, Dr. Dudash brings over 15 years of clinical experience working with older adults, primarily in subacute care, including more than a decade in skilled nursing facility leadership and management. That depth of real-world practice shapes both her teaching and her research.

Her scholarly work centers on fall management in older adults, with a particular focus on the novel concept of fall preparedness, moving beyond reactive care toward proactive strategies that support functional independence and falls efficacy. Through the AARL, she coordinates community wellness programs for older adults and mentors DPT students and graduate assistants in clinically driven research. She finds joy in helping the next generation of clinicians see the value of community-engaged, evidence-based practice.

Contact Information:

• Email: sstar@ysu.edu
• Phone: (330) 941-2407
• Office: Cushwa Hall B319

Matt O’Dell, MBA, MS, ACSM-CEP

Title: Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Youngstown State University

Bio: Matthew O’Dell is a dedicated academic and clinical professional, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Youngstown State University (YSU) in the department of health professions exercise science program. His qualifications are uniquely suited for leading and maintaining accredited health programs, combining deep knowledge in clinical exercise physiology with strong administrative skills. He earned his BS in exercise science from YSU, MS from Pitt, MBA from YSU, and is currently in the finishing stages of his PhD in Health Sciences. His primary responsibilities include program management in the Exercise Physiology laboratory, and instruction across undergraduate and graduate curricula. Furthermore, his active service, including advising the Exercise Science Club, co-directing the collaborative Parkinson’s Exercise Class, and current advisor to YSU’s cancer rehab program demonstrate his commitment to applied learning and community engagement, providing students with essential practical experience necessary for professional success.

Mr. O'Dell's research interests focus on the use of exercise and the corresponding mechanistic response regarding cancer and inflammatory tracers. Taking lead of the exercise oncology program has allowed him to utilize exercise and its physiological effects, examining the bodily changes in pre-cancer treatment, concurrent cancer treatment, and post-cancer treatment. Current projects are focused on the acute effects of exercise with the goal of expanding into longitudinal trials using chronic exercise programming. He is also involved in YSU's Parkinson's Exercise class, collaborating with the Physical Therapy program to encourage undergraduate participation in community activities.

Contact Information:

• Email: mrodell01@ysu.edu
• Phone: (330) 941-1906
• Office: Beeghly Center

Meri Surdoval-Fetkovich, MS, MBA, CSCS, ACSM-ACS

Title: Lecturer of Exercise Science at Youngstown State University

Bio: Meri Surdoval-Fetkovich, MS, MBA is a Lecturer in the Exercise Science Program at Youngstown State University. She earned her MS in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from Florida Atlantic University, her MBA from Southern New Hampshire University and is working towards her PhD in Health Sciences at Youngstown State University. She is an NSCA-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and an ACSM-ACS (Cancer Exercise Specialist).

Her scholarly work centers on fall management in older adults, with a particular focus on the novel concept of fall preparedness, moving beyond reactive care toward proactive strategies that support functional independence and falls efficacy. Through the AARL, she coordinates community wellness programs for older adults and mentors DPT students and graduate assistants in clinically driven research. She finds joy in helping the next generation of clinicians see the value of community-engaged, evidence-based practice.

Contact Information:

• Email: msurdovalfetkovi@ysu.edu
• Phone: (330) 941-1905
• Office: Beeghly Center 307F