Sarah Lessila, MS

Sarah manages and coordinates various ongoing studies within Dr. Hunter’s Laboratory. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology and a Master of Science in Exercise & Rehabilitation Science, both from Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI.

Beginning her research career as an undergraduate in the Integrative Neural Engineering & Rehabilitation Laboratory (INERL) under the mentorship of Dr. Allison Hyngstrom, Sarah assisted investigations into gait and balance impairments in individuals with cervical myelopathy. Building on this foundation, she went on to earn her MS in 2023, focusing her research on the intersections of pain, physical activity, and Long COVID-19 under the guidance of Dr. Marie Hoeger Bement.

At the Neuromuscular Physiology of Human Movement Lab, Sarah is interested in studying exercise performance, mechanisms of muscle fatigue and sex differences. 

Originally from Milwaukee, WI, Sarah enjoys spending her time outside of the lab volunteering at local organic farms, reading, listening to classic rock, and rock climbing.