kristen sowalsky, ph.d., D.C. (phd ’17)

Kristen Sowalsky, Ph.D., D.C. (PHD ‘17), found the science and art of human performance fascinating as a result of her own physical activity experiences, beginning with creative movement dance lessons at the early age of 3.

“Movement brought a lot of joy to my life,” Sowalsky said. From ballet training to hiking and skiing, Sowalsky was inspired by her experiences to earn a degree in kinesiology and exercise science at Appalachian State University in 1998.

Her desire to help others improve their movement abilities, combined with a personal interest in holistic health care, led Sowalsky to attend chiropractic school at Logan University in 2003. After working six years as a chiropractic physician, Sowalsky was eager to return to school and deepen her movement science knowledge even further. Her motivation to study movement disorders specifically, started with her great uncle, who had Parkinson’s disease.  Seeing his journey influenced her decision to study neuroscience and biomechanics. After a referral by Rodger Enoka, Ph.D. (University of Colorado, Boulder), Sowalsky was introduced to Evangelos Christou, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology at the UF College of Health & Human Performance

“I was so impressed with Dr. Christou and the HHP doctoral program. I had been researching various Ph.D. programs in the movement science field online. The wide variety of laboratories and the extensive levels of expertise in the APK department was remarkable,” Sowalsky said.

At HHP, Sowalsky began in Christou’s motor control lab, then transitioned to the applied neuromechanics lab focused on full-body movement led by Chris Hass, Ph.D, an associate provost for academic affairs and faculty affairs and professor in the Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology. This enabled Sowalsky to pursue her interest in the impact of music and dance on Parkinson’s disease. Along with being grateful for Christou’s and Hass’ mentorship, she credits classes with David Vaillancourt, Ph.D., the chair and distinguished professor in the Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology, for teaching her the in-depth knowledge of movement disorder specific neuroscience that led to her career today.

“I took his class and that left a big impression on me,” Sowalsky said. “To this day, I am very excited to have David as a professional connection. I’m so honored to be on the UF industry board that he leads.”

Future of Wearable Technology at Clario

While pursuing her doctorate, Sowalsky dedicated her dissertation to studying how dance and music impact those with Parkinson’s disease. Using wearable technology, she was able to determine which rhythms and musical styles are most helpful for improving movement. After her research, she was eager to expand her work with wearable technology outside the lab and in industry.

Shortly before graduation, Sowalsky visited Portland, Oregon, in 2017 to attend the World Parkinson Congress where patients and leaders in the field come together to share knowledge. She visited industry booths, including APDM Wearable Technologies, which developed the motion sensors she used in her dissertation. Sowalsky shared her enthusiasm for the technology due to the level of scalability it provides, along with it’s potential to accelerate Parkinson’s disease research. Upon graduation, she was hired.

After serving as a technical sales manager and medical science liaison at APDM Wearable Technologies, the company was acquired by ERT, which Sowalsky joined as a scientific advisor, then became director of clinical science and consulting for wearables and digital biomarkers.

At the end of 2021, ERT and Bioclinica merged to form Clario, a technology and clinical trial service company. Sowalsky served in multiple movement science leadership positions at Clario, as vice president of medical and scientific affairs along with product management, creating product strategies and providing scientific support for clinical trials.

In 2025, Sowalsky felt it was time to expand her career. After 20+ years of experience in health & wellness, alternative medicine, and clinical research industries, she developed K. Sowalsky Consulting, LLC to connect more deeply with clients wanting a significant change in mobility, health, and well-being. She provides cutting-edge resources, evidence-based guidance, and insight; enabling clients to make informed decisions to optimize health and live authentically. Sowalsky also continues to work with Clario as a Neuroscience and Biomechanics consultant for clinical research.

Giving Back to HHP

In 2023, Sowalsky was invited by Vaillancourt to join the Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology’s Industry Advisory Board. As a board member, she helps lead industry connections, interacts with students, exchanges ideas and keeps the department informed on current trends.

“The best part is to give back and connect with students who are on their paths,” Sowalsky said. “I was a student for a very long time and know there are times it can be overwhelming. It’s helpful to hear from people who have been in your shoes and can provide guidance on achieving your goals.”

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