Biography

Cristiane Carlesso practiced physical therapy for several years before redirecting her career into research. Mentored by Professor Sara Piva, Carlesso has been involved in clinical studies, grant applications, student supervision and publications. Carlesso’s dissertation project delves into the associations between lumbar paraspinal muscle morphology, disability, physical function and intervertebral motion in adults with chronic low back pain. In the long term, Carlesso aims to bridge this knowledge into designing interventions tailored to increase muscle health and improve function. She believes pursuing research is an unprecedented opportunity to learn endlessly and disseminate high-quality evidence to optimize health. The University of Pittsburgh is indeed well preparing Carlesso to thrive in her research career and help advance rehabilitation science.