Whittier Lab

Dr. Whittier’s research examines the sensorimotor foundations of skilled motor performance, with the goal of improving skill learning and movement effectiveness across elite, healthy, and clinical populations. His work explores how proprioceptive and somatosensory systems contribute to learning and rehabilitation, using tools such as augmented and virtual reality, biomechanics, and neurophysiological measures including EEG, fNIRS, and EMG. Drawing on his background in athletics and clinical and military research, Dr. Whittier aims to translate fundamental discoveries into practical strategies for enhancing human performance.

Office: Student Wellness Center 0223
Phone: 406-994-3492
Email  |  Faculty Webpage

Hedaya is a Ph.D. student in Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at Montana State University, where she studies neuromechanics and brain–behavior relationships in movement. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Jordan and a master’s degree in Kinesiology from San Diego State University. Her research examines how corticomuscular coherence and proprioceptive integration change following ACL reconstruction, with the goal of developing neurophysiologically informed rehabilitation strategies.

Hedaya also works as a Research Scientist at the Naval Health Research Center and teaches neuroscience courses at San Diego State University.

Hobbies: Traveling, discovering new foods, and obsessing over llamas and alpacas.

Emily is a master’s student in Motor Control and Biomechanics at Montana State University. She earned her undergraduate degree while competing as a collegiate athlete, which inspired her interest in the mechanisms underlying skilled movement and motor learning. Her research explores the use of virtual reality and other technology-based methods to enhance motor performance and rehabilitation in healthy and clinical populations.

Hobbies: Exercising, coaching cheerleading, teaching dance, and exploring the outdoors.

Colten is a senior in Exercise Science at Montana State University and will begin his master’s program in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition in Spring 2026. He joined the Bobcat Neuromotor Laboratory in January 2025, where he leads the Bayesian VR study investigating the effects of uncertainty on proprioceptive feedback in virtual environments. His research interests include corticomuscular coherence and brain–muscle communication in the context of injury and motor control.

Hobbies: Spending time with his Australian Shepherd, Chowder, and enjoying outdoor activities with friends and family.

Mya is a senior in Exercise Science and will graduate in Spring 2026. She joined the Bobcat Neuromotor Laboratory in 2025 and is currently pursuing research in motor control, focusing on measuring proprioception during complex movements. Her future work will explore the use of virtual reality–based interventions to enhance movement and rehabilitation outcomes. Mya plans to attend physical therapy school and specialize in sports medicine or rehabilitation exercise physiology.

Hobbies: Exercising, hiking, hunting, camping, dirt bike riding, and fishing.

Trysten is a senior in Exercise Science and will graduate in Fall 2025. He is in his second year with the Bobcat Neuromotor Laboratory, where he conducts research on motor control and proprioception during complex movements to better understand neural mechanisms of movement.

Originally from Montana, Trysten initially planned to study Mechanical Engineering but discovered his passion for human performance and health during his gap year. He plans to attend medical school with interests in neurology or orthopedics.

Hobbies: Bowhunting, fly fishing, and spending time outdoors.

Lilith is a senior in Exercise Science and in her second year with the Bobcat Neuromotor Laboratory at Montana State University. She moved to Montana in 2021 to coach ski racing before beginning her studies and is now pursuing research in motor control and proprioception aimed at reducing reinjury rates following ACL and other musculoskeletal injuries.

Lilith plans to attend physical therapy school next fall and hopes to apply research findings to clinical and rehabilitation practice.

Hobbies: Skiing, biking, rock climbing, running, and backpacking with friends and family.