My long-term career goal is to be a leading physical therapy researcher and professor at a major research university, adept at developing novel and intriguing studies which enhance the knowledge and skill of future physical therapists in improving the lives of individuals with movement disorders. To arrive at my overarching career goal, I have thoughtfully established stepping stones (short-term goals) which will set me on a successful course. These include: 1) obtaining a faculty position (holding research and teaching responsibilities) within a nationally ranked physical therapy program; 2) establishing key networks leading to collaborative projects with junior and senior faculty dedicated to narrowing the gap of knowledge between intervention and function in person’s with Parkinson’s disease; 3) expanding in breadth and depth my research methodology skills specifically in the area of clinical trial/ intervention methodology and design in aging.My teaching objectives for students parallel the underlying characteristics that are present in successful and effective physical therapists, which includes the ability to: obtain, filter and synthesize fundamental information from a variety of sources, partner and communicate with a diverse group of individuals in a professional and caring manner, adapt to and be flexible with changes in individual needs, and constructively use and provide feedback in a timely manner. Furthermore, my professional experiences have made it clear to me that the most effective physical therapy and teaching interactions are those interactions where everyone has an equally important responsibility in working towards a common goal and no one is placed in a passive role. As a physical therapy instructor, my teaching philosophy mirrors the dynamic and interactive nature of my profession, and at its’ core seeks to encourage students to be actively involved in the process of successful learning.