EDUCATION

• Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

• Bachelor of Science, Biology, Health Sciences, Wisconsin Lutheran College

BACKGROUND

After practicing physical therapy full time and serving Wisconsin Lutheran College as an adjunct professor for one year, I received a divine call to join the faculty in 2022. I love sharing my passion for science and the liberal arts education in a Christian atmosphere, appreciating God’s creation daily as I practice physical therapy and teach. Other areas of interest include spending time with my husband, Jason, as well as traveling and enjoying sports, music, and art. 

TEACHING

• BIO 202 - Introduction to Biology
• BIO 225/255 - Anatomy and Physiology
• BIO 355 - Pathophysiology
• BIO 365 - Muscle Physiology
• SPE 310 - Motor and Learning Development
• SPE 325 - Exercise Physiology
• SPE 415 - Anatomical Kinesiology
• SPE 425 - Biomechanics and Kinesiology
• SPE 490 - Sport and Exercise Science Internship

RESEARCH INTERESTS

• High intensity gait training post stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• The influence of neurologic stimuli during coma recovery
• Best practice for treatment during progression of coma/TBI recovery
• Measures of fall prediction and treatment/education for fall prevention
• Improvement of neuroplasticity in ataxic movement

SCHOLARLY WORKS

Publications

• Bartels, H.M., Van Bortel, K.M., Mayer, A.R., Brett, B.L., Meier, T.B. (2025). The prevalence of undiagnosed concussions and their associations with current symptom reporting in collegiate-aged athletes. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. doi: 10.1097/HTR.0000000000001058 

• Wang, Y., Bartels, H.M., Nelson, L.D., (2020). A systematic review of ASL magnetic resonance perfusion imaging in mild TBI. Neuropsychology Review. doi:10.1007/s11065-020-09451-7

Presentations

• Bartels, H.M., Van Bortel, K.M., Mayer, A.R., Brett, B.L., Meier, T.B. (2025). Undiagnosed concussions throughout the lifespan and their associations with current symptom reporting in collegiate athletes Presented at 2025 Concussion in Sport Group Symposium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  

• Bartels, H., (2023). Next Steps for Improving Recovery Post Neurotrauma; High Intensity Gait Training. Presented at the Neurotrauma Symposium, Brookfield, Wisconsin.
• Nelson, L.D., Ristow, G.L., Nader, M.A., Bartels, H., Wild, A., Furger, R., DeRoon-Cassini, T.A., (2018). How should TBI symptoms be assessed? Comparing traditional self-report instruments to a novel structured interview. Presented at the Association for Psychological Sciences 2018 Conference, San Francisco, California

SERVICE

• Praise band vocalist, St. Marcus Lutheran Church, Milwaukee
• Hallwaves, Froedtert Hospital

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP

• American Physical Therapy Association