Ahead of the school's Research Weeks showcase event on April 3, learn more about the pioneering and inventive nurse scientists driving advancements in health care.

Meet Ingrid Pretzer-Aboff, Ph.D., RN, FGSA, FAAN, a nurse researcher and professor at VCU School of Nursing. With a focus on non-medical interventions for individuals with movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Pretzer-Aboff’s research addresses freezing of gait, one of the most debilitating symptoms of the condition. This sudden inability to walk is a significant challenge for many living with Parkinson's, and current treatments do not adequately address it. She has spent over a decade developing and testing innovative wearable devices that deliver vibration to the foot and ankle, resolving this symptom and improving the quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson’s.

Pretzer-Aboff’s research aims to offer a safe, affordable, and effective option for those for whom conventional treatments are not effective or accessible. Learn more about the transformative potential of her work and how it could revolutionize care for those with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders.