SCIMS Research Program Participants
We're Excited to Connect with You
Illustration of a human spine with a glowing overlay, highlighting the cervical and lumbar regions in red and yellow; a stylized heartbeat line runs across the image on a gradient blue background.
Thank you for participating in the Spinal Cord Injury Model System (SCIMS) Research Program.

Your involvement through the University of Michigan/Michigan Medicine has been essential in advancing care for individuals with spinal cord injuries across Michigan and the United States. 

Michigan Medicine’s Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation is partnering with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids to form the Michigan SCI Model System (MI-SCIMS). MI-SCIMS is one of 18 Centers of Excellence for SCI Research and Clinical Care in the U.S. and collaborates with the SCIMS National Database—the world’s most comprehensive disability-related database, which has collected information on nearly 50,000 individuals since 1973. 

The mission of SCIMS and MI-SCIMS is to gather valuable information that improves clinical care for all individuals with SCI. However, we can’t do this without your help. 

A member of our MI-SCIMS Research Team will contact you soon. While most interviews will continue to be conducted via phone or Zoom, we are excited to offer a secure, self-administered online survey option. This will allow you to complete the survey at your convenience. 

Thank you for being part of MI-SCIMS. Your participation is invaluable in helping us advance research and improve care for individuals with spinal cord injuries. 

Best regards, 

Michigan Medicine Spinal Cord Injury Model System (MI-SCIMS) Team 

Meet Our MI-SCIMS Team
Andy Brosius Andy Brosius
Research Associate (Joined: July 2023)

Manages the necessary paperwork and approvals for research studies, including
getting permission from review boards and setting up agreements on how data can be used. Andy also helps with data collection and may be among the team members researching out about research studies.

“As a disabled person, working with a team that uplifts disability is incredibly heartening.”
Alanna Giordano, OTR/L Alanna Giordano, OTR/L
Data Collector & Occupational Therapist (Joined: September 2023)

Specializes in wheelchair seating at Mary Free Bed, working one day a week as a Data Collector and four days as an Occupational Therapist.

“I love getting individuals excited about research and learning from their resilience.”
Deepti - SCIMS Fnu Deepti
Research Coordinator (Joined: October 2024)

Supports research on disability, aging, and intersectionality, ensuring effective participant engagement and project coordination.

“I enjoy talking to participants and contributing to meaningful change through research.”
J'Nise Ramsey J'Nise Ramsey, MBA, MS, ATC
Data Collector (Joined: 2023)

Certified athletic trainer with 25+ years in healthcare, including 15 years in SCI care. Conducts interviews and gathers essential data for research.

“I enjoy collecting data that advances knowledge about spinal
cord injuries."
Ali Hasan Shahab Ali Hasan Shabab
Research Associate (Joined: June 2024)

Responsible for data collection and collaborative projects, supporting long-term care and research initiatives within the SCI community.

“I enjoy being involved in the long-term care of patients and promoting research within the SCI community.”
Jonathan C VandenBerg, DO Jonathan C. VandenBerg, DO
Co-Investigator & Site Director (Joined: September 2020)

Physiatrist at Mary Free Bed, leading the SCI Model System, overseeing national data collection, and enhancing care and outcomes for individuals with SCI.

“Model systems are the backbone of SCI care, blending research and teamwork to improve patient outcomes.”
Verena Wu Verena Wu
Research Assistant & Data Collector (Joined: June 2024)

Contacts participants, conducts interviews, and gathers crucial data to support SCI research and patient care improvements.

“This role allows me to contribute to valuable research that helps people with SCI manage their recovery.”
Principal Investigators
Michelle Meade, PhD Michelle A Meade
Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Professor of Family Medicine
Medical School
Gianna Rodriguez, MD Gianna Rodriguez, MD
Clinical Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Medical Director, Wheelchair Seating Services
Program Director, Science Fellowship, Medical School
Additional Faculty
Maryam Berri, MD Maryam Berri, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Assistant Medical Director, CDS Physician Champion, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical School
Jonathan Etter, MD, PhD Jonathan P Etter, MD, PhD
Clinical Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical School
Cory Wernimont, MD Cory W Wernimont
Clinical Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Associate Residency Director and Program Assistant
SCI Education Lead
Medical School