The PhD in rehabilitation science program at George Mason University engages students to develop as scientists across the spectrum of clinical to translational research. Our nationally and internationally recognized faculty mentor students through active involvement in their own research programs. Students develop a broad understanding of the field of rehabilitation science in addition to specializing in a topic of their choice. Upon graduation, our students are prepared for professional careers in academic, clinical, government, and industry research environments with the tools to develop their own lines of research in rehabilitation science.<br><br>Graduates of the PhD in rehabilitation science program will be able to-<br><br>Explain how an individual's trajectory toward disability is affected by various physiological and psychosocial factors that influence the processes of disablement and enablement<br>Explicate the linkages among impairments, activity limitations, and restrictions in participation in society and how these factors impact human performance in persons with chronic illness<br>Analyze basic and applied models of human performance and the metabolic, cardiovascular, and respiratory demands of sustained performance<br>Assess psychosocial constructs that underlie how an individual's attitudes, motivation, and adherence contribute to enablement or disablement<br>Design and conduct research on human performance in individuals with chronic illness that will lead to innovations in the prevention and amelioration of disability<br>Disseminate research findings to multiple audiences (including persons with disabilities, practitioners, and policy makers) on the mechanisms that lead to impairment and functional loss, and interventions that optimize functional performance and promote quality of life<br>Advocate for the contributions of rehabilitation science to the health of society.