Sam brings more than 20 years of lived experience with spinal cord injury (SCI) and a strong commitment to advancing SCI research through her personal, professional, and community involvement to the Restorative Neurotrauma Lab. She works as a Research Assistant and has contributed to the SCI community through research, advocacy, and peer support, including serving as a Board Member at Large for Get Up Stand Up to Cure Paralysis. Through her lived experience, Sam has seen firsthand how advances in research and rehabilitation can improve function, independence, and quality of life for people living with SCI.

In addition to her personal connection to SCI research, Sam brings more than 14 years of professional experience in data and analytics and holds a master’s degree in Business Analytics from the University of St. Thomas. Her research interests center on combining rigorous data and evidence with the real-world experiences, needs, and priorities of people living with SCI to help improve research outcomes and ensure the SCI community’s perspectives are represented.

Outside of her work, Sam enjoys spending time with her nephews and dogs, reading, and cheering on the Minnesota Vikings.