Craig Webb, PhD
Research Director
Craig Webb is a life science executive and entrepreneur who has broad academic and industry expertise in basic and translational sciences with an emphasis on genomic medicine and drug discovery. He was a founding scientist and independent investigator at Van Andel Research Institute, director of Translational Medicine at VARI and chief scientific officer of NuMedii.
He also consults for a variety of organizations and companies that encompass the various stakeholders of “precision medicine,” including biotech, payers, venture capitalists and health care providers. He joined Mary Free Bed in 2019.
Craig holds a doctorate in Cell Biology and Biochemistry from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, U.K.
John F. Butzer, MD
Director Emeritus
A fellow of the American Academy of Neurology, Dr. Butzer served as chief medical officer at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital for 29 years. During his tenure, he also directed the Muscular Dystrophy Clinic and the Motion Analysis Center. Dr. Butzer stepped down from his duties as CMO in 2014 to form the Center for Research and Innovation.
In 2014, the Division of Rehabilitation Medicine was initiated in Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine with Dr. Butzer as its director, a position he continues to hold. He also is a clinical professor of medicine there.
Dr. Butzer’s work involves measuring value in rehabilitation and establishing a learning health system. He earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and completed his residency in neurology at the University of Iowa.
Allan J. Kozlowski, PhD
Director of Outcomes Research
Allan Kozlowski leads outcomes research in the Center for Research & Innovation. He also serves as an assistant professor in the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine’s Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. He joined Mary Free Bed in 2016.
Allan earned a doctorate in Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of British Columbia, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research at Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (now Shirley Ryan Ability Lab) and the Center for Healthcare Studies at Northwestern University. There, he constructed individual growth models for FIM Instrument scores for people with spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries.
Allan’s previous work includes expansion of a powered exoskeleton research program examining device usability for people with spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis. He’s leading an effort to model rehabilitation outcomes across post-acute care services for a variety of patient populations.
Kelsey Boersma, MPH
Clinical Research Coordinator
In addition to her work as a research coordinator, Kelsey is a faculty appointment at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine.
She holds a master’s degree in Public Health from Grand Valley State University, with an emphasis on Health Promotion and Education.
Laura Kelling
Research Recreational Therapist
Laura serves as the research recreational therapist for our exercise intervention study funded by the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation. A Certified Inclusive Fitness Instructor (CIFT), Laura has more than 30 years of experience working with people with spinal cord injuries and in various management and program development roles.
Brian Bradley
Research Assistant
Brian sustained a spinal cord injury in 2006 when he dove into shallow water. He participated in the Spinal Cord Injury rehabilitation program at Mary Free Bed, and during his inpatient stay, Brian was inspired to further his education and become part of the Mary Free Bed team.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Northern Michigan University and a master’s degree in Human Behavior from National University. He’s a former member of the Board of Directors at Disability Network/Michigan, where he advocated for people with disabilities and community accessibility.
Ariel Lugo
Research Assistant
Ariel earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Trinity Christian College. He has a background in kinesiology, fitness and athletic training. His experience includes work as a personal trainer and patient care provider.
Naxal Shah
Research Assistant
Naxal is working toward a Master of Public Health degree with a focus on epidemiology at Grand Valley State University.
Before she joined Research & Innovation, Naxal completed a Health and Wellness internship at Mary Free Bed and worked as a Business Office coordinator with the hospital’s Sub-Acute Rehabilitation Program.
Matthew Chaffee
Research Peer Mentor
Matthew is a chemical engineer with experience in process safety management at industrial chemical plants. In 2014, he experienced a traumatic spinal cord injury in a motorcycle crash and came to Mary Free Bed for rehabilitation.
Matthew is a peer mentor for people participating in the Neilsen exercise intervention study. An avid handcyclist, he participates in races across the country, including the Amway River Bank Run as a member of the Mary Free Bed Handcycling Team. He recently participated in the Boston Marathon.
