Shana Harrington
PT, PhD, SCS
[email protected]
IHL Role:
Continuing Education Course Instructor
Bio:

Shana E. Harrington is a tenured Professor (PT, PhD) and Department Chair of Physical Therapy at East Carolina University. With 25 years of experience as a Physical Therapist and as a Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS), she has spent 17 years in higher education serving as faculty in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs.

She holds a PhD in Interdisciplinary Human Movement Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Florida, focusing on pain assessment in cancer.

Her research interests include cancer rehabilitation, pain management, and sports medicine. With an extensive publication record, including numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, her work has significantly contributed to understanding and treating cancer-related impairments and to the development of rehabilitation protocols.

She has received several prestigious awards, including the APTA Oncology Cindy Pfalzer Research Award, the APTA Oncology Jeri F. Walton Service Award and the USC Office of the Provost Educational Foundation Outstanding Service Award. In addition, she has been actively involved in professional organizations, serving in leadership roles and contributing to the advancement of physical therapy, education, and clinical practice.

Education & Training:
  • University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

K12-HD055929 Scholar, 2011-2014

National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (NICHD), National Institutes of Health Rehabilitation Research Career Development Program.

 

  • University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC

Doctor of Philosophy, Interdisciplinary Human Movement Science, 2009

Dissertation: Comparison of Shoulder Kinematics, Flexibility, Strength, and Function between Breast Cancer Survivors and Healthy Participants

 

  • University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, St. Augustine, FL

Master of Physical Therapy, 2000

 

  • University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC

Bachelor of Arts, Physical Education, Exercise and Sport Science, 1998

Graduated with highest honors and distinction

Undergraduate Honor’s Thesis: Comparing Characteristics of Physical Therapy Programs in the State of North Carolina.

 

Areas of Interest:
  • Oncology rehabilitation
  • Sports medicine
  • Pain science
  • DPT education
Academic & Professional Activities:
  • – American Physical Therapy Association Fellowship in Higher Education Leadership (2022-2023) 
  • – Journal of Cancer Survivorship – Associate Editor (2022 – present) 
  • – Rehabilitation Oncology – Associate Editor (2015 – 2024), APTA Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Pain Management Workgroup (2018-2020) 
  • – APTA Oncology, Research Committee Chair (2015-2020) 
  • – Federal State Board of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) – Exam Development Committee – Member (2018 – 2020) 
Educational Material: