Meet Our Team!
Principal Investigator
Dr. Hafizur Rahman
Hafizur Rahman, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the School of Podiatric Medicine at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), with a joint appointment in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. He is the Director and Principal Investigator of the Applied Biomechanics of the Lower Extremity (ABLE) Laboratory. Prior to joining UTRGV, Dr. Rahman completed postdoctoral training as a Research Associate in the Department of Biomechanics at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He earned his PhD in Mechanical Science and Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his MS in Ocean and Mechanical Engineering from Florida Atlantic University.
At UTRGV, Dr. Rahman leads an interdisciplinary research program focused on improving mobility, functional independence, and walking performance in individuals with foot and ankle pathologies. His work integrates experimental gait biomechanics, plantar pressure analysis, musculoskeletal modeling and simulation, and related computational approaches to advance clinically meaningful assessment and intervention strategies for lower-extremity disorders.
Dr. Rahman’s current research is supported by federal, foundation, and industry funding, including grants from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), and OrthoFeet Inc. Previously, he has secured competitive research funding as Principal Investigator from federal, state, and institutional programs, including the University of Texas System Rising STARs Award, the VA SPiRE Program, the NASA Nebraska Space Grant Program, and the University of Nebraska Research Collaboration Initiative.
Clinical Collaborators
Dr. Javier La Fontaine, DPM
Javier La Fontaine, DPM, serves as a clinical collaborator for the ABLE Lab and is the inaugural Dean of the School of Podiatric Medicine at UTRGV. Prior to joining UTRGV, Dr. La Fontaine held key academic and clinical leadership roles at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, including Professor in the Department of Plastic Surgery and Co-Director of Limb Preservation Fellowship at Parkland Hospital.
Dr. La Fontaine is a board-certified podiatric surgeon with extensive experience in diabetic limb salvage, foot and ankle deformities, and complex wound care. His clinical research experience includes participation in approximately 25 research projects over the past decade, including an American Diabetes Association – funded prospective cohort study on foot complications in dialysis patients and two NIH R01 – funded studies focused on the treatment and prevention of diabetic foot ulcers. Most recently, Dr. La Fontaine has been recognized for his global impact in podiatric medicine and diabetic foot care through international expert rankings, highlighting his leadership and scholarly contributions to the field.
Dr. Luis Venegas, DPM
Luis Venegas, DPM, serves as a clinical collaborator for the ABLE Lab and supports patient recruitment and clinical coordination for the gait and plantar pressure studies. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the School of Podiatric Medicine at UTRGV and practices clinically in South Texas, including at the Harlingen Medical Center and Wound Healing Center. Dr. Venegas previously served as Medical Director of the Wound Healing Center at Harlingen Medical Center and has extensive experience in podiatry and wound care, including prior clinical practice in Miami, Florida.
Dr. Venegas is board-certified by the American Board of Podiatry and is a Fellow of the American Professional Wound Care Association. His clinical expertise centers on diabetic foot ulcers, foot deformities, and limb preservation in underserved populations. Through his clinical practice and academic role, Dr. Venegas provides essential clinical insights and access to patient populations critical for translational research in foot and ankle biomechanics.
Lab Technician
Marissa Silva
Marissa graduated from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with a bachelor’s degree in biology. She is currently working at the ABLE Lab as a lab technician but plans to apply to medical school in the future. Her passion for building a career in healthcare stems from wanting to understand the inner workings of the human body and applying that knowledge into helping others. Outside of the lab, she enjoys playing her bass guitar, playing video games, and playing with her dog to help her unwind after a long day.
Graduates
Undergraduates
Daniela Resendez
Daniela is in her third year studying at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley where she is pursuing a degree in Integrated Health Sciences. She is passionate about building a career in healthcare because she wants to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives and support her community. She plans to continue her education by applying for a nursing program and specializing in a field that allows her to provide both medical care and emotional care for her patients. Outside of school she enjoys reading and dancing, which helps her relax and maintain a balanced lifestyle.