Christen Mendonca
Rett syndrome is a rare genetic condition that primarily affects girls and leads to severe cognitive and physical impairments. A major priority of this fellowship is to design a program for families who have a child with RS to improve the quality of life of both the child and family and ensure that children with RS are included in school and community events.
“I’m extremely excited for the opportunity to help advance the wellness for the Rett syndrome population,” Mendonca said. “Historically, the RS population has been underserved, but at the SHP Research Collaborative we aim to bring health and wellness to all.”
The postdoc position was made possible through a $265,000 donation from Marie and Brian Bateh, who started the SUKI Foundation after their daughter, Suki, was diagnosed with RS.
"Having someone like Dr. Mendonca invested in a rare disease like Rett syndrome means the world to us," Marie said. "There is always more to discover and so much research yet to be done. We believe in approaching Rett syndrome as a whole-body system. We are excited about the potential his work will have on improving the quality of lives of those living with Rett syndrome and their caregivers."
Mendonca brings a diverse and interdisciplinary background to the position. He earned his Ph.D. in rehabilitation sciences from Drexel University. He has previously worked as an exercise trainer and strength and conditioning coach.
He originally came to UAB in 2021 to work with RecTech and began researching the use of video games as exercise for individuals with limited mobility. Since arriving to Birmingham, he has attained a graduate certificate in mixed-methods research from UAB. His work has consistently centered on using innovative technology to improve quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
At RecTech, Mendonca has worked on several projects integrating assistive technologies into physical activity and rehabilitation strategies. His research combines engineering design, user-centered methodology and applied neuroscience, making him well-suited for the translational focus of the RS postdoc.
Mendonca will work under mentorship of CEDHARS Director Dr. Jim Rimmer as well as a team of experts to develop a comprehensive telewellness program referred to as the WINNERS (Wellness Innovation Network – a Nurturing Environment for Rett Syndrome) project.
“Dr. Mendonca stood out as an exceptional candidate for the RS postdoc position because of his strong research background in rehabilitation science and his extensive training with one of the leading disability health researchers in the U.S., Dr. Mohan Thirumalai and mentorship from Program Manager of RecTech Sangeetha Mohanraj,” Rimmer said.
The project will focus on establishing an online healthcare-to-wellness program that extends the continuity of care from clinical services to home- and community-based health promotion and wellness for children with RS and their caregivers.
As part of the fellowship, Mendonca will collaborate with UAB researchers in neurology, genetics and biomedical engineering. He will also work closely with clinical partners and families affected by RS, bridging laboratory research with real-world application.
Mendonca’s appointment underscores UAB’s commitment to advancing rare disease research and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration. With his technical expertise and dedication to improving quality of life, he is poised to make a significant impact in the field.
“Dr. Mendonca’s deep commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities placed him at the top of a very competitive applicant list,” Rimmer said. “ We’re excited to strengthen the scientific foundation of wellness for youth and young adults with Rett syndrome. This funding will also allow us to explore innovative ideas that bridge clinical practice and community engagement — a goal that is central to our mission.”
