Deidra L Russell

Deidra L. Russell is an Assistant Professor who joined the physical therapy faculty in 2020. She is a three-time alumna of Florida A&M University. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, she earned a Master of Science in Molecular/Cellular Biology with a thesis centered around bacterial vaginosis, a common vaginal infection that disproportionately affects African American women (Characterization of Gardnerella Vaginalis Biofilm and Adherence, and Evaluation of Chemokine Expression Associated with G. Vaginalis Infection of Vk2 Vaginal Epithelial Cells). This thesis research helped spark a passion for women’s health. Dr. Russell received her Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2015 with a goal to practice Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy. She has clinical experience in Acute Care, Orthopedics, and Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy. Her research interests include 1) pelvic floor dysfunction in special populations, (2) barriers to seeking care for pelvic floor dysfunction in minorities, (3) healthcare professional competence with pelvic floor dysfunction.