Veronica Silva, PhD

Biography

Dr. Veronica Silva's research program focuses on understanding the visuomotor processes involved in controlling human locomotion and mobility across biomechanical, percep the lifespan. Stual, neurophysiological, and performance-based methodologies to determine how visual information is acquired, processed, and integrated while walking in naturally challenging contexts (e.g., stairs, obstacle avoidance, distracted walking).

Silva's teaching portfolio spans undergraduate and graduate courses in motor control, biomechanics, neuroscience of human movement, ergonomics, and research methods at higher education institutions in Canada, the United States, and Brazil.

Prior to joining the University of Manitoba, Silva was a Research Scientist at Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety and a lecturer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the USA. Postdoctoral training at Sunnybro and completed her Pok Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo. 

Silva holds a PhD in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo, where her doctoral research investigated the role of visual information during stair locomotion. She also earned an MSc (Movement Sciences) and a Bachelor’s (Physical Education) degree from São Paulo State University, Brazil, focusing on the effects of physical activity and aging on locomotor behavior.

Education

PhD (Kinesiology), University of Waterloo
MSc (Human Movement Sciences), São Paulo State University, Brazil
Bachelor of Physical Education, São Paulo State University, Brazil

Research summary

Dr. Silva's research is dedicated to understanding the determinants of successful mobility in naturally challenging conditions with a focus on the visual perception and executive mechanisms underlying the control of posture and locomotion. Using an integrated approach allows her to study the perceptual, cognitive and motor processes involved in mobility, with the potential to inform the diagnosis of individuals at risk for falls and the design of interventions aimed to promote safe mobility in clinical and nonclinical populations.

Recent publications

Miyasike-daSilva V, Singer JC, McIlroy WE (2019) A role for the lower visual field information in stair climbing. Gait & Posture 70:162-167.

Miyasike-daSilva V, McIlroy WE (2016) Gaze shifts during dual-tasking stair descent. Experimental Brain Research, 234(11): 3233–43.

Miyasike-daSilva V, McIlroy WE (2012) Does it really matter where you look when walking on stairs? Insights from a dual-task study.PLoS ONE 7(9): e44722.

Miyasike-daSilva V, Tung JY, Zabukovec JR, McIlroy, WE (2012) Use of mobility aids reduces attentional demand in challenging walking conditions. Gait & Posture, 37(2):287-9.

Williams L, Miyasike-daSilva V, Staines WR, Prentice SD, McIlroy WE (2022) Can we use peripheral visual information to create a visuospatial map for use in rapid onset reach-to-grasp reactions? Experimental Brain Research 240(10):2739-2746.

Varghesea JP, Beyer KB, Williams A, Miyasike-daSilva V; McIlroy WE (2015) Standing still: Is there a role for the cortex? Neuroscience Letters 590:18-23.

Lakhani B, Miyasike-daSilva V, Vette AH, McIlroy, WE (2013) ‘Priming’ the brain to generate rapid upper limb reactions. Experimental Brain Research 230(3):261-70.

Akram SB, Miyasike-daSilva V, Van Ooteghem K, McIlroy WE (2013) Role of peripheral vision in rapid perturbation-evoked reach-to-grasp reactions. Experimental Brain Research 229(4):609-19.

Highlights

  • University of Manitoba Research Grant ($10,000)
  • Centre on Aging Research Affiliate, University of Manitoba
  • Supervisor for the Mitacs Globalink Internship (2022-2025)
  • Supervisor for the Emerging Leaders of Americas Internship (2023-2024)
  • Support Mentor for the 2024 Verna Kirkness Program

Courses

  • KPER 7200: Sensorimotor Integration: Fundamental Theories in Motor Control & Learning
  • KPER 2350: Research Methods
  • KIN 4260: Human Factors and Ergonomics 
  • KPER 2350: Introduction to Research  
  • KPER 1500: Foundations of Physical Education and Kinesiology 
  • KPER 1200: Physical Activity, Health, and Wellness