Halime Gulle, Ph.D.

Halime Gulle

Ph.D. · Postdoctoral Fellow

Hi, I’m Halime Gulle. I am a physical therapist by training, and my research focuses on imaging, biomechanics, and musculoskeletal pain using machine learning techniques. I have collaborated with researchers across countries and disciplines—including engineering, statistics, podiatry, and biomechanics. These experiences have shaped my interest in identifying digital biomarkers and using them to develop more tailored interventions for individuals with musculoskeletal pain.

Research Focus

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Imaging-Based Biomarkers

Developing automated methods for extracting muscle architecture (pennation angle, fascicle length, volume) from ultrasound images using deep learning, providing clinicians with fast, reliable, and quantitative assessments for personalized models.

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Machine Learning for Rehabilitation

Applying deep learning for automated ultrasound image segmentation of foot muscles and Bayesian networks for efficient patient-reported outcome measures. Building AI-driven pipelines that integrate imaging and biomechanical biomarkers for personalized care.

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Wearable Technologies & Motion Capture

Validating IMU-based wearable sensors and markerless motion capture systems (OpenCap) for gait analysis and retraining protocols, enabling accessible biomechanical assessment outside traditional laboratory settings.

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Musculoskeletal Modeling and EMG

Developing integrated computational models that capture the mechanical interplay between the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia using the OpenSim NMSM pipeline. These models integrate EMG-driven muscle activation, biomechanics, and imaging data to simulate tissue strain, muscle coordination, and load-sharing during movement.

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Precision Rehabilitation

Shifting rehabilitation from generalized, symptom-based care toward personalized, mechanism-driven treatment by using patient-specific simulations and reinforcement learning to optimize interventions for plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy.

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Clinical & Translational Research

Coordinating multi-site clinical trials integrating ultrasound imaging, gait analysis, and functional assessments. Investigating inflammatory biomarkers and contributing to international best-practice guidelines for plantar heel pain (BJSM).

Technical Skills

OpenSim MATLAB Python Stata Deep Learning Bayesian Networks Motion Capture Force Platforms IMU Sensors Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Image Segmentation Statistical Modeling Meta-Analysis OpenCap

Global Research Collaborations

London, UK Queen Mary University of London
Essex, UK University of Essex
Tampa, USA University of South Florida
Melbourne, AU La Trobe University
São Paulo, BR São Paulo University
Vancouver, CA Simon Fraser University
Provo, USA Brigham Young University
Hartford, USA University of Hartford

Ph.D. Advisors

  • Prof. Dylan Morrissey — Queen Mary University of London, UK
  • Dr. Alexandra Birn Jeffrey — University of Essex, UK
  • Dr. Matthew Cotchett — La Trobe University, Australia

Postdoctoral Advisor

  • Prof. Irene Davis — University of South Florida, USA

Professional Collaborators

  • São Paulo University — Brazil
  • Simon Fraser University — Canada
  • Brigham Young University — USA
  • University of Hartford — USA

Selected Publications

Journal Article

Morrissey, D., Cotchett, M., J'Bari, A. S., Prior, T., Griffiths, I. B., Rathleff, M. S., ... & Gulle, H. (2021). Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide informed by a systematic review, expert clinical reasoning and patient values. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 55(19), 1106–1118.

Journal Article

Gulle, H., Morrissey, D., Tan, X. L., Cotchett, M., Miller, S. C., Birn-Jeffery, A. B., & Prior, T. (2023). Predicting the outcome of plantar heel pain in adults: a systematic review of prognostic factors. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 16(1), 28.

Journal Article

Gulle, H., Morrissey, D., Tayfur, A., Coskunsu, D. K., Miller, S., Birn-Jeffery, A. V., & Prior, T. (2024). The association of demographic, psychological, social and activity factors with foot health in people with plantar heel pain. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 17(4), e70022.

Journal Article

Yuceturk, H., Gulle, H., Şakar, C. T., Joyner, C., Marsh, W., Ünal, E., & Morrissey, D. (2022). Reducing the question burden of patient reported outcome measures using Bayesian networks. Journal of Biomedical Informatics, 135, 104230.

Journal Article

Gulle, H., Daehlin, T. E., Cruvinel, R. J., & Davis, I. S. (2024). Differences in foot characteristics between the involved and uninvolved sides in people with plantar fasciitis. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 56(10), 578–579.

Journal Article

Gulle, H., Prior, T., Miller, S., Birn-Jeffery, A. V., & Morrissey, D. (2021). Online questionnaire, clinical and biomechanical measurements for outcome prediction of plantar heel pain: feasibility for a cohort study. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 14, 1–13.

Journal Article

Delen, M., Şendil, A., Kaux, J. F., Pedret, C., Le Sant, G., Pawson, J., ... & Morrissey, D. (2023). Self‐reported bio‐psycho‐social factors partially distinguish rotator cuff tendinopathy from other shoulder problems. Musculoskeletal Care, 21(1), 175–188.

Under Review

Gulle, H., Daehline, T., Davis, I. Acute effect of minimal footwear and gait retraining on risk factors for knee osteoarthritis. Footwear Science.

Under Review

Gulle, H., Cotchett M., Prior, T., Miller, S., Birn-Jeffery, A.V. & Morrissey, D. Outcome predictor for recovery of plantar heel pain in adults: an international prospective cohort study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Full list includes 13 journal articles, 3 manuscripts in preparation, and 14+ conference presentations.

Awards & Grants

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NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award

Application submitted and under review at the National Institutes of Health.

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ACSM Early Career Researcher Foundation Grant

Identifying biomarkers in people with plantar fasciitis. $10,000 (2023)

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IWB Career Development Award

International Women in Biomechanics award with $2,250 travel support (2025)

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NPA Conference & Leadership Bootcamp

National Postdoctoral Association travel grant. $1,750 (2025)

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Research Recognition & Funding

Runner-Up Presentation Award, Research Day Symposium – University of South Florida. $300 (2023)

QMUL Postgraduate Research Funding Grant. $550 (2020)

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Doctoral Scholarship

Full Ph.D. tuition and stipend from the Ministry of National Education, Turkey (2017–2021)

Education & Experience

Education

2022 – 2024

Higher Education Fellowship

Queen Mary University of London, UK
Learning and Teaching · Advance HE Associate Fellow
2017 – 2022

Ph.D. in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy in Sports

Queen Mary University of London, UK
2010 – 2014

B.S. + M.Sc. in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Kirikkale University, Turkey
First Honor & Distinction

Professional Experience

2022 – Present

Postdoctoral Fellow

University of South Florida
2022 – Present

Honorary Lecturer

Queen Mary University of London
2021 – 2022

Research Associate

Newcastle University
2019 – 2021

Teaching Assistant & Physical Therapist

Queen Mary University of London
2015 – 2017

Lecturer

Dumlupinar University, Turkey

Teaching & Mentorship

My teaching philosophy centers on engaging students through experiential, hands-on learning; creating inclusive and supportive environments; and demonstrating how scientific and analytical insights inform clinical practice. I hold a Higher Education Fellowship from Queen Mary University of London and am recognized as an Advance HE Associate Fellow.

Mentorship

I have mentored undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students through the full arc of research—from study design and data collection to abstract submission and conference presentations. Students I have mentored have secured competitive scholarships, and two nominated me for a best postdoc award, noting:

"As a woman who comes from a country with limited resources, she has created her own success—not just for herself, but for others. She is ambitious in her own journey, and she supports others with kindness."

Service & Professional Affiliations

Leadership Roles

Vice President, Postdoctoral Association

University of South Florida

Communications Committee Member

American Society of Biomechanics (ASB)

Conference Organization Lead

International Women in Biomechanics (IWB)

Abstract Reviewer & Judge

ASB 2024 · USF Research Symposium · 3MT Competition

Memberships

ACSM ASB CSP (UK) APM AFAP (UK) IWB

Outreach

USF Biomechanics Day

Led demonstrations for high school students (2023–2025)

National Biomechanics Day

Organized undergraduate outreach events at USF

GradSWE Seminars

Academic writing & networking workshops for graduate students

Contact

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Email

halimegulle@usf.edu
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Office

School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
University of South Florida
3515 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL

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Phone

(813) 409-1742

LinkedIn

linkedin.com/in/halimegulle
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Curriculum Vitae

Download CV (PDF)