From student to colleague: Alum Nate Vannatta’s career strengthens ties between UWL and Gundersen

Nate Vannatta’s journey in physical therapy has come full circle—now working alongside UWL faculty that he learned from as a student.

Nate Vannatta’s journey in physical therapy has come full circle.  

Vannatta graduated from UWL’s Physical Therapy (PT) program in 2014. As a student, Vannatta was most interested in orthopedics and research coursework, leading him to pursue clinical research at the La Crosse Institute for Movement Science (LIMS) lab under the guidance of Professor Tom Kernozek.

Today, Vannatta serves as both a clinician and an associate program director for the Sports Physical Therapy Residency at Gundersen Health System, in addition to being adjunct faculty in UWL’s PT program.

“As part of my work in the residency, I am the primary research mentor for our residents,” Vannatta says. “I help residents identify their research question, develop a research plan and carry this out to completion throughout the year. Most residents complete their research projects in conjunction with the research efforts that are on-going at the LIMS lab.” 

The LIMS lab, founded in 2005, is an institute created by the UWL Physical Therapy program in the Health Science Center. It was created to bring together scientists and clinicians to study human movement and its role in injury prevention and rehabilitation. The lab’s success is supported in part by philanthropy, including a gift from Ron and Jane Rada to the Gundersen Medical Foundation, which has allowed the lab to conduct advanced and collaborative research. 

Kernozek, Vannatta’s former professor and current mentor, is the director of the LIMS lab. 

“Nate has become a trusted colleague,” says Kernozek, who continues to teach in UWL’s PT program. “He’s not just contributing to the field of physical therapy; he’s helping shape the next generation of clinicians and researchers.” 

Kernozek recalls his former student’s curiosity and dedication.

“Nate stood out due to his keen interest in understanding the ‘why’ behind physical therapy practices,” Kernozek says. Their collaboration has resulted in numerous publications, including a study on knee joint loading in different running patterns, which has been widely cited by other researchers. 

“Dr. Kernozek really pushed me to explore clinical research and biomechanics,” Vannatta shares. “He’s been a primary mentor throughout my early career and still plays a huge role in my development today.” 

Reflecting on his time at UWL, Vannatta speaks fondly of the PT program. 

“UWL’s program places a strong emphasis on clinically applied research,” Vannatta says. “What really stood out to me was how the curriculum was designed to integrate research into clinical practice. The research practicum allowed me to dive deep into real-world problems and develop solutions that I could then apply in a clinical setting.” 

Vannatta’s journey to UWL was influenced by several factors, including the connection to Gundersen’s Sports Physical Therapy residency program, which aligned with his long-standing interest in sports medicine.  

“I was really drawn to UWL’s partnership with Gundersen,” Vannatta says. “Sports medicine was the direction I wanted to pursue, and I knew that connection would be invaluable in my professional development.” 

Vannatta credits UWL with preparing him for the complexities of his current role.  

“The PT program at UWL really shaped the way I approach clinical care and research,” he says. “I was challenged to think deeply and critically, which has been invaluable as I mentor residents and work on solving the big questions in sports physical therapy.” 

Now, Vannatta continues to strengthen the UWL-Gundersen collaboration. 

“I’m still actively involved with the campus,” he says. “As an adjunct professor in the LIMS lab, I help with student research projects and facilitate opportunities for our residents. Also,” Vannatta continues, “we’re working on a research project in collaboration with the UWL men’s and women’s cross-country teams to provide preseason testing for the incoming athletes and track injuries each season.” 

Vannatta says he feels fortunate to be in his position. 

“I don’t know of many positions that consist of dedicated time for research, teaching, clinical mentoring and clinical care all wrapped up into the regular duties of one job,” he says. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to give back to the program that helped me get to where I am today.” 

Alumni in the workforce 

Gundersen Health System is one of the top regional employers of UWL alumni, joining Mayo Clinic Health System, Kwik Trip, Trane Technologies, the School District of La Crosse, Optum, Fastenal and Organic Valley.