51³Ô¹Ï

Specialty Area: Biomechanics 

Education: 

• Ph.D., Physical Education and Human Movement Studies, University of Oregon
• M.Ed., Physical Education, Western Washington University
• B.A., Biology, Pacific Lutheran University

Current Pacific Activities:

Offer support for students and colleagues in the areas of human subject research regulation compliance, research design, instrumentation, data reduction software design and statistical design and interpretation.

Research Interests: 

My work tends to focus on kinetic variables during movements where shock absorption is a significant functional demand. We also have run a series of projects looking into mechanisms underlying walking economy. The distinctive aspect of my earlier work focused on the phenomenon of performance variability. Initially we emphasized methodologies to accommodate this natural occurrence. A more theoretical approach evolved where variability was studied for its potential consequences for musculoskeletal health. 

Career:

• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (1990-2001), 51³Ô¹Ï (2001-2025); established and supervised all lab facilities and operations for biomechanics teaching and research at both institutions.
• Mentored 20+ graduate theses/dissertations and 200+ undergraduate research projects, with 10+ former students now working in research/higher education settings and dozens more in various health profession careers.
• Published 35+ research papers and technical reports (most including student co-authors), delivered 60+ presentations, contributed to over $735,000 in successful funding for teaching, research and service activities.
• Inducted as Fellow of the Research Consortium, American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance in 1999.
• Served as lead Biomechanics Section Editor for the Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 2000-2006.
• Manuscript and textbook reviewer for multiple organizations throughout career.
• Awarded the 51³Ô¹Ï Charles Trombley Award for Outstanding Faculty-Student Relations, 2017.
• Awarded the 51³Ô¹Ï Ann Barr-Gillespie Award for Excellence in Discovery, 2025.