ABOUT ME

I am currently an Assistant Professor of Biomechanics within the Department of Kinesiology at Louisiana Tech University. Much of my research is currently focused on understanding the interaction of footwear on gait and posture variability, exploring the causative factors of low back and lower extremity pathology, and examining the role of tactile feedback on gait and lifting mechanics. This research is being conducted within the Sport & Movement Science Laboratory of Scotty Robertson Memorial Gym, which houses the Department of Kinesiology. I also teach undergraduate classes within the health and clinical concentrations, as well as graduate classes within the sport performance concentration of the Master of Science program. 

I graduated from the University of Florida in 2006 with a degree in Economics and immersed myself in the non-profit sports management and high school coaching realm. After several years away from school, I returned to pursue a Master of Science in Sports Medicine, with a Strength & Conditioning emphasis. After finishing my coursework, I secured a position as a Collegiate Strength & Conditioning Coach at a small, division-one university in Louisiana. During that time, I assisted with implementing strength and conditioning programs for football, while leading the development of the majority of the Olympic sports. As fulfilling as my professional positions were becoming, such as my assistance in a 2010 Southland Conference Championship season for the Northwestern State University Lady Demons Tennis team, the professors and advisors within my MSc program developed an interest in pursuing doctoral studies and research in the area of biomechanics, leading to my work in Dr. Wendi Weimar's Sport Biomechanics Lab, with my completion of my doctorate in biomechanics from Auburn University in 2013. 

Throughout my doctoral studies, I worked to develop an interdisciplinary research line, emphasizing components of more traditional areas, such as biomechanics and physiology, with more applied areas such as ergonomics, sports medicine, and performance enhancement. Specifically, a goal of my research is to better understand the relationship between human movement variability, interaction effects of the environment and equipment, and the implications of these factors for the development of cumulative trauma disorders.

When not working with students, teaching, or performing research, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful wife and taking my three dogs on trail runs, mountain biking, or kayaking trips. Though I currently live in the southern United States, I am also very fond of many winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.