Philip Martin named chair of kinesiology

A biomechanics expert has been named to lead the Department of Kinesiology at Iowa State University. Philip Martin, professor of kinesiology at Penn State University, will serve as professor and chair of kinesiology at Iowa State, effective July 1.

 

Martin served as chair of kinesiology at Penn State University from 2002 until 2007. Before that, he served Arizona State University in a similar role.

 

His research focuses on the mechanics and energetics of locomotion; factors affecting preferred rates of movement in cyclic activities, especially related to walking, running and cycling; and kinematic and kinetic determinants of walking in individuals with lower extremity amputation.

 

He has written more than 50 refereed journal articles and five book chapters. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education and a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. He has also served as president of the American Society of Biomechanics.

 

Martin’s research projects have received sponsored funding totaling more than $2.7 million from organizations including the National Institute on Aging, National Science Foundation, the Flinn Foundation, and the U.S. Olympic Committee.

 

"Phil Martin brings remarkable talents to his new position. He has been a truly outstanding kinesiology chair in two of the finest programs in the country, where his thoughtful and highly effective leadership have proven essential,” said Cheryl Achterberg, dean of the College of Human Sciences. “Our college will be greatly enriched by his presence. We couldn't be happier," said Achterberg.

 

Martin will succeed Jerry Thomas, who will retire on June 30, having served as professor and chair of kinesiology since 1998. Under Thomas’ leadership, the Ph.D. program in kinesiology was established in 1999 and has since been ranked among the top 20 programs in the nation by the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education. External funding for kinesiology research has risen to nearly $8 million over the past two years. Undergraduate enrollment has grown to 760 students, making kinesiology and health the sixth largest undergraduate major at Iowa State.

 

“I have known Dr. Phil Martin for 20 years and he is one of the leading biomechanical researchers in the U.S. publishing his work in the top journals in the field,” said Thomas. “He is an accomplished academic leader. He will be a great addition to the ISU and Ames communities,” said Thomas.