Dr. David Hawkins

Profile Introduction

I am a mechanical/biomedical engineer by academic training with an interest in the mechanics of human movement and physical performance. My goal is to develop tools and interventions that facilitate people maintaining health and physical performance capabilities throughout their lifespan.

Degrees

1990    PhD    (Biomedical Engineering)    University of California, Davis
1985    MS    (Biomedical Engineering)    University of California, San Diego
1984    CERT    (Biomedical Engineering)    University of California, Irvine
1983    BS    (Mechanical Engineering)    California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
 

Research Contribution

The nature of the research conducted in the Human Performance Laboratory has direct applications to many people. Our research is leading to improved Injury Prevention Strategies for young athletes and new technologies to monitor and prescribe customized physical activity interventions for people of varying fitness and health states.

Research Interests

My research objectives are to understand the mechanisms that influence the performance of skeletal muscle and gross human movement, and to develop tools based on this information that can be used to increase human quality of life by increasing physical performance capabilities while minimizing the risk of injury.

Awards

International Society of Biomechanics 1999 Calgary Award in the Area of Muscle Biomechanics

Department and Center Affiliations

Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior

ProfessionalSocieties

American College of Sports Medicine

American Society of Biomechanics

Specialties / Focus

Exercise Science

• Biomechanics

Graduate Groups not Housed in CBS

Biomedical Engineering

Labs

Human Performance Laboratory

• Amber Sorensen Van-Cleave

Teaching Interests

During the academic year I am responsible for three courses, one graduate and two undergraduate. The graduate course deals with skeletal muscle structure and function (EXS/BIM 228). One undergraduate course (EXB 103) is a core class for EXB majors and provides an introduction to biomechanics and human movement analysis. The focus of the other undergraduate class (EXB/BIM 126) is tissue mechanics (bone, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, nerve and muscle). I developed both the 126 and 228 classes and have written text books for both of these classes that I provide to the students on-line.

Courses

BIM/EXB 126 Tissue Mechanics (Winter)

EXB 103 Intro to Human Movement (Spring)

BIM/EXS 228 Muscle Mechanics (Fall)