Ph.D. in Biomechanics and Kinesiology Testimonials
The UNO Ph.D. in Biomechanics and Kinesiology (formerly Exercise Science) is a joint program between the School of Health and Kinesiology and the Department of Biomechanics with concentrations in Biomechanics, Motor Development and Control, Physical Activity, and Physiology of Exercise.
Learn how UNO's Ph.D. in Biomechanics and Kinesiology program helped these alumni accomplish their academic goals and take their careers to the next level.
Jenny Kent, Ph.D. '18
Concentration: Biomechanics
Dr. Kent is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, researching prosthetics and orthotics. While at UNO, Dr. Kent received a prestigious Presidential Graduate Fellowship, an NU system-wide fellowship recognizing high scholastic performance and personal accomplishment.
"My PhD studies in the Department of Biomechanics permitted me to gain research and professional experience working on a wide range of different projects, whilst developing my breadth of knowledge through journal clubs and discussion. The department is a unique environment, with the facilities to conduct pretty much any biomechanics project you could dream up. However, I feel it was the exposure to principles from different scientific perspectives and disciplines that has helped me the most."
- Dr. Jenny Kent
Kailey Snyder, Ph.D. '19
Concentration: Physical Activity
Dr. Snyder is an Assistant Professor at Creighton University in Omaha.
"The Physical Activity in Health Promotion Lab gave me the opportunity to be very autonomous with my research. I supported my mentor's research line while actively pursuing my own. I left the institution with multiple publications directly related to my individual research interests which I think is rare in a doctoral program."
- Dr. Kailey Snyder
Troy Rand, Ph.D. '18
Concentration: Motor Development and Control
Dr. Rand is a Research Coordinator and Clinical Scientist at The Paley Orthopedic and Spine Institute in Florida. Dr. Rand works in project design, data analysis, and manuscript writing in a rare disease orthopedic clinic, and provides oversight of a clinical drug trial.
"My time at UNO was invaluable to my growth as a scientist. The mentorship that I received from the first day was amazing. I always had the full support of all of the faculty during during my time at UNO. Additionally, the community of students that I interacted with was very supportive, from the senior students that mentored myself to the junior students that I mentored."
- Dr. Troy Rand
Matt Heesch, Ph.D. '15
Concentration: Physiology of Exercise
Dr. Heesch is an Assistant Professor at UNO, teaching courses within the School of Health and Kinesiology such as Physiology of Exercise, Laboratory Methods in Exercise Science, Optimizing Sports Performance, and Advanced Exercise Physiology. His research focuses on the response of microRNAs to exercise stimuli, and their application as biomarkers in anti-doping efforts, as well as diagnostic tools for recovery from sport-related concussions.
"The best part of attending UNO was getting to get hands on experience in the laboratory, as well as acquiring teaching experience while completing my PhD. This really set me up well to move directly into an academic position following graduation."
- Dr. Matt Heesch
Jessica Fujan-Hansen, Ph.D. '18
Concentration: Motor Development and Control
Dr. Fujan-Hansen is a Business Development & Sales Manager for DIH Technologies Co., managing the processes and people associated with business development & sales for the North American Research Division.
"The vast majority of the professors within the UNO system seemed to genuinely care about their students and their respective educational success."
- Dr.Jessica Fujan-Hansen
For more information about the Biomechanics or Motor Development and Control concentrations contact unobiomechanics@unomaha.edu.
For more information about the Physical Activity or Physiology of Exercise concentrations contact unohk@unomaha.edu.