Internationally renowned biomechanist and physiologist Peter G. Weyand, Ph.D., has been named the new chair of the Department of Kinesiology in the Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Texas Christian University.
“I am extremely grateful and excited to have the opportunity to lead TCU’s kinesiology department at a particularly opportune time,” Weyand said. “The quality of the department’s faculty, the close alignment of their research and professional expertise with my own, the dynamic leadership of Dean Watts and TCU’s senior administration were all major draws.”
Weyand is well-known for research that integrates the mechanics and physiology of locomotion in humans and other species. He is widely considered to be the world’s leading authority on the mechanics and energetics of high-speed running and high-intensity exercise performance.
“Dr. Weyand is globally recognized for his expertise in the biomechanical and physiological substrates of human speed, and we are excited that he is bringing his knowledge and program of research to Harris College at TCU,” explains Christopher Watts, Ph.D., Marilyn & Morgan Davies Dean of Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences. “His record of leadership and success in academia has positioned him to excel in the leadership role of chair for the kinesiology department.”
Weyand is currently establishing the Locomotor Performance Laboratory at TCU that will focus on the scientific limits and determinants of exercise and athletic performance. The lab will offer research opportunities to the students, faculty and collaborators of the kinesiology department and Harris College. A primary strategic objective is to leverage TCU’s outstanding traditions in athletics and human performance to advance the academic and research missions of the university.
“I am extremely excited to have Peter Weyand become a part of the TCU community,” said TCU’s Director of Track and Field Khadevis Robinson. “TCU has always been known as the ‘Flyin’ Frogs;’ I am excited to have the chance to partner with Peter and use his knowledge, expertise and skills to help our athletes here at TCU.”
Weyand was previously the Glenn Simmons Endowed Professor of Applied Physiology and Biomechanics at Southern Methodist University (SMU). Prior to serving on the faculty at SMU, he directed research efforts at Harvard University’s Concord Field Station, a large animal facility specializing in terrestrial locomotion and the Locomotion Laboratory of Rice University. His past research subjects have included antelope, emus, rodents and professional athletes with and without limb amputations.
“The Department of Kinesiology and Harris College are positioned to engage in potential collaborative opportunities that extend from TCU Athletics and the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine to health care, youth and sport organizations throughout north Texas, the U.S. and the world,” explains Weyand. “This incredibly promising landscape made my decision to become a Horned Frog a very easy one.”