Peter Weyand Receives Top SMU Faculty Award

Peter Weyand, director of  Locomotor Performance Lab in Simmons
Peter Weyand, director of Locomotor Performance Lab in Simmons

Associate Professor Peter Weyand, member of Simmons’ Department of Applied Physiology and Wellness, received the 2013-14 Scholar/Teacher of the Year Award from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church. Weyand, an internationally respected physiologist and biomechanist, was recognized by Provost Paul Ludden at the first general faculty meeting, Aug. 27. The prestigious award was been given to faculty since 1985.

 

Locomotor Performance Lab Examines Elite Sprinters’ Key to Speed

15002713522_907e71b140_zKen Clark, Simmons researcher in SMU’s Locomotor Performance Lab, discovers that the fastest runners have a distinct running pattern, which impacts speed. His article, co-authored with Simmons colleagues Peter Weyand and Larry Ryan, is featured in the Journal of Applied Physiology.

The new findings indicate that the secret to elite sprinting speeds lies in the distinct limb dynamics sprinters use to elevate ground forces upon foot-ground impact. For more on the research, click here.