About Douglas Powell

Douglas W. Powell, PhD earned a bachelor's degree in exercise science and a master's degree in biomechanics from East Carolina University under the tutelage of Dr. Tibor Hortobagyi. He completed his doctoral training in biomechanics/sports medicine under Dr. Songning Zhang at the University of Tennessee. He is currently an associate professor in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Memphis teaching undergraduate and graduate students. Dr. Powell serves as the program coordinator for the ESMS undergraduate and graduate programs as well as the Applied Biomechanics doctoral program. He is also the founder and director of the Breast Biomechanics Research Center.

Dr. Powell's research interests pertain to the interaction of anatomical structure, neurophysiological function and movement biomechanics. He has interest in the biomechanical and neurophysiological underpinnings of stiffness and rigidity in sports movements and Parkinson's disease, respectively. He also has interest in the efficacy of therapeutic exercise interventions on neuromuscular function in patients and tactical athletes.

Dr. Powell actively collaborates with researchers from institutions around the world including Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech University, Deutsche Sporthocschule Koln and the Saint Louis Cardinals. He is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine, American Society of Biomechanics, American Heart Association and National Strength & Conditioning Association. Dr. Powell has consulted with high school, collegiate and professional athletes as well as tactical athletes under Special Operations Command to enhance performance, reduce injury risk and accelerate rehabilitation.

Dr. Powell competed as a collegiate and semi-professional soccer player at East Carolina University and Tobacco Road FC, respectively. He has also coached soccer athletes from youth to professional levels. Dr. Powell now lives in Cordova, Tennessee with his wife Ashley and daughter Isabella.

Education

PhD Kinesiology (Biomechanics) - University of Tennessee
MA Biomechanics – East Carolina University
BS Exercise Science – East Carolina University