About Max Paquette

Max R. Paquette, Ph.D. earned a bachelor's degree in human kinetics and a master's degree in biomechanics under Dr. Lori Ann Vallis from the University of Guelph (Ontario, Canada). He completed his Ph.D. training under Dr. Songning Zhang at the University of Tennessee in the area of biomechanics. He is currently an associate professor in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Memphis, director of the Musculoskeletal Analysis Laboratory and biomechanist within the Human Performance Center. He advises undergraduate internship students, master's students and serves on multiple doctoral dissertation committees.

Dr. Paquette's research interests are largely focused on lower limb joint mechanics with regards to injury risk reduction and performance improvement. His primary research interests are focused on the effects of different footwear, fatigue/repetition, altered techniques and training interventions for injury prevention and performance improvement in runners. Dr. Paquette's research also focuses on the effects of exercise interventions and gait modifications on joint mechanics, and function in older individuals and athletes. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed scientific articles and has contributed to numerous popular media articles and podcasts on the science of running.

Dr. Paquette actively collaborates with researchers from other institutions within the U.S. and around the world. He is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine, the American Society for Biomechanics and the International Society of Biomechanics. Dr. Paquette consults for high school, collegiate and world-class track and field athletes and their coaches to optimize performance and reduce injury risks.

He competed as a collegiate athlete in cross country and track at the University of Guelph and served as team captain in 2008. During his collegiate career with the Guelph Gryphons, he won multiple national titles in cross country and track and in 2008, he was a national and Olympic trials finalist in the 3000m steeplechase with the Speed River Track & Field Club. He is also the elite athlete coordinator for the Ed Murphey Classic. Dr. Paquette now lives in Memphis with his wife, Lauren, who is a professional middle distance runner.

Education

Ph.D. Kinesiology (Biomechanics) - University of Tennessee - 2012
M.Sc. Human Health & Nutritional Sciences (Biomechanics) - University of Guelph - 2009
B.Sc. Human Kinetics (Honors) - University of Guelph - 2007