A researcher, educator and clinician in the exercise and sport science field, Christine D. Pollard, Ph.D., PT recently joined Oregon State University -Cascades to develop and lead its new Exercise and Sport Science (EXSS) program. The degree program was approved in July and the first course will be taught by Pollard and offered in fall 2011.
Dr. Pollard received a master's degree in physical therapy from Pacific University in 1998 and a Ph.D. from University of Massachusetts in exercise science with an emphasis on biomechanics in 2003. She did post-doctoral training in musculoskeletal biomechanics at University of Southern California and for the past 10 years, taught undergraduate and graduate courses in biomechanics, human anatomy, applied anatomy, orthopaedic pathology, and orthotics and prosthetics at University of Southern California, California State University Long Beach and University of Massachusetts.
The EXSS program is a great fit for Central Oregon's lifestyle and values, Becky Johnson, Vice President of OSU-Cascades said. Christine's strong background in teaching, research and outreach will benefit students and the community as the EXSS program grows.
Dr. Pollard's research is dedicated to improving the scientific understanding of lower extremity injuries, and advancing injury-prevention and rehabilitation programs based on this knowledge. Her research has primarily focused on identifying potential mechanisms underlying the disproportionate incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in female athletes; and identifying biomechanical and early articular cartilage changes at the knee in individuals' post-ACL reconstruction.
Dr. Pollard is on the editorial board for the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy and serves as a peer reviewer for numerous journals including Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, American Journal of Sports Medicine, Gait & Posture, and Journal of Applied Biomechanics. She has published and presented her research both nationally and internationally and has been actively involved in the American Physical Therapy Association.