It’s a wrap for 30-year career in biomechanics at UCalgary

Dr. Darren Stefanyshyn, professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology, is wrapping up his career at the end of November after 30 plus years with UCalgary.

Stefanyshyn began at the university as a graduate student under the supervision of Dr. Benno Nigg. He received a PhD in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in biomechanics in 1996. He joined the Faculty of Kinesiology as an assistant professor the following year.

Stefanyshyn held many roles during his time with the faculty. He served as interim associate dean from 2012-2013, and later associate dean (graduate) from 2013-2015. Darren has held an adjunct role in the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering since 2001. In his 25 years at UCalgary, he supervised 22 graduate students, published over 200 peer-reviewed publications and 300 technical reports. He has been cited over 10,000 times.

With extensive experience in sport biomechanics, Stefanyshyn has a history of investigating athletic equipment and its interaction with athletes, concentrating on performance and athlete safety. His research group identifies potential injury factors as well as developing an understanding of the role played by gear like sport shoes and surface characteristics.

His work encompasses many different sports including sprinting, basketball, football, soccer, speed skating, hockey, tennis, and general human locomotion. Stefanyshyn has worked with many industry partners for over 25 years, having collaborated with world leaders such as adidas, TaylorMade, Mark's, Ariat International, the Canadian Olympic Team, as well as sport leagues such as the NHL, NB, and NFL.

Stefanyshyn is currently a member of the NFL Engineering Committee and editorial boards for Footwear Science and the European Journal of Sport Science. Over the course of his career, he has committed to service at an international level, including chairperson of the Footwear Biomechanics Group, Executive Board Member of the International Society of Biomechanics, and Associate Editor of the journal Footwear Science.

Stefanyshyn was awarded the American Society of Biomechanics Jon Hay Memorial Award in 2010 and has received several outstanding supervisor and leadership awards. In 2015, he was honored with an International Society of Biomechanics Fellowship.

Congratulations Dr. Darren Stefanyshyn, and thank you for your contributions to teaching, learning and research at UCalgary.