Alumnus Erich Petushek has returned to the familiar environment of the NMU School of Health and Human Performance, where he completed his master’s degree in exercise science in 2011. He will be based there as part of a new academic health research collaboration (see related story above). Petushek’s research integrates various academic disciplines with the overall goal of reducing the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders, most commonly found in sports and the military. He is developing techniques to help predict and prevent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.

“The goal of my research is to create efficient and effective systems to prevent injuries, diagnose movement disorders, accelerate rehabilitation and enhance athletic performance,” wrote Petushek, who was recently appointed assistant professor by MSU College of Human Medicine. “Ultimately, efficient systems improve health and well being.

“In Marquette, I thoroughly enjoy the university, hospital and community integration, its passion for sport, health and the outdoors, as well as the collective pursuit of intellectual and service excellence. Since sports and physical activity are such an integral part of Marquette and the U.P., I hope I can have a direct impact on the health and well being of those who live and surround the community. I couldn't have dreamed of a better position to not only enhance my research career and help others, but also keep me happy and healthy in a community I love.”

Petushek is the founder and lead scientist on the computerized injury prediction skill assessment and outreach project,www.ACL-IQ.org. He also has practical experience in strength and conditioning with Major League Baseball, National Collegiate Association Division III and high school sports teams. He holds professional certifications through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and USA-Weightlifting. 

For his doctorate from Michigan Tech, Petushek received a National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship. He also was a recipient of a Graduate Research Opportunity Worldwide award through the NSF that allowed him to do research at the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center in Norway. Petushek completed his postdoctoral training at the University of Huddersfield (United Kingdom) in the Applied Cognition & Cognitive Engineering Research Group in collaboration with the English Institute of Sport.