Faculty and Staff Profiles

Shelby A. Peel, PhD, holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in health and human performance, with a focus on exercise science, from the University of Memphis, where she studied under Dr. Max Paquette. She earned a second master’s degree in statistics and a PhD in kinesiology, concentrating in biomechanics, under the mentorship of Dr. Joshua Weinhandl at the University of Tennessee. Following her doctoral work, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship with The Geneva Foundation, in collaboration with High Point University and the Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, focusing on lower extremity injury mitigation and rehabilitation in active-duty military personnel.

Dr. Peel is currently an Assistant Professor in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Memphis, where she directs the Biomechanics Lab for Teaching and serves as a biomechanist within the Musculoskeletal Analysis Laboratory.

Her primary research interests include lower extremity injury mitigation and performance enhancement in adult and adolescent athletes. Specifically, she investigates injury mechanisms underlying primary and secondary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, as well as neuromuscular function in healthy and ACL-reconstructed individuals. Dr. Peel is also interested in exploring injury risk mechanisms and injury mitigation strategies for military and tactical populations.

She actively collaborates with researchers across the United States and is a member of several professional organizations, including the American College of Sports Medicine, American Society of Biomechanics, International Society of Biomechanics, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

• PhD Kinesiology - Biomechanics - University of Tennessee - 2020
• MSc Statistics - University of Tennessee - 2020
• MSc Health and Sport Science - University of Memphis - 2016
• BSc Health and Sport Science - University of Memphis - 2014
• AS General Studies - Jackson State Community College - 2011

• Assistant Professor, School of Kinesiology & Nutrition - University of Southern Mississippi - 2022 - 2023
• Assistant Teaching Professor, School of Kinesiology & Nutrition - University of Southern Mississippi - 2021 - 2022
• Post-Doctoral Fellow,   - The Geneva Foundation - 2020 - 2021
• United States Department of Defense Contractor,   - United States Army - 2020 - 2021
• Clinical Investigator, Department of Physical Therapy - Womack Army Medical Center - 2020 - 2021
• Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies - University of Tennessee - 2016 - 2020
• Gradaute Research Assistant, College of Health Sciences - University of Memphis - 2014 - 2016

• Aubrey Keith and Ella Ginn Lucas Endowment for Faculty Excellence Award - University of Southern Mississippi - 2023
• Yates Dissertation Fellowship - University of Tennessee - 2020
• Oscar Roy Ashley Graduate Fellowship - University of Tennessee - 2019
• University of Tennessee's Chancellor’s Fellowship - University of Tennessee - 2018
• J. Wallace & Katie Dean Graduate Fellowship - University of Tennessee - 2017
• Mid-South Biomechanics Conference Student Presentation Award - Mid-South Biomechanics Conference - 2017
• Muscle Mechanics & Physiology Achievement Award - University of Memphis - 2016
• Outstanding Student in Health and Sports Sciences Award - University of Memphis - 2015

• ESMS 2015: Resistance/Aerobic Training Application - University of Memphis
• ESMS 3020: Biomechanics - University of Memphis
• ESMS 3420: Structural Kinesiology - University of Memphis
• ESMS 3803: Motor Learning - University of Memphis
• ESMS 3853: Motor Behavior - University of Memphis
• ESMS 4000: Exercise Testing Interpretation Lab - University of Memphis
• KIN 202: Introduction to Exercise Science - University of Southern Mississippi
• KIN 423: Biomechanics - University of Southern Mississippi
• KIN 423L: Biomechanics - University of Southern Mississippi
• SKN 680: Foundations of Evidence Based Practice in Kinesiology and Nutrition - University of Southern Mississippi
• KNS 332: Applied Anatomy - University of Tennessee
• KIN 332L: Applied Anatomy Lab - University of Tennessee
• KNS 422: Biomechanics of Human Movement Lab - University of Tennessee
• PYED 203: Basic Activity & Wellness - University of Tennessee
• PYED 232: Racquetball I - University of Tennessee
• PYED 236: Softball - University of Tennessee
• PYED 254: Yoga & Relaxation - University of Tennessee

• MSc - Nicholas Johnson - May 2026
• PhD - Siena Senatore - August 2025
• MSc - Tyler Ross - May 2025
• MSc - Justin Resendez - May 2025
• BSc (Internship) - Nicholas Johnson - May 2024

• American College of Sports Medicine - Abstract Reviewer for Annual Conference - 2022 - Present
• North American Congress on Biomechanics - Abstract Reviewer for Conference - 2022 - Present
• International Journal of Exercise Science - Reviewer - 2022 - Present
• Physical Therapy in Sport - Reviewer - 2020 - Present
• Journal of Sport and Health Science - Reviewer - 2020 - Present
• Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport - Reviewer - 2018 - Present
• Sports Health - Reviewer - 2017 - Present
• Journal of Biomechanics - Reviewer - 2017 - Present
• Journal of Sport Science - Reviewer - 2016 - Present
• Journal of Kinesiology and Electromyography - Reviewer - 2016 - Present
• Journal of Applied Biomechanics - Reviewer - 2016 - Present

• Weinhandl JW., Genter AM., Peel SA., Zhang S., Fairbrother JT. “Acquisition, retention, and transfer effects of landing to increase foot progression angle during bilateral drop landings.” Journal of Applied Biomechanics.

• Legg L., Donahue PT., Peel SA., Piland SG., Thorsen TA. (2024) “Effects of shoe collar height and limb dominance on landing knee biomechanics in collegiate volleyball players.” Journal of Sports Sciences.

• Peel SA., Walck CD., Taylor JB.,Nguyen AD., Westbrook, AE., Ford KR. (2023) “Investigating muscle function inhealthy and ACL-reconstructed collegiate female lacrosse players: a pilotstudy.” Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise.

• Donahue PT., Peel SA., Rush M., Thomas AK., Littlefield T. (2023) “Examining countermovement jump strategies between women’s NCAA division I sports.” Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.
• Donahue PT., Peel SA., Littlefield T., Calci C., Gabriel M., Rush M. (2022) “Changes in strength and jump performance over a 10-week competitive period in male collegiate golfers.” Journal of Trainology. 11(2):22-27.
• Taylor-Haas JA., Garcia MC., Rauh MJ., Peel SA., Paterno MV., Bazett-Jones DM., Ford KR., Long JT. (2022) “Cadence in youth long-distance runners is predicted by leg length and running speed.” Gait & Posture. 98:266-270.
  
• Peel SA., Schroeder LE., Weinhandl JT. (2021) “Effects of foot progression angle on knee mechanics during an anticipated cutting task: a statistical parametric mapping approach.” Journal of Biomechanics. 130:110842.
  
• Peel SA., Schroeder LE., Weinhandl JT. (2021) “Lower extremity muscle contributions to ACL loading during a stop-jump task.” Journal of Biomechanics. 121(4):110426.
• Schroeder LE., Peel SA., Leveren, B., Weinhandl JT. (2020) “Type of unanticipated stimulus affects lower extremity kinematics and kinetics during sidestepping.” Journal of Sports Sciences. 39(6):618-628.
• Peel SA., Thorsen TA., Schneider LG., Weinhandl JT. (2020) “Effects of foot rotation on ACL-injury risk mechanisms during drop landings.” Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise. 2:59-68.
• Peel SA., Weinhandl JT. (2019) “Task but not arm restriction influences lower extremity joint mechanics during bilateral landing.” Sport Biomechanics. 21(5):637-653.
• Peel SA., Schroeder LE., Weinhandl JT. (2019) “Comparing anterior cruciate ligament injury risk variables between unanticipated cutting and decelerating tasks.” Journal of Applied Biomechanics. 35(2):101-106.
• Paquette MR., Peel SA., Smith RE., Temme M., Dwyer JN. (2017) “Impact of different cross-training modalities performance and injury-related variables in high school cross country runners.” Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 32(6):1745 - 1753.
• Paquette MR., Peel SA., Schilling BK., Melcher DA., Bloomer RJ. (2017) “Soreness-related changes in three-dimensional running biomechanics following eccentric knee extensor exercise.” European Journal of Sport Science. 17(5):546-554.
• Paquette MR., Schilling BK., Bravo JD., Peel SA., Li Y., Townsend R. (2017) "Computerized agility training improves change-of-direction and balance performance independently of footwear in young adults.” Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport. 88(1):44-51.
• Melcher DA., Lee S., Peel SA., Paquette MR, Schilling BK., Bloomer RJ. (2016) "Effects of methylsulfonylmethane supplementation on oxidative stress, muscle soreness and performance variables following eccentric exercise." Gazzetta Medica Italiana. 176(5):271-283.
• Kuhman DJ., Paquette MR., Peel SA., Melcher DA. (2016) “Comparison of ankle kinematics and ground reaction forces between prospectively injured and uninjured collegiate cross-country runners.” Human Movement Science. 47:9-15.
• Bloomer RJ., Peel SA., Moran RG., MacDonnchadh JJ. (2016). “Blood glucose and insulin response to artificially- and sugar-sweetened sodas in healthy men.” Integrative Food, Nutrition, and Metabolism. 3(1):268-272.
• Chester S., Zucker-Levin A., Melcher DA., Peel SA., Bloomer RJ., Paquette MR. (2015) "Lower limb kinematics and metabolic cost during elliptical exercises and treadmill running.” Journal of Applied Biomechanics. 32(2):113-119.

• Grosman MR., Peel SA., Paquette MR., DiAngelo DJ. “Reducing repetitive stress injuries during ruck marching in warfighters.” 40^th Southern Biomedical Engineering Conference. September 2024.
• Peel SA., Melaro JA., Weinhandl JT. "Muscular fatigue influences patellofemoral joint reaction force during cutting in healthy females." 2024 American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting. May 2024, Boston, MA. 

• Park, C., Peel SA., Lyons SM., Paquette MR. "Calf muscle strategy for tibia bone load according to gait speed." 2024 American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting. May 2024, Boston, MA. 

• Resendez JW., Peel SA. “Impact of prophylactic knee braces on anterior cruciate ligament injury risk variables during landing.” 7^th Annual Mid-South Biomechanics Conference. February 2024, Memphis, TN.

• Ross TC., Peel SA. “Validating Theia Markerless during a barbell back squat across different velocities.” 7^th Annual Mid-South Biomechanics Conference. February 2024, Memphis, TN.

• Haas-Taylor JA., Ford KR., Garcia MC., Rauh MJ., Bazett-Jones DM., Peel SA., Paterno MV., Lin L., Long JT. “The influence of sex and maturation on strength and running kinematics in youth distance runners.” 2024 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting. February 2024, Boston, MA.
• Peel SA., Melaro JA., Weinhandl JT. “Anticipatory effects on muscle contributions to ground reaction forces during cutting.” 46^rd American Society of Biomechanics Conference. August 2023, Knoxville, TN. Poster presentation.  
• Donahue PT., Peel SA., McInnis AK., Calci C., White J., Bush J., Williams MK. “Positional comparison of countermovement jump strategies in American football.” 2023 National Strength and Conditioning Association National Conference. July 2023, Las Vegas, NV. Poster presentation.
• White J., Calci C., McInnis AK., Bush J., Williams MK., Peel SA., Donahue PT. “Positional comparison of jump momentum in American football.” 2023 National Strength and Conditioning Association National Conference. July 2023, Las Vegas, NV. Poster presentation.
• Tavernite J., Taylor-Haas JA., Garcia MC., Bazett-Jones DM., Ford KR., Rauh MJ., Peel SA., Long JT. “The influence of maturation and experience on temporal spatial variability in youth long-distance runners.” 2023 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting. February 2023, San Diego, CA. Poster presentation.
• Rauh MJ., Garcia MC., Bazett-Jones DM., Long JT., Ford KR., Peel SA., Paterno MV., Taylor-Haas JA. “Effects of soccer participation on hip muscle strength and running-related injury in youth distance runners.” 2023 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting. February 2023, San Diego, CA. Oral presentation.
• Mize M., Taylor-Haas JA., Garcia MC., Bazett-Jones DM., Ford KR., Rauh MJ., Peel SA., Long JT. “Adolescent running kinematics differ by sex not sport: a comparison of runners and soccer players.” 2023 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting. February 2023, San Diego, CA. Poster presentation.
• Legg LG., Donahue PT., Peel SA., Piland SG., Thorsen TA. “Shoe collar height affects ground reaction forces and ankle landing biomechanics in collegiate volleyball players.” Southeastern American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting. February 2023, Greenville, SC. Poster presentation.
• Legg LG., Donahue PT., Peel SA., Piland SG., Thorsen TA. “Effect of shoe collar height on landing biomechanics in female collegiate volleyball players.” 6^th Annual Mid-South Biomechanics Conference. February 2023, Memphis, TN. Oral presentation.
• Peel SA., Melaro JA., Weinhandl JT. “Does muscular fatigue influence lower extremity joint power?” North American Congress on Biomechanics. August 2022, Ottawa, Ontario, CA. Poster presentation.
• Rush M., Littlefield T., McInnis AK., Gabriel M., Makovicka T., Peel SA., Donahue PT. “Jump strategy differences with and without an arm swing in the countermovement jump.” 2022 National Strength and Conditioning Association Conference. July 2022, New Orleans, LA. Poster presentation.
• Taylor-Haas JA., Garcia M., Rauh MJ., Peel SA., Bazett-Jones DM., Paterno MV., Ford KR., Long JT. “Cadence in youth long-distance runners is predicted by leg length and running speed.” 2022 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sectionals Meeting. February 2022, San Antonio, TX. Poster presentation.
• Mulier, L., Leugers, K., Mathews, S., Ekstrand, I., Peel SA., Goss D. “Effectiveness of altering foot strike pattern to increase function after running related injury.” 2021 American Physical Therapy Association: North Carolina Annual Conference. October 2021, Winston-Salem, NC. Poster Presentation.
• Crowell MS., Brindle RA., Mason JS., Pitt W., Miller EM., Ford KR., Peel SA., Goss DL. “The effectiveness of telehealth gait retraining in addition to standard physical therapy treatment for overuse knee injuries in soldiers: a randomized clinical trial.” 2021 Military Health System Research Symposium. August 2021, Kissimmee, FL. Poster Presentation.
• Velasco T., Peel SA., Hulsopple C., Gornoski LE., Goss D., Leggit J. “Running mechanics 6-weeks post conservative management using loadsols for an active-duty female with lower leg chronic exertional compartment syndrome: a case study.” 2021 Military Health System Research Symposium. August 2021, Kissimmee, FL. Poster presentation.
• Peel SA., Melaro JA., Reinbolt JA., Zhang S., Schneider LG., Sorochan, JC., Weinhandl JT. “The effects of fatigue on lower extremity mechanics in healthy and ACL-reconstructed females: a statistical non-parametric mapping approach.” Virtual 45^th Meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics. August 2021, Virtual poster presentation.

• Peel SA., Melaro JA., Reinbolt JA., Zhang S., Schneider LG., Sorochan, JC., Weinhandl JT. “Effect of muscular fatigue on ACL loading in healthy and ACL-reconstructed females.” XXVII Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics. July 2021, Virtual poster presentation.

• Peel SA., Goss DL. “When in doubt don’t stride it out: a review of evidence on running gait and technological advancements in gait assessment and retraining interventions.” Special Operations Medical Association 2021 Scientific Assembly. June 2021, Charlotte, North Carolina. Oral presentation.
• Peel SA., Melaro JA., Weinhandl JT. “The effects of fatigue on knee mechanics in healthy females: a statistical parametric mapping approach.” Virtual 44^th Meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics. August 2020, Virtual poster presentation.
• Peel SA., Melaro JA., Weinhandl JT. “The effects of fatigue on knee mechanics in healthy females: a statistical parametric mapping approach.” 16^th Annual CEHHS Graduate Student Research Colloquium. March 2020, Knoxville, TN. Poster presentation.
• Peel SA., Melaro JA., Weinhandl JT. “The effects of fatigue on knee mechanics in healthy females: a statistical parametric mapping approach.” 3^rd Annual Mid-South Biomechanics Conference. February 2020, Memphis, TN. Oral presentation.
• Peel SA., Schroeder LE., Weinhandl JT. “Lower extremity muscle contributions to ground reaction force during a stop-jump task.” The XXVII International Society of Biomechanics World Congress/43^rd American Society of Biomechanics Conference. July 2019, Calgary, Alberta, CA. Oral presentation.
• Schroeder LE., Leveren, BH., Peel SA., O’Dwyer, MJ., Weinhandl JT. “The effects of a live defensive opponent on lower extremity biomechanics and muscle activation during unanticipated dynamic tasks.” The XXVII International Society of Biomechanics World Congress/43^rd American Society of Biomechanics Conference. July 2019, Calgary, Alberta, CA. Poster presentation.
• Peel SA., Schroeder LE., Weinhandl JT. “Lower extremity muscle contributions to ground reaction force during a stop-jump task.” 5^th Annual Women in STEM Research Symposium. March 2019, Knoxville, TN. Oral presentation.
• Peel SA., Schroeder LE., Weinhandl JT. “Lower extremity muscle contributions to ground reaction force during a stop-jump task.” 2^nd Annual Mid-South Biomechanics Conference. February 2019, Memphis, TN. Oral presentation.
• Schroeder LE., Leveren, B., O’Dwyer, M., Peel SA., Weinhandl JT. “The effects of a live defensive opponent on lower extremity biomechanics and muscle activation during unanticipated dynamic tasks.” 2^nd Annual Mid-South Biomechanics Conference. February 2019, Memphis, TN. Oral presentation.
• Peel SA., Schroeder LE., Weinhandl JT. “The effect of various foot progression angle during an anticipated cutting task.” 42^nd American Society of Biomechanics. August 2018, Rochester, MN. Poster presentation.
• Peel SA., Hoch MC., Weinhandl JT. “Effects of acute plantarflexion stretching on anterior cruciate ligament loading during single-leg landing.” 8^th World Congress of Biomechanics. July 2018, Dublin, IRL. Poster presentation.
• Peel SA., Schroeder LE., Weinhandl JT. “The effect of various foot progression angle during an anticipated cutting task.” 1^st Mid-South Biomechanics Conference. February 2018, Memphis TN. Podium presentation.
• Peel SA., Thorsen TA., Matthews BM., Weinhandl JT. “Effects of foot rotation on ACL injury risk variables during drop landing.” 41^st American Society of Biomechanics. August 2017, Boulder, CO. Poster presentation.
• Peel SA., Schroeder LE., Weinhandl JT. “Unanticipated cutting and stopping tasks do not predict the same ACL injury risk.” The XXVI International Society of Biomechanics World Congress. July, 2017, Brisbane, Queensland, AU. Podium presentation.
• Peel SA., Schroeder LE., Weinhandl JT. “Unanticipated cutting and stopping tasks do not predict the same ACL injury risk.” 13^th Annual CEHHS Graduate Student Research Colloquium. March 2017, Knoxville, TN. Poster presentation.
• Peel SA., Weinhandl JT. “Biomechanical differences in box and jump landings.” 13^th Annual CEHHS Graduate Student Research Colloquium. March 2017, Knoxville, TN. Poster presentation.
• Peel SA., Weinhandl JT. “Biomechanical differences in box and jump landings.” Southeastern American College of Sports Medicine. February 2017, Greensville, SC. Podium presentation.
• Peel SA., Paquette, MR., Schilling BK., Weiss LW. “Effects of pitch repetition on knee joint kinetics in collegiate baseball pitchers.” 40^th American Society of Biomechanics. August, 2016, Raleigh, NC. Poster presentation.
• Paquette MR., Peel SA., Smith RE. “Ground reaction forces and ankle biomechanics during walking in different ‘recovery’ footwear.” 40^th American Society of Biomechanics. August, 2016, Raleigh, NC. Poster Presentation
• Peel SA., Melcher DA., Schilling BK., Bloomer RJ., Paquette MR. "The effects of MSM supplementation on knee kinetics during running, muscle strength, and muscle soreness following eccentric exercise-induced quadriceps damage." 39^th American Society of Biomechanics. August, 2015, Columbus, OH. Poster presentation.
• Paquette, MR., Kuhman DJ., Peel SA., Melcher DA. “Prospective biomechanical variables associated with running related injuries over the course of a cross country season.” 39^th American Society of Biomechanics. August, 2015, Columbus, OH. Poster presentation.
• San Diego, CA. Poster presentation.