Jesse Lee Rhoades

Dr. Jesse Lee Rhoades is a Full Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Public Health Education at the University of North Dakota, specializing in biomechanics, human movement analysis, and spaceflight mobility. His NASA-funded research focuses on astronaut locomotion, space suit design, and lunar gait dynamics. He teaches courses including Biomechanics, Motor Development, Research Methods, and Motion Capture.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Kinesiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2010)
• M.A. in Exercise Science, Indiana State University (2006)
• B.S. in Physical Education Teaching, Indiana State University (2002)
• A.S. in Physical Education, Parkland Community College (1999)

Research Interests: Dr. Rhoades investigates human movement under reduced gravity, motor learning, and complex systems in education. Key areas include lunar foot dynamics, gait coordination, nonconscious mimicry in physical education, and ecological dynamics in sports. His work bridges biomechanics with space medicine, emphasizing practical applications for astronaut training and inclusive space exploration.

Publications Trends: Recent articles (2020–2025) focus on space medicine (lunar locomotion, space suit ergonomics) and pedagogical innovation (motor learning, ecological dynamics). Biomechanics and kinesiology dominate, with emerging themes in inclusivity for parastronauts and adaptive movement strategies in altered gravity.

Grants & Projects:

• NASA-funded studies on parastronaut mobility and space suit performance (2021–2022, $200,000+)
• U.S. Army Research on cognitive workload during CBRN missions (2022, $499,999)
• International collaboration on complexity in physical education (Brazil Ministry, 2021, ~$17,772)

Mentorship & Service: Actively supervises graduate students, serves on dissertation committees, and holds leadership roles in academic organizations. Contributes to peer review for biomechanics and kinesiology journals.