Matthew Michael Hanks

Matthew Michael Hanks is an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, affiliated with the College of Applied Health Sciences and the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology. He also serves as an affiliate at Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES).

• Research focuses on biomechanics and adaptive sports medicine
• Specializes in spinal cord injury rehabilitation and upper extremity joint dynamics
• Active in analyzing wheelchair athletics and pediatric rehabilitation

His work spans biomechanical analysis of wheelchair lacrosse, scapular positioning in postural compression garments, and muscle activation patterns in adaptive sports. Current research includes 3D trunk and upper limb biomechanics in athletes with disabilities and sex-based differences in pediatric wheelchair users.

Recent publications emphasize sports injury prevention, mobility enhancement technologies, and comparative physiological studies in wheelchair basketball. Collaborations include clinical researchers in orthopedics and rehabilitation engineering.