Steven Garcia

Steven Garcia, PhD, is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California (USC). A Los Angeles native, Garcia returned to his roots after completing his PhD in Movement Science at the University of Michigan (2023) and postdoctoral training at the University of Illinois–Chicago. He specializes in knee osteoarthritis prevention post-ACL injury, integrating biomechanics, neuromuscular physiology, and musculoskeletal imaging into his research.

• PhD, Movement Science, University of Michigan (2023)
• MS, Kinesiology, California State University-Fullerton (2018)
• BS, Kinesiology, California State University-Fullerton (2016)

Garcia’s research examines how gait patterns, muscle strength, and daily movement influence knee cartilage adaptability after ACL reconstruction. His work leverages 3D motion capture, dynamometry, electromyography, and ultrasonography to identify modifiable risk factors for osteoarthritis. Recent publications highlight collaborations on ACL rehabilitation protocols, BMI-related gait mechanics, and inter-joint coordination.

As part of USC’s anatomy core, Garcia teaches musculoskeletal anatomy and analytical anatomy in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, emphasizing real-world applications of anatomical principles. Outside academia, he is an avid music enthusiast, logging over 100,000 annual minutes on Spotify and enjoying vinyl records with friends.