Crystal Kean

Dr. Crystal Kean is the Head of Course and Senior Lecturer in Exercise & Sport Sciences at CQUniversity’s School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences. She holds a PhD in Rehabilitation Science from The University of Western Ontario (2010) and has extensive post-doctoral experience at The University of Melbourne. Her research focuses on biomechanical and neuromuscular mechanisms underlying musculoskeletal conditions, athlete performance optimization, and interventions to improve physical function. She is a key advocate for STEM education, co-founding the Biomechanics Research & Innovation Challenge (BRInC) to engage high school girls in biomechanics.

Education:

• PhD in Rehabilitation Science, The University of Western Ontario, Canada (2010)
• MSc in Kinesiology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada (2005)
• BSc (Honours) in Kinesiology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada (2003)

Research Interests: Combines biomechanics, neuromuscular physiology, and clinical science to address musculoskeletal injuries, joint loading in osteoarthritis, and athlete performance. Active in developing interventions using novel technologies like 3D-printed orthotics and wearable devices for real-time monitoring.

Key Contributions: Over 40 peer-reviewed publications on topics including therapeutic taping effects, knee and hip biomechanics, and sports injury prevention. Leads teaching in biomechanics, injury prevention, and research methods at CQUniversity.

Awards:

• CIHR Graduate Fellow in Musculoskeletal Health Research
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship
• University of Western Ontario Graduate Research Scholarship

Advising & Grants: Currently supervises PhD candidates researching neuromuscular fatigue in rugby players and therapeutic tape effects on tendinopathy. Engages in collaborative grants on athlete performance monitoring and musculoskeletal interventions.

Labs/Teams: Coordinates BRInC, a hands-on program inspiring female students to pursue biomechanics and STEM careers. Active in interdisciplinary teams at CQUniversity’s biomechanics labs and Australian sports science networks.