John Mercer

John Mercer, Ph.D., is a Professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences. He teaches biomechanics courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

• Education: B.S. from Buffalo State University of New York, M.S. from University of North Texas, Ph.D. from University of Oregon
• Established the Biomechanics Laboratory at UNLV in 2002
• Chair of the University Biomedical Institutional Review Board

Research Focus: Human locomotion, sport performance optimization, and biomechanical/physiological responses during movement. Special interests include:

• Wearable technology for performance monitoring
• Body weight support systems in rehabilitation
• Thermal regulation during aquatic exercise
• Muscle activation patterns in directional locomotion
• Impact of footwear and compression garments

Recent Publications (2023-2025) demonstrate expertise in:

• Wetsuit effects on swimming physiology
• Stride frequency optimization
• Music synchronization in running
• Compression garment efficacy
• Backward/forward locomotion comparison
• Circus performance biomechanics

Scientific Achievements:

• Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine
• Past-President of Southwest Chapter of ACSM
• Key contributor to sports biomechanics literature
• Developed standardized protocols for aquatic treadmill analysis

Laboratory: The UNLV Biomechanics Laboratory serves as a hub for research on:

• Human movement analysis
• Performance monitoring technology
• Rehabilitation biomechanics
• Environmental physiology
• Neuromuscular adaptation
• Interdisciplinary sports science