Jonas Rubenson

Jonas Rubenson is a Professor of Kinesiology in the Department of Kinesiology, College of Health and Human Development, at The Pennsylvania State University. His research focuses on the mechanics and energetics of locomotion, in vivo skeletal muscle function, and musculoskeletal structure-function relationships.

• Ph.D., 2005, Biomechanics, The University of Western Australia
• B.Sc. (Hon), 1998, Exercise Physiology, The University of Western Australia
• B.Sc., 1996, Biology and Human Kinetics, University of British Columbia

His research integrates experimental and modeling approaches to study gait and skeletal muscle function during locomotion in both health and disease/impairment. Key areas include the relationship between joint and muscle mechanics and metabolic energetics, as well as mechanisms underlying locomotor adaptation and optimization. Recent publications emphasize locomotor plasticity, tendon stress in hopping kangaroos, and musculoskeletal modeling in birds and bipedal models.

Rubenson collaborates with research centers such as the Integrative and Biomedical Physiology and the Center for Movement Science and Technology. His work often involves interdisciplinary approaches, combining biomechanics, physiology, and robotics.

Current research projects investigate principles of muscle function during movement, with applications in understanding locomotion in extinct theropod dinosaurs and developing legged robots. His team also explores developmental plasticity of locomotor economy and swing-phase mechanics in avian models.