In August, Ross Miller, a University of Massachusetts graduate student and Ph.D. candidate, received the Young Scientist Pre-Doctoral Award from the American Society of Biomechanics (ASB). The award was presented to Miller at the 34th Annual ASB Meeting in Providence, R.I. At the meeting, which lasted from Aug.18 to 21, he delivered a talk entitled “Theoretical analysis of limitations to maximum sprinting speed imposed by muscle mechanical properties,” which assured his winning position.

“Within the field of biomechanics, this is a very prestigious award,” said associate professor of kinesiology Graham Caldwell, Miller’s doctoral advisor and co-author of the talk delivered by Miller at the ASB meeting last month. Competition for the award is also incredibly competitive.

“Many students apply for this award from around the country, it’s incredibly competitive,” said Miller, “The award is based on what you’ve done so far in the field, and most of my work has been focused on the biomechanics of running,” as shown by his presentation of how muscular properties limit human sprinting possibilities.

“There are a variety of projects being done by the biomechanics lab, a section of the kinesiology department,” said Professor Caldwell.

“These include projects Ross is working on, dealing with human running speed, and another ongoing project on postural control, and how mechanical properties affect postural motion and control,” continued Caldwell.

Miller also has worked on a study for Iliotibial Band Syndrome, or ITBS. The Iliotibial band runs alongside the outside of the leg and is prone to strain during periods of physical activity. “It’s a very common injury found in the knees of runners, with pain on top of the knee and to the outside.”

Miller and a fellow student created a computerized model of the lower half of the body that focused on the strain level of the Iliotibial band of different test subjects. The model helped to determine that runners with higher strain in their legs were more likely to develop ITBS later on.

Miller is currently waiting on his Ph.D. to come through while he finishes working on his dissertation, focusing on mapping out his research into a presentation format. He will also continue to work on other projects dealing with his specific focus on human physiology while running; whether an unnecessary property of movement is eliminated in the process, or trying to answer questions having to do with the workings of power and muscle in the body.

While answering a request for an interview via email, Professor Caldwell revealed what could be construed as his personal opinion on the matter of Miller’s work ethic and worth. “Ross is an outstanding student and real credit to UMass,” said Caldwell.

Tim Wallace can be reached at [email protected].