Appointment of Co-Directors for the Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Doctorial Program

By Erica Howell

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ryan McCann and Dr. Patrick Wilson as the new co-directors for the PhD in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation program. As part of the strategic plan, the program will now report directly to the Dean's office.

The College leadership is confident that the experience and expertise of Dr. Ryan McCann and Dr. Patrick Wilson make them well-suited to guide the program toward continued excellence and a strong national and international reputation.

Dr. Ryan McCann has been a faculty member in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences since 2017. He earned his bachelor's degree in athletic training from Northern Kentucky 91¶ÌÊÓƵ, followed by a master's degree in athletic training from Old Dominion 91¶ÌÊÓƵ, and completed a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences at the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ of Kentucky. His research primarily focuses on clinical determinants of lower extremity injury and re-injury, as well as neuromuscular consequences and interventions for lower extremity injury. As co-director of the KR program, Dr. McCann is excited to leverage the forthcoming changes within ODU and the College of Health Sciences, envisioning a program that continues to grow and establish an outstanding national and international reputation.

Joining Dr. McCann is Dr. Patrick Wilson, an associate professor in the newly-formed School of Kinesiology and Health Science. Dr. Wilson completed his master's and doctoral degrees in Kinesiology from the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ of Minnesota, following his Bachelor's degree in dietetics from Minnesota 91¶ÌÊÓƵ 91¶ÌÊÓƵ-Mankato. Since joining ODU in 2015, Dr. Wilson has demonstrated his commitment to scholarship by publishing over 50 peer-reviewed papers, specifically in the areas of sport nutrition, hydration assessment, and lifestyle behaviors among individuals with psoriasis. Dr. Wilson also holds the credentials of a Registered Dietitian. Dr. Wilson will strive to help students build collaborative relationships across the College of Health Sciences and the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ. In addition, he is looking forward to the continued enhancement of the program's reputation through recruiting high-quality students and building inter-institutional connections.

As co-directors, Dr. McCann and Dr. Wilson will work collaboratively to guide the Kinesiology and Rehabilitation doctoral program toward new heights of success. Their combined expertise, dedication, and enthusiasm will strengthen the program's research endeavors, educational quality, and overall impact within the field of kinesiology and rehabilitation science.