Josh LeonardisJosh Leonardis, an assistant professor of kinesiology and community health and the director of the Musculoskeletal Morphology and Biomechanics Laboratory, accepted a faculty appointment at the Beckman Institute.

Leonardis' research examines the intricate relationship between upper extremity musculoskeletal structure and function using innovative biomechanical, neuromuscular, and musculoskeletal imaging techniques. His current research focuses on quantifying the sex-specific neuromuscular and musculoskeletal adaptations to wheelchair use across the lifespan and the development and implementation of workplace ergonomic standards for manual wheelchair users. Additionally, he is interested in developing paradigms for the early detection and prevention of musculoskeletal pathologies secondary to surgery for breast cancer.

At the Beckman Institute, Leonardis will collaborate with colleagues Ian Rice and Mariana Kersh to develop novel, patient-specific interventions for the prevention, early detection, and treatment of upper extremity pain and pathology in manual wheelchair users.

"I can’t wait to collaborate with the Beckman community to expand the scope of my personal research and to bring new insights to others' work. I look forward to leveraging all the resources and opportunities that Beckman provides to have a real impact on the lives of the populations I study," Leonardis said.