The APTA Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) is the biggest annual event of the year for Physical Therapy (PT) folks in the U.S. Faculty, clinicians, researchers, and PT students gather from around the country to learn about the latest PT technology and science. On February 13, 2020, Chapman University Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy Joanne Armour-Smith Ph.D. was the recipient of the prestigious 2020 Early Career Investigator Award in Biomechanics Research from the Biomechanics Special Interest Group (SIG). Dr. Armour-Smith was presented with the award at the Biomechanics SIG business meeting at CMS 2020 in Denver, Colorado. SIG is part of the Academy of Physical Therapy Research which aims to promote PT research and expand its application of emerging therapeutic methods.

Dr. Armour-Smith completed her Ph.D. and postdoctoral research at the University of Southern California, in the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy.  In 2015, she joined Chapman University in the Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy. Her current, clinically-motivated research program uses a neuromechanical approach, combining biomechanics and neuroscience, to establish mechanisms underlying adaptations in postural control of the trunk during static and dynamic multi-planar activities in specific patient populations. She is the director of the NOHMLab at Chapman’s Rinker Health Sciences Campus. Prior to beginning her academic and research career, Dr. Armour-Smith worked for several years as a physical therapist in the United Kingdom and the United States, specializing in orthopedics and dance medicine.

Congratulations to Dr. Armour-Smith on this wonderful achievement!