University of Michigan School of Kinesiology

06/02/2026

What does it take to be known for dominating distance running?

In a new essay for Aeon, faculty member Geoff Burns and anthropologist Michael Crawley examine the philosophies behind Ethiopia’s extraordinary dominance in marathon running and what Western sports science may still have to learn from it.

Drawing from years of ethnographic fieldwork and elite sport science experience, the essay explores how Ethiopian runners approach training not as an individual pursuit driven by data and optimization, but as a collective effort rooted in trust, shared responsibility, and an intuitive understanding of energy.

While contrasted with modern endurance training, the highly quantified "Norwegian Method," which relies on heart-rate monitoring, blood lactate testing, and individualized precision, Ethiopian athletes often prioritize group dynamics, environmental feel, and the social exchange of effort. Rather than viewing performance as a purely engineered process, the essay argues that endurance expertise can also emerge through embodied knowledge, attunement to environment and, and lived experience.

The piece asks broader questions about how societies value different kinds of expertise, what may be lost through constant self-quantification, and why human connection remains central to performance.

Photo by Michael Crawley.

05/29/2026

Muscle growth and strength training aren’t just about lifting heavier, but how we move in everyday life. In Healthline, Lindsey Lepley, associate professor of athletic training, and Laura Richardson, clinical associate professor of applied exercise science and movement science, explore the science behind eccentric exercise, an often-overlooked form of training that may help build strength with less strain on the body. https://myumi.ch/d8N3R

05/26/2026

We are proud to congratulate six faculty members whose promotions were recently approved by the University of Michigan Board of Regents. 🎉

Please join us in celebrating (from left to right) Jacob M. Haus, professor with tenure, Dae Hee Kwak, professor with tenure, Andrew T. Ludlow, associate professor with tenure, Brian P. McCullough, professor with tenure, Laura A. Richardson, clinical professor, and Michael Vesia, associate professor with tenure.

Their dedication to teaching, research, and service continues to elevate our school and the field of kinesiology.

05/25/2026

Today, we remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. Wishing our Kinesiology community a meaningful Memorial Day.

On this , we honor and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

05/22/2026

Hailing from Singapore, Letitia Sim (AES '26) grew up in Alabama, trained in Ann Arbor, and competed in Paris. One of her biggest lessons at Michigan was learning that the best version of herself emerged when she started showing up for others, just like others showed up for her—as a team captain, an Olympian, and in the lab. https://myumi.ch/ykr48

Recruited for swimming, she found the balance between sport and academics she was looking for, and discovered the two were never really separate. Along the way: a gap year to qualify for the 2024 Olympics representing Singapore, neuromuscular physiology research, and a Big Ten Conference championship all under her cap.

"There were definitely really challenging times, both academically and within the sport, but without the support here of the people, the professors, the coaches, I would not be where I am today."

With more to achieve in athletics and beyond, she's heading back to Singapore to train, then on to a master's in sports science.

05/20/2026

Where our Wolverines are off to 🎓

From working in professional sports to applying to medical school and traveling everywhere in between, we know the is off to do great things because they came from Kines.

05/18/2026

The School of Kinesiology Building is feeling a little still without the Wolverines who bring it to life.

05/15/2026

Great teaching creates momentum that lasts far beyond a semester 💡. Congratulations to Kara Palmer, Judith Grant Long, and Yongjoon Bae, this year's recipients, for going above and beyond for Wolverines!

Chosen through student nominations and a student-led review process, the Excellence in Teaching Award honors instructors who made a meaningful impact on the Kines student experience this year.

05/14/2026

This part of Kate Johnson's speech from our commencement is worth every second.

She's no stranger to excellence as an Olympic silver medalist rower, mother, executive leader, cancer survivor, advocate for women's sports, and global director of sports & entertainment marketing partnerships at Google. Her message to this year's graduates wasn't just for them—it's for anyone standing at a crossroads or chasing something bigger.

Thank you to Kate for inspiring Kines Wolverines before they took their next steps across stage!

Watch her full keynote on YouTube: https://myumi.ch/RQx6G

05/13/2026

"In general, I don't like the whole 'cannot, will not' concept." https://myumi.ch/nVk4N

Eliana DeTata (SM ’26) took that philosophy and ran with it, becoming the first Wolverine to graduate with dual degrees in sport management and information analysis from the University of Michigan School of Information.

From Chandler, Arizona, Eliana arrived in Ann Arbor drawn by the alumni network and a drive to get involved. She became president of the Sport Business Association student organization, led an executive board of 30, and in the university's chapter of Phi Epsilon Kappa, found family away from home.

It was through an internship at the MLB with the Los Angeles Dodgers that she set her sights on sports analytics. Following that interest is what led her to land a coaching analytics fellow position with the Baltimore Ravens. That, and the connections that come with a block M—like a seat at the NFL Women's Forum.

The rooms she's getting into? Deserved and earned. 〽️