Rising third-year Exercise Science major and pre-med student Ryan Brown made strides in sports biomechanics research through the Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP). Set to graduate in May 2026, Ryan worked under the mentorship of Dr. Jimmy Oñate to explore how fatigue affects throwing mechanics in youth baseball players.
Over the summer, Brown’s research focused on isometric strength and fatigue-related biomechanics. The study involved upper extremity strength testing followed by a game-simulated bullpen session. Using advanced markerless motion capture technology, Brown collected and analyzed kinematic data to identify changes in movement patterns throughout the throwing session.
Brown shared that the best part of research was the opportunity to collaborate with a wide range of scientists—from fellow students to professors.
“It’s a great way to see what research looks like in the real world,” he said.
Through URAP, Brown discovered that research demands creativity, persistence, and problem-solving—skills he’s excited to continue developing.