Duke University Establishes Sports Science, Research and Innovation Division
DURHAM, N.C. – Duke University has long been at the forefront of sports science, and this summer, the institution took a significant step forward by establishing the Sports Science, Research and Innovation division within its Department of Athletics. This new division, led by director Nicholas Potter and assistant director Jon Sedy, aims to enhance the university’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge science with athletic performance.
A Legacy of Innovation
The creation of the Sports Science, Research and Innovation division is not a sudden development; rather, it is the culmination of two decades of strategic planning and innovation. According to Potter, the evolution of this division stems from a deep curiosity about the myriad factors that influence student-athletes, as well as a passion for utilizing state-of-the-art technology to improve athlete health, wellness, and performance.
Heather Ryan, Deputy Director of Athletics/Student-Athlete Experience, emphasized that the formalization of this division reflects years of foresight and strategic innovation aimed at optimizing student-athlete health and performance. "As an Athletics Department, this was the right time to officially build out this division and take it to the next level," she stated.
A Holistic Approach to Athlete Development
The Sports Science, Research and Innovation division is designed to synthesize communication, data sharing, and technology implementation across various sectors within the Athletics Department. This includes athletic medicine, sports performance, sports nutrition, and mental health and performance.
With a dedicated team of 13 staff members, the division regularly collects individualized data on student-athletes. This data is gathered through advanced tools such as wearable GPS devices and portable force plates, which track metrics like distance, speed, power, and movement during practices and workouts. Additionally, surveys are utilized to capture factors that may affect the athletes outside of their sport.
Potter noted, "The data helps provide us with a holistic, 360-degree view of our student-athletes daily, which allows us to provide timely interventions that enhance health, wellness, development, and performance."
Collaborative Partnerships for Enhanced Outcomes
One of the key strengths of the Sports Science, Research and Innovation division is its ability to forge valuable partnerships across the Duke campus. Collaborations with various departments and institutes enhance the division’s capabilities and outcomes.
For instance, the Duke Sports Sciences Institute, led by Dr. Ned Amendola, Chief Medical Officer with Duke Athletics, conducts hydration testing and scans for body composition and bone density. Additionally, the Duke Heart Center, under the leadership of Dr. Manesh Patel, Chief of the Division of Cardiology with Duke Health, offers innovative assessments related to cardiovascular performance and muscle physiology.
Strategic collaborations have also been established with the Fuqua School of Business, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke Infectious Disease, and the Duke Analytics Club. These partnerships create a comprehensive team of specialists dedicated to optimizing student-athlete testing, monitoring, analysis, research production, and data visualization.
A Commitment to Student-Athlete Experience
At the heart of the Sports Science, Research and Innovation division is a commitment to enhancing the student-athlete experience. Potter emphasized that every test, analysis, report, and intervention is designed with the ultimate goal of positively impacting the lives of student-athletes.
This focus on the holistic well-being of athletes not only aims to improve performance but also to ensure that they thrive both on and off the field.
Looking Ahead: Duke’s Centennial Celebration
As Duke University prepares to celebrate its Centennial in 2024, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University, the establishment of the Sports Science, Research and Innovation division stands as a testament to the institution’s ongoing commitment to excellence and leadership in various fields, including athletics.
The university plans to use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride, strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of impactful leadership. For more information about the Centennial celebration, visit 100.duke.edu.
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