K. Michael Rowley, PhD Faculty Profile

Michael Rowley studies biomechanical and neuromuscular control of movement in the context of high-intensity movement demands of dance with the goals of reducing injury risk and improving rehabilitation. In particular, Michael focuses on dance styles and genres typically under-represented in dance medicine and science with the aim to improve equity in access to evidence-based healthcare and training for all dancers. Michael has served as a committee chair and a member of the Intersectionality Task Force with the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) and has developed and led continuing education courses in dance injury prevention and rehab. Michael has also worked as a dancer with the Rudy Perez Ensemble in Santa Monica, CA, and NOVA Dance Company in Wilmington, DE, practicing primarily ballet, contemporary, modern, and post-modern movement styles.

• Postdoctoral Research Associate; Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology; Brown University; 2019-21
• PhD in Biokinesiology, Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, 2018
• BS in Exercise Science with a concentration in Biomechanics and Motor Control, Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, 2013
• BA in Biological Sciences with a minor in Dance, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, 2013

"Most Valuable Professor" awarded by Cross-Country / Track and Field Team (2025)

Mary Harrington Outstanding Thesis Award (Matties and Rowley, 2024)

CPTA Research Publication Award (Mikkelsen et al., 2024)

Outstanding Teaching Award awarded by Faculty of USC's Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy (2019)

Outstanding Mentorship Award awarded by Students of USC's Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy (2018)

Provost Fellow, University of Southern California (2013-15)

American Association of University Professors Scholarship (2013)

Eugene du Pont Scholar, University of Delaware (2009-13)