K. MichaelRowley, PhD Faculty Profile
K. Michael Rowley, PhD
Associate Professor
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; 2019-21PhD in Biokinesiology, Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, 2018BS in Exercise Science with a concentration in Biomechanics and Motor Control, Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, 2013BA in Biological Sciences with a minor in Dance, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, 2013
Spring Semester 2026
Course # Sec Course Title Days From To Location Campus KIN 303 01 Biomechanics TTH 9:30AM 10:45AM PE-0139 Hayward Campus KIN 490 02 Independent Study ARR ARR Hayward Campus KIN 303 01C Biomechanics TH 2:00PM 4:40PM PE-0152 Hayward Campus KIN 301 01 Applied Musculoskeletal Anatom M 3:00PM 3:50PM WEB-SYNCH Hayward Campus KIN 301 01B Applied Musculoskeletal Anatom W 11:00AM 1:40PM PE-0139 Hayward Campus KIN 301 01A Applied Musculoskeletal Anatom W 5:00PM 7:40PM PE-0139 Hayward Campus KIN 498 03 Internship ARR ARR Hayward Campus KIN 303 01B Biomechanics TH 11:00AM 1:40PM PE-0152 Hayward Campus KIN 303 01A Biomechanics TH 5:00PM 7:40PM PE-0152 Hayward Campus KIN 685 01 Supervised Research ARR ARR Hayward Campus "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)