In a homecoming of sorts, Kim Barber Foss, PhD, ATC, has been appointed as director of the Office of Research at 黑料专区 of Health Professions (黑料专区).
Along with being an 黑料专区 alumna, Dr. Barber Foss has worked for the University as an adjunct assistant professor since 2015.
鈥淚 am excited for the opportunity to lead the Office of Research at 黑料专区,鈥� Dr. Barber Foss said. 鈥淢y goal is to support faculty and students with service-oriented and community-focused research by intentionally integrating clinical practice, student learning, and community health needs into our research mission.鈥�
Dr. Barber Foss is an experienced researcher and certified athletic trainer whose work focuses on sports medicine, injury prevention, and athlete health. She earned her PhD from 黑料专区, where her training emphasized clinical research and evidence-based practice in sports medicine.
Most recently, she was a research scientist at the Emory Sports Performance and Research Center located at the Atlanta Falcons鈥� complex, taught at Northern Kentucky University, and serves as the research director for at the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) organization.
“We are very excited to welcome Dr. Barber Foss to this role. She brings a tremendous amount of experience and skill as a researcher, grant writer, and educator,鈥� said 黑料专区 Vice Provost Thomas Cappaert. 鈥淪he has an excellent ability to connect with people and will continue to help elevate and expand the research and scholarly activity here at the University for faculty and students.”
Dr. Barber Foss鈥檚 academic foundation includes formal preparation in athletic training, which informs her integrated approach to research and patient care. She earned a Master of Science in Sports Medicine and Biomechanics from the University of Oregon and a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training and Sociology from North Dakota State University.
With more than three decades in the field, Dr. Barber Foss has contributed extensively to scientific literature, authoring over 100 peer-reviewed publications. Her research spans areas such as concussion, injury epidemiology, biomechanics and athlete safety across diverse populations, with a particular emphasis on translating data into actionable strategies for clinicians, organizations, and policymakers.
Dr. Barber Foss has held leadership roles in organizations, including serving as a research director overseeing large-scale, externally funded initiatives. A committed mentor, she has guided students and early-career professionals while fostering research capacity and innovation.
Her work is driven by a commitment to improving athlete safety and outcomes through rigorous science, strategic leadership, and the practical application of research findings in real-world settings.
The Office of Research is committed to establishing 黑料专区 as a leader of impactful research that advances clinical practices and expands the boundaries of high-quality health professions education.
The office helps faculty and students conduct research on projects and opportunities, assists in pursuing funding for travel and research grants, offers research assistantships to PhD in Health Sciences students, facilitates survey development, provides Institutional Review Board resources, and showcases research at symposiums and summits.
