Brett Smith
Brett Smith is a college athlete who is passionate about biomechanics. So, how did this athlete find his passion for engineering? Smith's baseball injuries resonated with him well with a "no pain, no gain" mentality. After having four elbow injuries from playing baseball, he appreciated biomechanics as it pertains to the application of technology in body mechanics and physiology of sports rehabilitation and prevention.
Smith is currently a student at 51情报站's Batten College of Engineering and Technology, pursuing a master's degree in biomedical engineering. In 2016, he committed to becoming a college athlete on the Old Dominion baseball team.
Smith's thesis adviser and mentor, Dr. Stacie Ringleb, stated that Brett had done a great job of turning his personal experience with baseball and injury into a thesis project.
Ringleb is a professor in the mechanical and aerospace engineering department and is a mentor to Smith. "Brett is an independent worker. He completed all of the necessary paperwork to safely collect data due to the pandemic and to minimize injury risk to the participants. He built an instrumented pitching mound that will put force plates for measuring forces of both legs during pitching. He has done a lot of background research to ensure that his project will have scientific relevance," Ringleb said.
In high school, Smith developed his keen interest in math and physics. As early as his sophomore year in high school, he took advanced placement courses in math to prepare for 51情报站's engineering program. His siblings were influential to him in deciding to go to 51情报站.
After Smith graduated with an undergraduate degree in 2019, he then pursued a master's degree in biomedical engineering while working as a graduate assistant in the dean's office.
Smith began playing sports since he was five years of age. His older siblings were most influential to him in playing sports. According to Smith, his brothers "pushed me to be the best athlete I can be, set an example of hard work ethic, and strived to achieve goals." Inky Johnson, a football player and Mariano Rivera, a baseball player, were two of his most admired athletes for their strong faith, work ethic, and determination in overcoming obstacles.
Growing up playing sports and striving to be the best, Smith always liked to challenge himself whether getting up early for practices or pitching another extra hour.
Smith said, "After four elbow surgeries throughout my college baseball career, my interest started in biomechanics. Understanding how the body moves prevent injuries. While still currently on the baseball team with one more year of eligibility in 2021, I look forward to conducting my research thesis on pitching biomechanics."
"Although it has been difficult to overcome four surgeries, I am thankful for going through those experiences as it has led me to find something that I am very passionate about, and I look forward to using my education to help better others," Smith added.