The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA (PhD) The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA (MA) Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA (AB)
McNitt-Gray completed an undergraduate degree in 1980 from Miami University. She studied mathematics and statistics and completed a certificate in coaching. In 1985 she earned a masters degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in biomechanics. While earning her masters degree she also worked for the university as an assistant coach of the women's gymnastics team. In 1989 she completed a PhD in biomechanics at Penn State University.[1]
She was a founding member[citation needed] of National Biomechanics Day (now international, The Biomechanics Initiative), which provides informal educational experiences in biomechanics and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).[2][5]
She uses modeling approaches to investigate the control and dynamics of movement, focusing on how the neuromuscular system strategically prepares for high velocity interactions with the ground (e.g. landings) to satisfy task performance objectives while effectively mitigating detrimental mechanical loading that may cause injury.[8][9]
She has collaborated with clinical partners and industry professionals to identify strategies for improving performance, personalizing the fit of assistive devices such as wheelchairs for individuals with disabilities, and translating research into clinical practice to preserve function, health, and well-being across the lifespan.[7][10][11][12]
McNitt-Gray collaborates with professional sports coaches to optimise movement technique and performance whilst limiting injury potential of elite athletes across gymnastics, basketball, long jump, triple jump, and diving.[3][4][13]
McNitt-Gray served on the ASB Membership Committee (1989–92), and on the ASB Executive Board as Education Chair (1993–95) and Program Chair (2002).[20] She was elected to President of ASB in 2010[20] and made a Fellow of ASB in 2013.[1]
She served on the ISB Executive Council as Liaison to Affiliated and Economically Developing Societies (2005–2007).[21]
Selected works
McNitt-Gray, J. L., Sand, K., Ramos, C., Peterson, T., Held, L., & Brown, K. (2015). Using technology and engineering to facilitate skill acquisition and improvements in performance. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part P: Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology, 229(2), 103–115. https://doi.org/10.1177/1754337114565381
McNitt-Gray, J. L., Yokoi, T., & Millward, C. (1994). Landing Strategies Used by Gymnasts on Different Surfaces. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 10(3), 237–252. https://doi.org/10.1123/jab.10.3.237
McNitt-Gray, J. L., Yokoi, T., & Millward, C. (1993). Landing Strategy Adjustments Made by Female Gymnasts in Response to Drop Height and Mat Composition. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 9(3), 173–190. https://doi.org/10.1123/jab.9.3.173
McNitt-Gray, J. L. (1993). Kinetics of the lower extremities during drop landings from three heights. Journal of Biomechanics, 26(9), 1037–1046. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0021-9290(05)80003-X
McNitt-Gray, J. L. (1991). Kinematics and Impulse Characteristics of Drop Landings from Three Heights. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 7(2), 201–224. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsb.7.2.201
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