Christopher Connaboy Affiliate Faculty

Biography

Dr. Chris Connaboy is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, working within the Neuromuscular Research Laboratory and Warrior Human Performance Research Center. Dr. Connaboy completed his Ph.D. in Biomechanics and Motor Control and his MSc in Biomechanics at the University of Edinburgh. Prior to coming to the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Connaboy worked at the University of Houston, TX and Edinburgh Napier University. Prior to undertaking his academic career, Dr. Connaboy was a soldier in the Black Watch, Royal Highland Regiment in the UK Armed Forces. As a researcher, he has expertise in human performance optimization with a specific focus on movement, coordination and the perceptuo-motor processes involved in performing skilled actions in elite soldiers and athletes. He currently serves as Co-Principal investigator on two studies (1) a study funded by the U.K. Ministry of Defence, to examining the Optimization of Training and Physical Performance for Women in Ground Close Combat Roles (WGCC 5.5.6: Task 0107), and (2) A NASA funded study (80JSC017N0001-HHCHFBP) examining the effects of a validated exercise regimen with guided imagery on behavioral health, fatigue, cognitive, sensorimotor, and immune system function in the Human Exploration Research Analog located at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. He is currently a Co-investigator on a Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program award (W81XWH-16- PHTBIRP-CR3A): Characterization of Psychological Resilience and Readiness: Cross-Validation of Cognitive and Behavioral Metrics During Acute Military Operational Stress. He has also served as a co-investigator on a previous NASA funded study (NNX15AC13G) examining the Interrelationships Between Physical Health, Psychological Risk And Performance When Operating In Isolated, Confined And Extreme Environments. Also, he recently completed a project serving as PI on a study for the Air-Force the Special Operations Command (FA8650-12-2-6271): Injury Prevention and Human Performance Research Initiative.