Beth R Bacon

Beth R. Bacon, Ph.D., is a Lecturer in the School of Health and Applied Human Sciences at UNCW with expertise in neuromechanics, biomechanics, neuroscience, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. Prior to joining UNCW, she was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she coordinated research for a Department of Defense-funded clinical trial examining rehabilitation strategies following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Dr. Bacon earned her Ph.D. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Applied Neuromechanics from UNC Greensboro. Her research explores the interactions among the brain, movement, and musculoskeletal health, with growing interests in women’s health, exercise, and healthy aging across the lifespan.

With more than a decade of experience as a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Dr. Bacon brings a strong applied perspective to her teaching and research and is passionate about translating movement science into practical strategies that improve health, performance, and quality of life.

Education

Ph.D. in Kinesiology, concentration in Applied Neuromechanics, University of North Carolina Greensboro
M.S. in Kinesiology, concentration in Applied Neuromechanics, University of North Carolina Greensboro
B.S. in Kinesiology, University of North Carolina Greensboro

Specialization in Teaching

Dr. Bacon’s teaching interests include biomechanics, human anatomy, kinesiology, exercise science, neuromuscular function, injury prevention, and strength and conditioning. She has taught undergraduate courses in Clinical Human Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Introduction to Kinesiology.

Her teaching philosophy emphasizes applied learning and helping students connect scientific concepts to human movement, health, rehabilitation, and performance. Drawing from her experience as a researcher, personal trainer, and group fitness instructor, she incorporates real-world examples and current research into the classroom to make complex concepts accessible and relevant.

She is particularly interested in mentoring students who want to pursue careers or graduate education in exercise science, biomechanics, rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, and health-related professions.

Research Interests

Dr. Bacon’s research examines the interaction between the nervous and musculoskeletal systems and how these relationships influence human movement, injury risk, and recovery. Her work integrates biomechanics and neuroscience to investigate neural and biomechanical factors associated with lower-extremity injury and rehabilitation.

Her doctoral research focused on brain activation during knee joint loading in females with differing levels of anterior knee laxity and potential implications for ACL injury risk. Her postdoctoral work expanded into post-ACLR rehabilitation, including the effects of therapeutic vibration on neuromuscular function, biomechanics, joint health, and recovery.

Current and emerging research interests include neuromechanics, ACL injury and rehabilitation, brain–body interactions, concussion, gait and movement variability, and women’s health. She is particularly interested in understanding how hormonal and physiological changes across the female lifespan influence neuromuscular function, musculoskeletal health, exercise response, injury risk, and healthy aging.

Professional Service

Dr. Bacon serves on the Editorial Board of the Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal (WSPAJ), a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing research and scholarship related to women and girls in sport and physical activity. She also contributes to the profession through scientific peer review, interdisciplinary research collaboration, and mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students.

Her professional activities include collaboration with researchers, clinicians, physical therapists, and students across biomechanics, neuroscience, sports medicine, and rehabilitation. She participates in professional organizations and scientific meetings, including the American College of Sports Medicine and Society for Neuroscience.

Community Engagement

Dr. Bacon is passionate about translating exercise and movement science beyond the laboratory and classroom. With more than 12 years of experience in the fitness industry as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, she has worked with individuals across a wide range of ages, abilities, and fitness levels to promote physical activity, strength, and lifelong health.

Her community engagement interests center on making evidence-based exercise and health information accessible and practical, particularly for women. She is interested in developing community partnerships and programs that support women’s health, strength, physical activity, injury prevention, and healthy aging across the lifespan.

Honors & Awards

Minerva Scholar, UNC Greensboro Graduate School, 2020
Susan Stout Scholarship, UNC Greensboro School of Health and Human Sciences, 2020, 2022
Undergraduate Research and Creativity Award, UNC Greensboro, 2019