As an academic medical center, we are different from other hospitals because of our research mission. Our collaborative sports medicine research spans the fields of life performance, sports health and physical activity and is recognized internationally. Our work is focused on the mechanisms of injury and the investigation of innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat sports-related musculoskeletal injuries.

Our research scientists and physicians are involved in a wide variety of basic science studies and clinical trials that are supported by both federal grants and industry contracts, from leading organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the National Football League. Plus, our physical therapy team operates using a novel clinician-driven research initiative, which partners our therapists with our experienced researchers to ensure the most current, evidence-based standards and best practices are delivered from the lab and implemented in the clinic more rapidly - ultimately providing active individuals with the best care possible.

Research and Science Director

Tyler Barker, PhD

Tyler Barker, PhD

Research and Science Director, Sports Medicine Research Institute

Dr. Tyler Barker is responsible for supporting, overseeing and directing research and science at the Sports Medicine Research Institute. He has extensive experience in sustained research leadership and enjoys mentoring and training other investigators in clinical research, quality improvement initiatives, and program specific strategies or initiatives. His primary research areas of interest include anterior cruciate ligament injury and surgery, post-traumatic osteoarthritis, cytokines in injury and disease, vitamin D, clinical outcomes, and precision medicine.

Academic Profile

Principal Investigator and Research Faculty

Research Administration

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Angela Pedroza, MPH

  • Associate Director, Clinical Research Operations
    Masters in Public Health
    Bachelor in Athletic Training
Academic profile
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Michael Keller, MS

  • Clinical Research Manager
    Masters in Exercise Science
    Bachelors in Exercise Science
    SOCRA CCRP Certified
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Kate Agan

  • Clinical Research Assistant
    Bachelors in Psychology
    Shoulder Research Lead
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Jenna DeFranco

  • Clinical Research Coordinator
    Bachelors in Biology and Psychology
    SOCRA CCRP Certified
    Knee Cartilage Research Lead
Academic profile
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Sarah Jia

  • Clinical Research Assistant
    Bachelors in Medical Science
    Hip and Orthobiologics Research Lead
Academic profile
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Tabi Pontious

  • Clinical Research Assistant
    Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Health Studies and Biology
    ACL Research Lead

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