Daniel Taylor, Ph.D.

Background

Dr. Daniel Taylor is a performance scientist with more than 15 years of experience advancing human performance systems across the NBA, NCAA Division I athletics, and global sport institutes. He holds a Ph.D. in Performance Psychology, two master’s degrees in Exercise Science, and a Certificate in Business Analytics from Harvard Business School. His work brings together sport science, biomechanics, psychology, and applied data analysis to improve athlete development, organizational decision making, and return to play processes across elite sport environments.

Dr. Taylor’s professional expertise centers on understanding how physiological, psychological, and mechanical factors interact to influence performance, durability, and readiness. He has extensive experience designing athlete monitoring systems that incorporate optical tracking, force plate assessment, wearable technology, machine learning models, and cognitive performance measures. His work translates complex data into clear insights that guide coaches, medical staff, and front office leadership.

At the Joe Gibbs Human Performance Institute (JGHPI), Dr. Taylor contributed to the development of one of the most advanced sport science laboratories in the country. He collaborated with leaders in biomechanics, movement science, and applied technology to build assessment protocols, research-supported testing systems, and performance modeling tools. His role connected scientific innovation with daily athlete support and long-term strategic development.

Prior to JGHPI, Dr. Taylor founded and directed the first Sport Science Department for the Charlotte Hornets. He developed integrated monitoring systems combining load, wellness, biomarkers, psychological states, and cognitive profiling. He also created several unique internal performance data sets and built a trusted environment that achieved full athlete participation in all monitoring initiatives. His work helped establish a unified, evidence-informed performance model within the organization.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Taylor held performance leadership roles at Georgia Tech and Siena College, where he oversaw athlete development, introduced advanced testing and monitoring strategies, and coordinated multidisciplinary support teams. He has authored research on performance psychology, athlete efficiency, and monitoring practices, and has consulted with multiple sports technology companies to support product validation and applied use in high-performance settings.