Dr. Alexander Knapp received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida in 2022, after receiving his M.S. and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of North Florida. Dr. Knapp’s research focused on advanced material modeling and computational injury mechanics, with a specialization in lower extremity human anatomy.

Dr. Knapp is an expert in damage mechanisms and modeling of soft tissue, having developed an advanced material model capable of predicting localized damage to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). This approach was also applied to model damage for mild traumatic brain injury. Applications of this model include both injury prediction and clinical assessment for athletic injuries.

Dr. Knapp has published in peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of Biomechanics and the Journal of Biomechanical Engineering. He has also presented at conferences hosted by both domestic and international organizations. Dr. Knapp continues to be an advocate for improving science education and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in engineering through participation in the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) and mentoring through programs such as FIRST robotics. He is also professionally affiliated with the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

• Mechanical Engineering, Ph.D.: University of Florida (2022)

• Mechanical Engineering, M.S.: University of North Florida (2017)

• Mechanical Engineering, B.S.: University of North Florida (2015)