Derek Pamukoff left the East Coast, where he earned his doctorate at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and traveled west to Southern California to teach at Cal State Fullerton. The assistant professor of kinesiology is teaching courses on the principles of human movement and biomechanical analysis of human movement this fall. He serves on the Kinesiology Department’s Graduate Program Committee and as a preseason testing consultant for the Anaheim Ducks through the department’s Center for Sport Performance.
Pamukoff earned his master of science in health and exercise science at Wake Forest University and his undergraduate degree in kinesiology at McMaster University in Canada.
Why did you pursue the opportunity to join Cal State Fullerton?
I was drawn to CSUF for the opportunity to be a true teacher-scholar and work with a diverse student body. The Department of Kinesiology is highly regarded in my field, and the resources available and opportunity to mentor graduate students is exciting.
What do you most look forward to now that you’re here?
I look forward to developing my teaching and continuing to build an ongoing research agenda. There are so many passionate undergraduate and graduate students at CSUF willing to work with me, and I am excited to get them involved in my research.
What areas of continued scholarship and research are of particular interest to you?
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a large and expensive problem in the United States. My research seeks to understand how alterations in functional tasks, such as walking and running, contribute to OA development, and to develop novel treatments to improve long-term outcomes in these individuals.
What are some of your outside activities, hobbies or interests?
I grew up as a runner and also competed in varsity cross-country and track and field during my undergraduate and master’s degree studies. I try my best to run every day, and the sunny California weather is certainly motivating!