Engineering, Biomechanics
Sport Biomechanist
US Olympic Commitee
Email: kathleen.costa@usoc.org
EDUCATION
1997 – 2004 PhD, Department of Kinesiology
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Discipline: Biomechanics
Dissertation: “Control & Dynamics during Horizontal
Impulse Generation”
1992– 1997 Bachelor of
Science, Boston University, Boston, MA
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Related Projects:
Senior Project: “An interactive biofeedback device
to facilitate hand rehabilitation”
Biomechanics Project: “Visually coordinated phasing
of limbs between two people”
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
March 2003 – Present
United States Olympic Committee, Chula Vista, CA
Sport Biomechanist, Division of Coaching & Sport
Sciences
Provide biomechanics service, education, and consultation
for elite athletes and coaches. Responsible for the
design, preparation, implementation, analysis, and dissemination
of biomechanical testing protocols and results. Provide
and teach biomechanics material at Olympic level coaching
summits and athlete event summits. Work regularly with
resident programs during training and competition performance
analysis.
January 1997 – August 1997
Chiron Diagnostics, Medfield, MA
Sensor Research and Development, Optical Sensor Lab
Produced optical sensors, developed testing protocols,
presented results of sensor performance in weekly meetings.
Responsible for operation and maintenance of equipment
necessary for 400S module surface permeability, testing
performance, failure analysis and preparation modifications,
maintaining scientific notebook, and report writing.
May 1995 – January 1996
Ciba Corning Diagnostics, Medfield, MA
Sensor Research and Development, Lactate Sensor Lab,
CO-OP
Manufactured, assembled, and tested Lactate sensors
for the 800S Blood Gas Analyzer. Spiked blood daily
with lithium lactate and acetaminophen, for testing
in extended period protocols to determine sensor life
and behavior over time. Analyzed and photographed failed
sensor membranes to determine source of failure.
September 1994 – December
1996
Boston University, Boston, MA
NeuroMuscular Research Center, Muscle Fatigue Lab
Responsible for assisting in data collection with Back
Analysis System (BAS), data processing and analysis,
literature reviews, lab tours, report preparation, and
assisted in electrode interface development and production.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
September 1997 – July 2004
Biomechanics Research Lab, University of Southern California
Research focus: lower extremity load distribution and
power generation strategies used to control and redirect
total body momentum during complex, multi-joint tasks
involving impact. Responsible for data collection and
analysis of current research projects, project proposal
and report writing, and supervision of undergraduate
student research projects.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
December 2003
USATF Level III & IV Advanced Throws Coaching Summit,
US Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs, CO
Presented biomechanical principles involved with shot
put, javelin, and discus events. Concentrated on Newtonian
mechanics from the total body level down to segment,
joint, and individual muscle level. Topics included
force generation, center of mass control, lower extremity
loading, coordination patterns, muscle recruitment,
and event specific training.
May 2003
National Archery Association Level III & IV Coaches
Education Summit, US Olympic Training Center, Chula
Vista, CA
Presented biomechanical principles involved with archery,
including balance, posture, center of pressure trajectories,
muscle recruitment and mechanical loading demand.
September 2002 – December
2002
Teaching Assistant, Principles of Perceptual-Motor Learning
(EXSC 400), Department of Kinesiology, University of
Southern California
Introduced theories and principles of learning applied
to gross motor performance; analysis and evaluation
of variables effecting learning and performance in exercise,
games, sports, and dance.
May 2001 – May 2003
Teaching Assistant, Individualized Exercise Prescription
(EXSC 203), Department of Kinesiology, University of
Southern California
Introduced the principles and theories related to exercise
prescription, resistance-training, aerobic training,
flexibility, high and low-intensity training guidelines,
safeguards and effectiveness.
September 2001 – May 2003
Teaching Assistant, The Science of Human Performance
(EXSC 205), Department of Kinesiology, University of
Southern California
Introduced students to the physiological and nutritional
basis of human performance. Demonstrated how to assess
and interpret factors that facilitate and limit athletic
performance, such as body composition, aerobic capacity,
caloric expenditure, muscular strength, and muscular
power.
January 2000 – May 2000
Laboratory Instructor, Kinesiology, Sports Medicine
Department, Pepperdine University
Introduced students to the use of EMG as a tool for
human movement analysis. During weekly laboratory sessions,
assisted students with collection, processing, analysis,
and interpretation of EMG during various functional
movements of upper and lower extremities.
January 1998 – May 2003
Teaching Assistant, Biomechanics (EXSC 408), Department
of Kinesiology, University of Southern California
Assisted in the development of multi-media, computer-based
laboratory curriculum. Demonstrated how to calculate
kinematic and kinetic variables using several different
analysis methods. Developed, administered, and graded
weekly laboratory quizzes, as well as practical exams.
September 1997 – May 2003
Teaching Assistant, Kinesiology (EXSC 301), Department
of Kinesiology, University of Southern California
Introduced of planes and axes of motion, posture analysis,
basic motion analysis including aspects of gait, ergonomics,
and sport, manual muscle testing, and joint range of
motion. Assisted in the development of laboratory manual
and weekly lab experiences, developed and graded weekly
quizzes for individual classes, as well as mid-term
and final practical exams.
AWARDS & HONORS
1999 Graduate Student Travel Award. American Society
of Biomechanics. For travel to 23rd Annual Meeting,
Pittsburgh, PA, Oct. 21-23.
2000 University of Southern California,
Department of Exercise Science Outstanding Teaching
Assistant Award. Awarded for 1998-1999 academic year.
2000 Graduate Student Travel
Award. American Society of Biomechanics. For travel
to 24th Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL, July 19-22.
September 1998 – December
2002
USC Department of Exercise Science Graduate Student
Representative
JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS
1. Hawkins, S.A., Schroeder, E.T., Wiswell, R.A., Jaque,
S.V., Marcell, T.J., and Costa, K. (1999). Eccentric
muscle action increases site-specific osteogenic response.
Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., 31:9, 1287-92.
PUBLISHED PROCEEDING
PAPERS
1. Costa K., McNitt-Gray J. L., Requejo P., Mathiyakom
W., Eagle J., Marciniak J. (1998). Gender Differences
in Multijoint Load Distribution During the Take-off
Phase of the Long Jump. In Proceedings of NACOB ’98:
The Third North American Congress in Biomechanics, 419-20.
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. University of Waterloo.
2. McNitt-Gray JL, Munkasy B.A, Costa K, Mathiyakom
W, Eagle J, Ryan MM. (1998). Invariant Features of Multijoint
Control Strategies Used by Gymnasts During Landings
Performed in Olympic Competition. In Proceedings of
NACOB ’98: The Third North American Congress in
Biomechanics, 441-2. Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. University
of Waterloo.
3. Costa, K., McNitt-Gray, J.L.,
Mathiyakom, W., Requejo, P., Eagle, J. (1999). Load
distribution modifications in two multijoint tasks with
different mechanical objectives. In Proceedings of XVIIth
Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics,170.
University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
4. Costa, K. and McNitt-Gray, J.L. (1999) Lower extremity
power generation strategies used by elite athletes during
the take-off phase of the long jump. In Proceedings
of 23rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics.
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
5. Costa, K., McNitt-Gray, J.L.,
Mathiyakom, W., Requejo, P., and J. Eagle (2000) Lower
extremity power generation strategies specific to task
constraints. In Proceedings of 24th Annual Meeting of
the American Society of Biomechanics. University of
Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
6. Costa, K., McNitt-Gray, J.L.
(2002) Control objectives change between phases of jumping
and landing tasks. In Proceedings of the IVth World
Congress on Biomechanics CD. Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
7. Costa, K., McNitt-Gray, J.L.
(2004) Horizontal impulse generation characteristics
during the sprint start are influenced by shank segment
control. In Proceedings of the 28th Annual Meeting of
the American Society of Biomechanics CD. Portland, Oregon.
PUBLISHED ABSTRACTS
1. Costa, K., McNitt-Gray, J.L., Mathiyakom, W., Requejo,
P. (1999). Multijoint Coordination During Two Tasks:
Implications for Power Generation. In Proceedings of
First Annual Southern California Conference on Biomechanics,
14. California State Polytechnic University at Pomona,
Pomona, California.
2. Costa, K., McNitt-Gray, J.L.,
Mathiyakom, W., Requejo, P. (2000). Multijoint Control
During the Power Generation Phase of Practiced Tasks.
In Proceedings of Second Annual Southern California
Conference on Biomechanics, 10. University of Southern
California, Department of Biokinesiology and Physical
Therapy, Los Angeles, California.
PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCES
Third Annual Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis (GCMA)
Meeting. San Diego, California. April 15-18, 1998.
Tutorial: “A Primer for Understanding Joint Kinetics”.
Instr., Kepple, T. and Haideri, N. (Attendance)
NACOB ’98: The Third North
American Congress on Biomechanics. University of Waterloo,
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. August 14-18, 1998. (Poster
Presentation, First Author)
First Annual Southern California
Conference on Biomechanics. California State Polytechnic
University at Pomona. Pomona, California. April 9-10,
1999. (Podium/Slide Presentation, First Author)
International Society of Biomechanics:
XVIIth Congress. Calgary Convention Center, Calgary,
Canada. August 8-13, 1999. (Podium/Slide Presentation,
First Author)
American Society of Biomechanics:
23rd Annual Meeting. University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. October 21-23, 1999. (Thematic Poster
Presentation, First Author)
Southern California Conference
on Biomechanics: 2nd Annual Meeting. University of Southern
California, Department of Biokinesiology and Physical
Therapy, Los Angeles, California. April 7-8, 2000. (Podium
Presentation, First Author)
American Society of Biomechanics:
24th Annual Meeting. University of Illinois at Chicago,
Chicago, Illinois. July 19-22, 2000. (Poster Presentation,
First Author)
American Society of Biomechanics:
25th Annual Meeting. University of California San Diego,
San Diego, California. August 8-11, 2001.
World Congress of Biomechanics:
IVth Congress, American Society of Biomechanics (combined
meeting), Calgary, Alberta, Canada, August 4-9, 2002.
(Podium Presentation, First Author)
USATF Level II & III Coaches
Education Camp. Boise-State University, Boise, Idaho.
July 6-9, 2002.
American Society of Biomechanics:
28th Annual Meeting. Lloyd Center, Portland, Oregon.
September 8-11, 2004. (Poster Presentation, First Author)
GRANTS
Women’s Sports Foundation Girls and Women in Sports
Research Grant, Jan.-Dec.1999. Principle Investigator:
Gender differences in lower extremity load distribution
during multijoint movements involving impact. Objective:
Using net joint moment power to determine gender differences
in lower extremity load distribution during multijoint
movements involving impact. Potential gender differences
in lower extremity power generation may explain gender
differences in lower extremity injury patterns, particularly
ACL injury patterns. $2,500.
American Society of Biomechanics
Graduate Student Grant-In-Aid Program, Jul. 1999 –
Jun. 2000. Principal Investigator, Lower extremity net
joint moment power during tasks involving high-velocity
impact, Requested: $500. Finalist, Invited to submit
full proposal. Full proposal not awarded.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
-American Society of Biomechanics (ASB)
Student Member since 1998
Executive Committee Member - Student Representative,
1999-2000
-International Society of Biomechanics (ISB)
Student Member since 1998
-American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
Student Member (1998-2000)
