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Dr Taylor Dick
Dr

Taylor Dick

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 52198

Overview

Background

Taylor Dick is a Senior Lecturer in The School of Biomedical Sciences. She was awarded her PhD in 2016 from Simon Fraser University (Vancouver, Canada). Her PhD research, in partnership with the Concord Field Station at Harvard University, focused on developing an experimental and modelling framework to predict in vivo motor function using advanced image-driven musculoskeletal models. Following this, she conducted a Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at North Carolina State University- The University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) where her research focused on using wearable assistive devices (e.g., exoskeletons and prosthetics) to augment or restore movement-with a particular focus on how devices influence lower limb biomechanics and neuromuscular function. She has implemented innovative imaging approaches to discover how humans recover from unexpected perturbations during movement, which provided critical biological insight for the design of robotic devices capable of assisting movement in real-world environments.

Taylors research team have developed a uniquely integrative and highly translational approach to studying neuromuscular function that combines motion analysis, advanced tissue imaging, and muscuoloskeletal modelling to answer fundamental questions about how movement underpins evolution, health, and disease. Her current research is focused on.

  • Exploring the mechanisms of neuromuscular function using both experimental and modelling approaches
  • Understanding how the anatomy and biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system adapt to challenges such as size, age, and disease. To do this, her team has developed quantitative imaging technologies to visualize and interrogate the mechanisms that underpin motor function in humans and other animals
  • Designing and applying wearable assistive technologies, such as exoskeletons and prosthetics, to enhance performance in healthy individuals or to restore mobility in those with deficits.

Taylor has established herself internationally as an emerging leader in biomechanics research. This reputation is supported by prestigious awards, invited talks and review papers, and media attention. Her research has been funded through competitive grant schemes and industry partnerships, with total research support exceeding $3.6 million. Her contributions to research and mentorship have been recognized with a 2024 Queensland Tall Poppy Award, 2024 International Union of Physiologists Junior Faculty Award; 2024 International Society of Electrophysiology and Kinesiology Kevin P. Granata Award, and the 2021 International Society of Biomechanics Jaquelin Perry Emerging Scientist Award. Taylor has been nominated (2020 and 2021) for the Faculty of Medicine Rising Star of the Year Award. Taylor is an elected Executive Council member of the International Society of Biomechanics (ISB) and the elected Chairperson of the Comparative Neuromuscular Biomechanics Technical group. She is a passionate promotor of STEM for young girls—having co-developed the led a government-funded nationwide program to boost girls’ engagement in STEM, BRInC https://www.canberra.edu.au/about-uc/faculties/health/brinc

She currently advises 12 PhD candidates, 1 Master’s student, and 5 Honours students. She has successfully advised 5 PhD, 2 Master’s and 9 Honours students to completion since commencing her faculty position at UQ in 2017.

For more information about her program of research, visit her lab website: https://biomedical-sciences.uq.edu.au/research/groups/neuromuscular-biomechanics

Availability

Dr Taylor Dick is:
Available for supervision

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Simon Fraser University

Research interests

  • Muscle and tendon mechanics

  • Biomechanics

  • Musculoskeletal imaging

  • Comparative biomechanics

  • Neuromuscular health

Research impacts

The outcomes from my groups research will advance our understanding of neuromotor and musculoskeletal function to (1) augment healthy locomotor performance; (2) treat and prevent movement impairments that result from age, obesity, or neuromotor disease and (3) inform the design of biologically-inspired assistive wearable robotic devices.

Works

Search Professor Taylor Dick’s works on UQ eSpace

56 works between 2013 and 2024

1 - 20 of 56 works

2024

Journal Article

Predictive musculoskeletal simulations reveal the mechanistic link between speed, posture and energetics among extant mammals

Clemente, Christofer J., De Groote, Friedl and Dick, Taylor J. M. (2024). Predictive musculoskeletal simulations reveal the mechanistic link between speed, posture and energetics among extant mammals. Nature Communications, 15 (1) 8594. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-52924-z

Predictive musculoskeletal simulations reveal the mechanistic link between speed, posture and energetics among extant mammals

2024

Journal Article

Rethinking the physiological cross-sectional area of skeletal muscle reveals the mechanical advantage of pennation

Rockenfeller, Robert, Günther, Michael, Clemente, Christofer J. and Dick, Taylor J. M. (2024). Rethinking the physiological cross-sectional area of skeletal muscle reveals the mechanical advantage of pennation. Royal Society Open Science, 11 (9) ARTN 240037. doi: 10.1098/rsos.240037

Rethinking the physiological cross-sectional area of skeletal muscle reveals the mechanical advantage of pennation

2024

Journal Article

A 100-day mentoring program leads to positive shifts in girls’ perceptions and attitudes towards biomechanics and related STEM disciplines

Dick, Taylor J.M., Besomi, Manuela, Coltman, Celeste E., Diamond, Laura E., Hall, Michelle, Maharaj, Jayishni, Kean, Crystal O., Barzan, Martina and Mickle, Karen J. (2024). A 100-day mentoring program leads to positive shifts in girls’ perceptions and attitudes towards biomechanics and related STEM disciplines. Journal of Biomechanics, 173 112244, 112244. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2024.112244

A 100-day mentoring program leads to positive shifts in girls’ perceptions and attitudes towards biomechanics and related STEM disciplines

2024

Journal Article

Consensus for experimental design in electromyography (CEDE) project: application of EMG to estimate muscle force

Dick, Taylor J. M., Tucker, Kylie, Hug, François, Besomi, Manuela, van Dieën, Jaap H., Enoka, Roger M., Besier, Thor, Carson, Richard G., Clancy, Edward A., Disselhorst-Klug, Catherine, Falla, Deborah, Farina, Dario, Gandevia, Simon, Holobar, Aleš, Kiernan, Matthew C., Lowery, Madeleine, McGill, Kevin, Merletti, Roberto, Perreault, Eric, Rothwell, John C., Søgaard, Karen, Wrigley, Tim and Hodges, Paul W. (2024). Consensus for experimental design in electromyography (CEDE) project: application of EMG to estimate muscle force. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology 102910, 102910. doi: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2024.102910

Consensus for experimental design in electromyography (CEDE) project: application of EMG to estimate muscle force

2024

Journal Article

Effects of passive ankle exoskeletons on neuromuscular function during exaggerated standing sway

Farris, Dominic J., Po, Jemima C. N., Yee, Jordan, Williamson, James L. and Dick, Taylor J. M. (2024). Effects of passive ankle exoskeletons on neuromuscular function during exaggerated standing sway. Royal Society Open Science, 11 (5) 230590, 230590. doi: 10.1098/rsos.230590

Effects of passive ankle exoskeletons on neuromuscular function during exaggerated standing sway

2024

Journal Article

Dynamic similarity and the peculiar allometry of maximum running speed

Labonte, David, Bishop, Peter J., Dick, Taylor J. M. and Clemente, Christofer J. (2024). Dynamic similarity and the peculiar allometry of maximum running speed. Nature Communications, 15 (1) 2181, 1-11. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-46269-w

Dynamic similarity and the peculiar allometry of maximum running speed

2024

Journal Article

Mild untreated hypercholesterolaemia affects mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon but not gastrocnemius muscle

Coombes, Brooke K, Hanna, Monica, Thompson, Kaelah A., Coppieters, Michel W., Dick, Taylor J.M., Andrade, Ricardo J and Barber, Lee (2024). Mild untreated hypercholesterolaemia affects mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon but not gastrocnemius muscle. Journal of Biomechanics, 166 112048, 112048. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2024.112048

Mild untreated hypercholesterolaemia affects mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon but not gastrocnemius muscle

2023

Journal Article

Exploring the impact of passive ankle exoskeletons on lower-limb neuromechanics during walking on sloped surfaces: implications for device design

Williamson, James L., Lichtwark, Glen A. and Dick, Taylor J. M. (2023). Exploring the impact of passive ankle exoskeletons on lower-limb neuromechanics during walking on sloped surfaces: implications for device design. Machines, 11 (12) 1071, 1-13. doi: 10.3390/machines11121071

Exploring the impact of passive ankle exoskeletons on lower-limb neuromechanics during walking on sloped surfaces: implications for device design

2023

Journal Article

Muscle research in biomechanics – In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the International Society of Biomechanics

de Brito Fontana, Heiliane, Dick, Taylor J.M., Han, Seong-won and Herzog, Walter (2023). Muscle research in biomechanics – In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the International Society of Biomechanics. Journal of Biomechanics, 161 111740, 111740. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111740

Muscle research in biomechanics – In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the International Society of Biomechanics

2023

Journal Article

The Biomechanics Research and Innovation Challenge: development, implementation, uptake, and reflections on the inaugural program

Coltman, Celeste E., Barzan, Martina, Besomi, Manuela, Brackley, Victoria, Bousie, Jaquelin A., Choisne, Julie, Diamond, Laura E., Dick, Taylor J. M., D’Souza, Nicole, Fien, Samantha, Fong Yan, Alycia, Gho, Sheridan A., Giraldo-Pedroza, Alexandra, Hutchinson, Laura A., Hutchison, Laura V., Kean, Crystal O., Kirk, Maddison M., Lewis, Amy, Maharaj, Jayishini N., Maher, Nina, Mann, Kerry J., Martin, Suzanne, Mickle, Karen J., Nasseri, Azadeh, Oon, Isobel H., Purdie, Rory, Quinlan, Shayan L., Radcliffe, Ceridwen R., Snodgrass, Suzanne J. ... Hall, Michelle (2023). The Biomechanics Research and Innovation Challenge: development, implementation, uptake, and reflections on the inaugural program. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 40 (2), 155-165. doi: 10.1123/jab.2023-0056

The Biomechanics Research and Innovation Challenge: development, implementation, uptake, and reflections on the inaugural program

2023

Journal Article

Elastic ankle exoskeletons influence soleus fascicle dynamics during unexpected perturbations

Williamson, James L., Lichtwark, Glen A. and Dick, Taylor J. M. (2023). Elastic ankle exoskeletons influence soleus fascicle dynamics during unexpected perturbations. Journal of Biomechanics, 159 111775, 1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111775

Elastic ankle exoskeletons influence soleus fascicle dynamics during unexpected perturbations

2023

Journal Article

What good is a measure of muscle length? The how and why of direct measurements of skeletal muscle motion

Roberts, Thomas J. and Dick, Taylor J.M. (2023). What good is a measure of muscle length? The how and why of direct measurements of skeletal muscle motion. Journal of Biomechanics, 157 111709, 1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111709

What good is a measure of muscle length? The how and why of direct measurements of skeletal muscle motion

2023

Journal Article

A comparison of neural control of the biarticular gastrocnemius muscles between knee flexion and ankle plantar flexion

Hamard, Raphaël, Aeles, Jeroen, Avrillon, Simon, Dick, Taylor J.M. and Hug, François (2023). A comparison of neural control of the biarticular gastrocnemius muscles between knee flexion and ankle plantar flexion. Journal of Applied Physiology, 135 (2), 394-404. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00075.2023

A comparison of neural control of the biarticular gastrocnemius muscles between knee flexion and ankle plantar flexion

2023

Journal Article

Advances in imaging for assessing the design and mechanics of skeletal muscle in vivo

Dick, Taylor J.M. and Hug, François (2023). Advances in imaging for assessing the design and mechanics of skeletal muscle in vivo. Journal of Biomechanics, 155 111640, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111640

Advances in imaging for assessing the design and mechanics of skeletal muscle in vivo

2023

Journal Article

Influence of internal muscle properties on muscle shape change and gearing in the human gastrocnemii

Kelp, Nicole Y., Clemente, Christofer J., Tucker, Kylie, Hug, François, Pinel, Sabrina and Dick, Taylor J.M. (2023). Influence of internal muscle properties on muscle shape change and gearing in the human gastrocnemii. Journal of Applied Physiology, 134 (6), 1520-1529. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00080.2023

Influence of internal muscle properties on muscle shape change and gearing in the human gastrocnemii

2023

Journal Article

How scaling approaches can reveal fundamental principles in physiology and biomechanics

Clemente, Christofer J. and Dick, Taylor J. M. (2023). How scaling approaches can reveal fundamental principles in physiology and biomechanics. Journal of Experimental Biology, 226 (7) 226, 1-12. doi: 10.1242/jeb.245310

How scaling approaches can reveal fundamental principles in physiology and biomechanics

2023

Journal Article

The influence of elastic ankle exoskeletons on lower limb mechanical energetics during unexpected perturbations

Williamson, James L., Lichtwark, Glen A., Sawicki, Gregory S. and Dick, Taylor J. M. (2023). The influence of elastic ankle exoskeletons on lower limb mechanical energetics during unexpected perturbations. Royal Society Open Science, 10 (2) 221133, 1-12. doi: 10.1098/rsos.221133

The influence of elastic ankle exoskeletons on lower limb mechanical energetics during unexpected perturbations

2022

Journal Article

Understanding Australia's unique hopping species: a comparative review of the musculoskeletal system and locomotor biomechanics in Macropodoidea

Thornton, Lauren H., Dick, Taylor J. M., Bennett, Mike B. and Clemente, Christofer J. (2022). Understanding Australia's unique hopping species: a comparative review of the musculoskeletal system and locomotor biomechanics in Macropodoidea. Australian Journal of Zoology, 69 (4), 136-157. doi: 10.1071/ZO21048

Understanding Australia's unique hopping species: a comparative review of the musculoskeletal system and locomotor biomechanics in Macropodoidea

2022

Journal Article

Inclusion of image-based in vivo experimental data into the Hill-type muscle model affects the estimation of individual force-sharing strategies during walking

Hamard, Raphaël, Hug, François, Kelp, Nicole Y., Feigean, Romain, Aeles, Jeroen and Dick, Taylor J.M. (2022). Inclusion of image-based in vivo experimental data into the Hill-type muscle model affects the estimation of individual force-sharing strategies during walking. Journal of Biomechanics, 135 111033, 111033. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111033

Inclusion of image-based in vivo experimental data into the Hill-type muscle model affects the estimation of individual force-sharing strategies during walking

2022

Journal Article

Scaling of fibre area and fibre glycogen concentration in the hindlimb musculature of monitor lizards: implications for locomotor performance with increasing body size

Cieri, Robert L., Dick, Taylor J. M., Morris, Jeremy S. and Clemente, Christofer J. (2022). Scaling of fibre area and fibre glycogen concentration in the hindlimb musculature of monitor lizards: implications for locomotor performance with increasing body size. The Journal of Experimental Biology, 225 (Supp. 1) jeb243380. doi: 10.1242/jeb.243380

Scaling of fibre area and fibre glycogen concentration in the hindlimb musculature of monitor lizards: implications for locomotor performance with increasing body size

Funding

Current funding

  • 2025 - 2028
    A quantum exoGarment for unrivalled measurement of muscle function in sport
    Queensland Government Department of Environment, Science and Innovation
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2025
    Measuring muscle-plasticity following an ankle exoskeleton intervention in people with mobility disorders
    CSIRO
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2026
    Targeted wearable robotic exoskeletons to improve movement in patients with ALS (Assistive Technology Grants)
    Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association (ALSA)
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2026
    Combining biomechanics and movement ecology of kangaroos and relatives (ARC Discovery Project administered by University of the Sunshine Coast)
    University of the Sunshine Coast
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2024
    Looking under the hood of elite rowers: skeletal muscle determinants of rowing performance
    Queensland Academy of Sport
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2021 - 2022
    "Looking inside the muscles": Unravelling the muscle coordination strategies in runners with and without knee pain
    U21 Health Sciences Group Early Career Research Fund
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Biomechanics Research and Innovation Challenge: 100 girls - 100 stories - 100 days (DSIER Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship Grant administered by University of Canberra)
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Geared to Row: Determining the Influence of Mechanical Demand and Dynamic Muscle Architecture on Gearing
    Queensland Academy of Sport
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2023
    A step forward against ageing: wearable assistive devices in fit and frailer older people
    Metro South Hospital and Health Service
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Dynamic ultrasound imaging to measure in vivo muscle-tendon structure and function and optimize human performance
    Queensland Academy of Sport
    Open grant
  • 2019
    A step forward against ageing: novel wearable assistive devices to enhance mobility
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Shearwave elastography to quantify impact of age, development and pathology on the neuromuscular system
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Dr Taylor Dick is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Investigating the neuromuscular and energetic effects of passive exoskeletons

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Integrating experiments and musculoskeletal simulations to explore non-steady locomotion across scales

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Closed-loop Functional Electrical Stimulation control using real-time estimation of muscle properties

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Antonio Padilha Lanari Bo

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Quantifying Muscle (A)symmetry in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Kylie Tucker

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Effects of Virtual Perturbations and Visual Illusions on Gait and Balance

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Antonio Padilha Lanari Bo, Dr Nell Baghaei

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Can Minimal Footwear Alter Patellofemoral Joint Loading, Lower-Limb Muscle Activation and Biomechanics During Walking in Individuals with Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Kylie Tucker, Associate Professor Natalie Collins

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Insights into the anticipatory and compensatory postural control of children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Kylie Tucker

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Redefining digital technology to provide patient centric platform to meet the need of patients with Motor Neuron Disease

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Shyuan Ngo, Dr Rebecca Packer, Associate Professor Frederik Steyn

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

For media enquiries about Dr Taylor Dick's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au