Associate Professor
E-mail: azar5@uwindsor.ca
Phone: (519) 253-3000 ext: 2473
Office: HK Building, Room 111
Biomechanics, Human Factors & Ergonomics
Bio
Ph.D. (Wayne State University, Biomedical Engineering)
M.Sc. (Wayne State University, Biomedical Engineering)
MHK (University of Windsor, Occupational Biomechanics)
BHK (University of Windsor, Movement Science)
My primary background and research training are in occupational biomechanics and biomedical engineering, with concentrations in biomechanics and neurophysiology. The choice of which research area to specialize in was a difficult one for me because I am interested in so many different subjects! The research process is fascinating to me, regardless of the specific questions under investigation. As a result, most of my projects have integrated theory from multiple disciplines within kinesiology, and often from biology and engineering.
Areas of Research Interest
My current research has me combining my roots in occupational biomechanics and neurophysiology with my love of music (especially rock music) to study drummers. The drum set is arguably the most physically intense instrument to play, which leads to lots of interesting questions about drummers' athleticism, performance, and injuries. My current projects examine the biomechanics and ergonomics of drumming performance from the following perspectives:
Drummers as athletes
- Documenting drummers’ energy expenditure and heart rate during live performances.
- Examining professional drummers’ engagement in athletic performance related behaviours (e.g., physical preparation for touring and maintenance while out on tour, pre/post-show warm-up/cool-down routines).
Drummers as workers
- Documenting the prevalence and patterns of playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) in drummers.
- Determining the playing-related and lifestyle characteristics that put drummers at risk for, or protect them from, PRMDs.
My goal is to do for drummers what sport science is doing for athletes: I want to help them achieve their peak performance while reducing their risk of injuries.
This work has been featured on CBC Radio, Drum Talk TV, and Drumeo's The Beat.