E28: Engineering Safer Skiing | Christopher Brown | Mechanical and Materials Engineering
Wed Feb 04 2026
In this episode of The WPI Podcast, we explore the role of engineering in safe skiing and ski racing, and design improvements in athletic equipment that could help prevent ACL injuries, which are common in skiing and other sports.
Christopher Brown, professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, director of WPI’s sports engineering laboratory, former collegiate All-American ski racer, and former collegiate and youth ski coach, discusses the research he does with students to develop patented sports equipment designed to reduce loads that can lead to injuries like torn ACLs.
He also shares his insight on how sports science institutes leverage research and technology in the quest for success in international skiing competitions like the Olympics.
Related links:
Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering
Major Qualifying Project
Interactive Qualifying Project
Sports Engineering, Inc.
More
In this episode of The WPI Podcast, we explore the role of engineering in safe skiing and ski racing, and design improvements in athletic equipment that could help prevent ACL injuries, which are common in skiing and other sports. Christopher Brown, professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, director of WPI’s sports engineering laboratory, former collegiate All-American ski racer, and former collegiate and youth ski coach, discusses the research he does with students to develop patented sports equipment designed to reduce loads that can lead to injuries like torn ACLs. He also shares his insight on how sports science institutes leverage research and technology in the quest for success in international skiing competitions like the Olympics. Related links: Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering Major Qualifying Project Interactive Qualifying Project Sports Engineering, Inc.