Dr. Melissa Gross

Associate Professor

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Biography

Melissa Gross is an Associate Professor in the Department of Movement Science at the University of Michigan, where she has served since 1991. She received her PhD in Kinesiology with a focus on Biomechanics from the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Gross has been recognized for her contributions to undergraduate education, receiving the Arthur F. Thurnau Professorship in 2014. She has played a pivotal role in academic innovation and digital education as a member of university committees and as the Director of Innovative Teaching and Learning in the School of Kinesiology from 2013 to 2019. Currently, she serves on the Executive Committee of the Michigan Center for Interprofessional Education. Dr. Gross has also directed the University of Michigan Women in Science and Engineering program from 2019 to 2024. She teaches a range of courses in Movement Science at both undergraduate and graduate levels, including scientific inquiry in motion capture and biological behavioral bases of human movement. Her research interests lie in Behavioral Biomechanics and Musculoskeletal Biomechanics, focusing on active learning strategies in her teaching.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

— Present

University of Michigan • Ann Arbor, MI

Associate Professor in the Department of Movement Science, conducting research and teaching.

Director

— Present

Behavioral Biomechanics Laboratory • Ann Arbor, MI

Leads research in the field of behavioral biomechanics.

Director

— Present

Innovative Teaching and Learning • University of Michigan

Oversaw initiatives aimed at enhancing teaching methodologies.

Director

— Present

University of Michigan Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program • Ann Arbor, MI

Provides leadership and coordination for initiatives supporting women in STEM.

Awards

#

Arthur F. Thurnau Professorship

#

Cherry Award

Courses

MOVESCI 434: Scientific Inquiry in Motion Capture MOVESCI 110: Biological and Behavioral Bases of Human Movement MOVESCI 313: Art Anatomy

Requirements for University of Michigan

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Total
Required:84
GRE General
Verbal
Required:155
Verbal Percentile
Required:50
Quantitative
Required:168
Quantitative Percentile
Required:50
Analytical Writing
Required:3.6
Writing Percentile
Required:50
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree in engineering, physics, or mathematics Calculus Physics
Application Checklist
  • Rackham Graduate School Application
  • Official Transcripts
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal Statement
  • CV/Resume
Specialization Notes

Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science