Hundreds of high school students expected for URI’s ‘hands-on’ Biomechanics Day April 8

April 2, 2026
URI President Marc Parlange challenges a kinesiology student to a grip strength test during Biomechanics Day 2025.
URI President Marc Parlange challenges a kinesiology student to a grip strength test during Biomechanics Day 2025.

Department of Kinesiology to host annual demonstration of biomechanics technology, promoting STEM fields

More than 600 students from as many as a dozen Rhode Island high schools are expected to attend the Sixth Annual Biomechanics Day at the University of Rhode Island Wednesday, April 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

URI professors and students from kinesiology, physical therapy, communicative disorders, and engineering will educate high school students on biomechanics systems. Students will get hands-on experience with such technology as motion capture sensors to see how their bodies move, EEG (electroencephalography) sensors to measure brain waves, force plates to determine the pressure they put on their feet when walking, and much more.

Some of the advanced URI laboratories that will be represented at the event include: the Motion Analysis Lab, Biomechanics and Wearable Laboratory, Wearable Biosensing Lab, and the Motor Control and Rehabilitation Laboratory.

Students will learn about biomechanics and other science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields by participating in more than 45 hands-on demonstrations, challenges, and competitions in URI’s Mackal Field House, 75 Keaney Road, Kingston.The event is part of National Biomechanics Day, a worldwide celebration of biomechanics in its many forms for high school students and teachers. Biomechanics investigates “the broad expanse of biology in the physical world,” according to the Biomechanics Initiative, which organizes the international event.

WHO: The University of Rhode Island College of Health Sciences will welcome high school students from across the state to learn about biomechanics and other STEM fields during the annual National Biomechanics Day. High schools expected to attend include: Westerly, East Greenwich, Tollgate, Cumberland, West Warwick, Central Falls, Barrington Christian Academy, Mowell Academy, Achievement First Providence High School, Sophia Academy, and St. Andrews School.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 8, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: URI’s Kingston campus, Mackal Field House, 75 Keaney Road, Kingston

CONTACT: Patrick Luce, URI Marketing and Communications, 401-347-6360, patrickluce@uri.edu, to make coverage arrangements.