Chris Mills

I joined the Department of Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Portsmouth as a senior lecturer in biomechanics in 2009, following several years as a lecturer at Exeter University. I obtained my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from Brunel University and my PhD from Loughborough University (2005). I have worked extensively with British Gymnastics and UK Athletics for a number of years whilst studying for my PhD providing scientific support to many athletes. Outside of academia I enjoy several sports, particularly pole vaulting, gymnastics and snowboarding.

Teaching Responsibilities

Currently I teach sports biomechanics and related subjects on our undergraduate and postgraduate degree pathways. I am the unit coordinator for Introduction to Kinesiology and Biomechanics (Year 1) and Tools of Biomechanics (Year 2), I also supervise undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations and research projects. I am the programme leader for both the BSc Hons Sport and Exercise Science and the BSc Hons Exercise and Fitness Management undergraduate degrees. Currently I joint supervise one PhD student.

Research

My research interests focus on soft tissue dynamics during impulsive loading. I have applied this area of research to the lower extremity by investigating the effects of compression garments on sporting performance. I am also a part of the Breast Health Research Group where I investigate the fundamentals of upper body soft tissue and breast motion and how breast support garments affect this motion during sport and exercise. Finally, I also apply my research area to sports surfaces where I use a combination of experimental and computer simulation techniques to investigate the force dissipation characteristics of different sports surfaces during walking, running and jumping.

I have been a reviewer for many journals submissions in several academic journals including: Journal of Biomechanics, Journal of Applied Biomechanics, Journal of Sports Science, and Human Movement Science. I have also acted as an external examiner for a PhD thesis.