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Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance Seminar
Speaker: Nick Willett, University of Oregon
Interfacing Immunoengineering and Regenerative Rehabilitation for Musculoskeletal Injuries
Abstract: Musculoskeletal injuries—from overuse, acute trauma, and chronic inflammation—trigger immune responses that drive repair or degeneration. Successful recovery depends on a timely shift from inflammation to resolution, yet regenerative therapies often face hostile inflammatory niches. The lymphatic system—key for interstitial fluid balance and clearance of cytokines and immune cells—is mechanoresponsive but undercharacterized after injury. Integrating immunoengineering with lymphatic-targeted strategies and regenerative rehabilitation can enhance therapy resilience, accelerate recovery, and improve durable functional restoration.
Speaker:Thayne Munce, University of Kansas
Collision Course: Tackling Brain Injury in Youth Football
Abstract: Dr. Thayne Munce will present findings from his research on repetitive head impacts and brain function in youth football players. Drawing from one of the largest datasets in the field, his work examines how these impacts occur, how neurologic function changes over a season, and what long-term patterns are emerging. This presentation will offer insights into brain health in young athletes, summarize current scientific understanding, and highlight key gaps that invite interdisciplinary collaboration and future innovation in youth sports safety.
About the Seminar Series
The seminar series features speakers from across the institutions that make up the Alliance, covering topics related to our mission of uncovering the principles of performance and translating them to improved performance and care of athletes and all people.
The goal of the seminar series is to foster scientific exchange and the formation of new research collaborations through a set of research talks that are clear and compelling to researchers from a broad range of fields.
Please contact humanperformance@stanford.edu with any questions.