Alexandra DeJong Lempke, PhD, ATC

Dr. Alexandra DeJong Lempke is a clinical assistant professor of Applied Exercise Science, co-director of the Michigan Performance Research Lab, and a member of the Exercise & Sport Science Initiative within the U-M School of Kinesiology. She received her bachelor’s degree in athletic training from the University of Pittsburgh, her master’s degree in kinesiology with a focus in athletic training from the University of Virginia, and her PhD in sports medicine from the University of Virginia. She then completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital with the Micheli Center for Sports Injury Prevention.

Dr. DeJong Lempke’s research agenda aims to assess and address factors contributing to the development of chronic running-related musculoskeletal injuries. She leverages wearable sport technologies to conduct in situ biomechanical assessments to determine aberrant movement patterns as they relate to pain and dysfunction, and applies field-based interventions to address these identified deficits. She additionally examines underlying physiological contributors to injury and recovery, such as musculotendinous health through ultrasound imaging assessments. Through this approach, she seeks to maintain and elevate the highest standards of clinical care in which assessments drive treatments, thereby creating a “runner’s clinic” model approach to improve injured runners’ short- and long-term musculoskeletal health and well-being.

Dr. DeJong Lempke has published more than 20 articles in top sports medicine peer-reviewed journals such as Medicine and Science in Sports & Exercise and Gait & Posture. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and the American College of Sports Medicine. She served as a graduate student teaching assistant and instructor of record for four years during her doctoral studies, receiving the Outstanding Graduate Student Assistant Teaching Award from the University of Virginia in 2021.