Nicholas Stergiou

Dr. Nikolaos “Nick” Stergiou is a leading figure in biomechanics, serving as Distinguished Community Research Chair and Professor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). He directs the Center for Research in Human Movement Variabilityand oversees the Division of Biomechanics and Research Development. Notably, he established the first academic Department of Biomechanics offering BS, MS, and PhD degrees. His research specializes in the variability inherent in human movement and nonlinear dynamics, with applications ranging from infant development to fall prevention in older adults. Dr. Stergiou’s work has influenced surgical training and rehabilitation for conditions like peripheral arterial disease.

He has authored four scientific textbooks and over 250 peer-reviewed papers, accruing more than 17,000 citations and an H-index above 70. His contributions have earned him Fellow status in prestigious organizations, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. Dr. Stergiou has secured over $40 million in research funding from agencies such as NIH, NASA, and NSF. He notably received an NIH P20 grant exceeding $10 million—the largest in UNO’s history—which enabled the creation of the Center for Research in Human Movement Variability, later renewed with an additional $10.3 million.

Beyond research, he has driven infrastructure development, obtaining $6 million in private donations to build the world’s first dedicated biomechanics research facility at UNO in 2013. He further secured $11.6 million for a 30,000-square-foot expansion opened in 2019 and recently procured $17.1 million for a second expansion set to open in 2026, underscoring his commitment to advancing biomechanics research and education.