Professor Emeritus Announcement

Announcing Dr. Kozey's appointment as Professor Emeritus

by Lil Crump

The School of Physiotherapy is proud to announce that Dr. Cheryl Kozey has been named Professor Emeritus in recognition of her outstanding career and contributions to musculoskeletal health research, education, and mentorship and her numerous academic leadership roles within the School, Faculty and University. In the physiotherapy entry level curriculum, Dr. Kozey’s primary teaching included Research Methods/Scientific Inquiry and Kinesiology/Human Movement to over 600 physiotherapy students and supervised over 100 physiotherapy student research projects. Dr. Kozey’s research career has been marked by a deep commitment to advancing the understanding of joint and spine conditions and promoting mobility across the lifespan.

Dr Kozey was a Professor in the School of Physiotherapy and a cross-appointee with the School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University and held Affiliated Scientist appointments with Nova Scotia Health, a Research Associate with Maritime SPOR Support Unit. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of New Brunswick, MSc from the University of Waterloo, and a PhD from Dalhousie University. Dr. Kozey has extensive research experience in musculoskeletal health and is the Co-Founding Director of the Dynamics of Human Motion Laboratory.

As a founding member and key leader of the Innovation in Musculoskeletal Health and Physical Activity Team (IMPACT), Dr. Kozey has played a pivotal role in shaping a dynamic and multidisciplinary research program. Drawing on the strengths of engineering, physiotherapy, kinesiology, and clinical collaboration, IMPACT is nationally and internationally recognized for its work in preventing functional decline and improving the quality of life for individuals with bone and joint disorders. Dr. Kozey continues her role as a member of the Integrated Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee for the Arthritis Society of Canada, and more recently, she serves on their Arthritis Action Plan Research Working Group. Additionally, she collaborates with the Osteoarthritis Research Society International on a narrative review examining how biomechanics can contribute to osteoarthritis research.

A Legacy of Research Innovation

Dr. Kozey’s primary research has focused on understanding functional decline in those with knee osteoarthritis and low back conditions, with the overarching goal of helping people stay active, mobile, and independent for as long as possible.

Her work has highlighted the critical interaction of joint biomechanics and muscle function in maintaining joint health. By identifying how inappropriate muscle activity and poor biomechanics contribute to pain and joint damage, Dr. Kozey has advanced fundamental knowledge for improving non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical interventions aimed at preserving physical function and delaying disease and illness progression.

Dr. Kozey has been a passionate research mentor to over 100 physiotherapy students, 90 graduate students (40 as supervisor); her dedication to student development and interdisciplinary collaboration has helped build a new generation of musculoskeletal researchers and clinicians.

“What sets Dr. Kozey apart as a member of the academic community is her commitment to treat every graduate student as an academic/researcher-in-training. Dr. Kozey cares about her graduate students and their successes. She is more than just a teacher or supervisor, and she develops more than just intellectual or research skills. Dr. Kozey strives to help students develop broad-ranging knowledge and skills that will set them on a course for future academic success.”  ~Derek Rutherford (previous graduate student supervised by Dr. Kozey (MSc 07, PhD 12) and current Director, School of Physiotherapy)

Among her most recent and impactful contributions is work on knee osteoarthritis progression, highlighting the value of improved muscle function as a modifiable target for interventions to slow symptom and structural damage progression. Dr. Kozey’s efforts to heighten awareness of the need for multivariate prediction models and clinically relevant outcomes are a testament to her forward-thinking approach—one that combines biomechanics, muscle physiology, clinical insight, and preventative care strategies.

Dr. Kozey’s legacy will continue to inspire the research community. Her work has not only advanced scientific understanding but has had a meaningful, real-world impact on the lives of those living with joint and spine conditions.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Kozey on her well-deserved recognition as Professor Emeritus. We thank her for her decades of leadership, innovation, and unwavering dedication to improving human movement and health.