Nicholas Heebner: 2025-26 University Research Professor Q&A

Nicholas Heebner, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition in the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences and director of UK’s Sports Medicine Research Institute (SMRI), has been honored as a 2025-26 University Research Professor.

Heebner’s research focuses on injuries among high-performing athletes, members of the military and first responders. He is focused on reducing the burden of musculoskeletal injuries, which are the leading cause of medical discharges in the armed forces.

At the SMRI, Heebner and his team have worked to develop and implement musculoskeletal health assessments and reporting to improve training and health. Heebner’s work has involved groups in Special Operations, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and fire departments across the country but is applicable across all branches of the military and first responders.

Heebner joined UK in 2015. His work has led to 68 peer-reviewed manuscripts and 10 national and international invited speaking engagements.

Heebner spoke with UKNow about his latest honor as a University Research Professor in this Q&A.

UKNow: What does it mean to you to be recognized as a University Research Professor?

Heebner: Being recognized as a University Research Professor means a great deal to me personally. It represents the university acknowledging the years of dedication and hard work I've invested in making meaningful contributions to our field and to the University of Kentucky. This recognition validates that the research we’ve been pursuing has value not just within our academic circles, but also to the broader university community. It’s humbling to have peers and leadership affirm and support our efforts to serve this country, our communities and this university.

UKNow: How will the professorships program advance your research?

Heebner: The financial support that comes with the University Research Professorship will directly advance our work by allowing us to explore new ideas and approaches in injury prevention and human performance, but also community outreach. Additionally, this acknowledgment helps increase awareness of the amazing work being done at the Sports Medicine Research Institute and across the University of Kentucky. Greater visibility for our research creates new opportunities for collaboration, attracts talented students and researchers to our programs and highlights UK’s contributions to military health and performance. Making strides in both implementation and innovation requires consistent investment, and this support will help us continue developing impactful solutions that benefit both service members and the broader Kentucky community.

UKNow: What inspired your focus on this area of research?

Heebner: I found my way into military injury and human performance research during graduate school while studying sports medicine. Working with my mentors, Dr. Scott Lephart and Dr. Timothy Sell, I started helping on their military projects and quickly discovered my passion. Seeing firsthand the physical challenges service members face and realizing how preventable many of their injuries were sparked something in me — it was the perfect way to apply my sports medicine background to something truly meaningful.

Since arriving at the University of Kentucky 10 years ago and helping to establish the Sports Medicine Research Institute, I have been fortunate to have been able to focus my career on tactical athlete health and performance. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about knowing our research is focused on those who keep us safe.

UKNow: How does your research impact Kentucky?

Heebner: My work in military injury prevention and human performance has created meaningful impact across Kentucky through several key channels. Here in Lexington, we partner directly with first responders — including Lexington fire and police departments as well as the Kentucky Army and Air National Guard statewide. These tactical athletes face unique physical demands, and our research helps develop tailored health and performance practices that address their specific challenges and mission requirements. These partnerships ensure that the professionals who keep our communities safe benefit from cutting-edge research.

We’re also committed to extending our knowledge beyond academic publications by providing resources and educational opportunities through outreach events across Kentucky. Through the Sports Medicine Research Institute, we offer specialized health and wellness testing to the public. This gives all Kentuckians access to advanced assessment technology that helps them set realistic health goals and develop effective fitness practices. It’s particularly rewarding to see our research directly benefit the health and well-being of Kentucky residents while supporting those who serve our communities.

About the University Research Professors
Each year, the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees approves a cohort of faculty as University Research Professors. The distinction recognizes excellence in work that addresses scientific, social, cultural and economic challenges in Kentucky and the world.

College leadership developed criteria for excellence within their area of expertise and then nominated faculty who excelled at these criteria. Each University Research Professor receives a one-year award of $10,000.