Staff Directory
DeWitt, John
John DeWitt
- Title:
- Director of Applied Sports Science
- Email:
Dr. John DeWitt joined the Rice Atheltic Department in July 2023 as the first Director of Applied Sports Science. Dr. DeWitt’s mission is to create a world-renowned sports science program that bridges the gap between individual sports within the department and with external research partners. He works directly with coaches, researchers, and student-athletes to accelerate the use of sports science information to glean more significant insights into improving human performance and reducing injury risk.
Dr. DeWitt has vast experience in collecting and using sports and exercise science data. Before joining Rice, he spent 20 years at NASA Johnson Space Center as the Senior Biomechanist and Exercise Device Project Scientist in Astronaut Health and Performance. While at NASA, he researched preventing loss of health during spaceflight, including original research conducted in the International Space Station. He also spent two years with the Chicago Cubs baseball team as their Senior Biomechanist, charged with interpreting biomechanical data collected from players. His duties included creating original computer software for biomechanical processing and communicating with the research and development, player development, and scouting departments in using data to drive decisions.
In addition, Dr. DeWitt has operated a sports science consulting business with partners including NBA, MLB, MLS, National Governing Bodies, and private human performance organizations. He is known as a worldwide expert in collecting, interpreting, and communicating sports science information relative to performance.
He also brings a vast coaching background to the department. He has worked on the coaching staffs of national, professional, collegiate, and youth academy teams. He is a frequent
contributor to the United Soccer Coaches education platform and has international connections with experts across the globe.
Dr. DeWitt earned his bachelor’s degrees from the University of Toledo, a master's degree from Arizona State University, and a doctoral degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch. He has also earned a post-graduate diploma in applied data science from Emeritus School of Management / Columbia University.
Dr DeWitt is married to the Dr. Nesreen Ibrahim of Alexandria, Egypt. They operate a not-for-profit Egyptian American Club of Houston organization. They have two children, Ahmed and Nadeen.
Dr. DeWitt has vast experience in collecting and using sports and exercise science data. Before joining Rice, he spent 20 years at NASA Johnson Space Center as the Senior Biomechanist and Exercise Device Project Scientist in Astronaut Health and Performance. While at NASA, he researched preventing loss of health during spaceflight, including original research conducted in the International Space Station. He also spent two years with the Chicago Cubs baseball team as their Senior Biomechanist, charged with interpreting biomechanical data collected from players. His duties included creating original computer software for biomechanical processing and communicating with the research and development, player development, and scouting departments in using data to drive decisions.
In addition, Dr. DeWitt has operated a sports science consulting business with partners including NBA, MLB, MLS, National Governing Bodies, and private human performance organizations. He is known as a worldwide expert in collecting, interpreting, and communicating sports science information relative to performance.
He also brings a vast coaching background to the department. He has worked on the coaching staffs of national, professional, collegiate, and youth academy teams. He is a frequent
contributor to the United Soccer Coaches education platform and has international connections with experts across the globe.
Dr. DeWitt earned his bachelor’s degrees from the University of Toledo, a master's degree from Arizona State University, and a doctoral degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch. He has also earned a post-graduate diploma in applied data science from Emeritus School of Management / Columbia University.
Dr DeWitt is married to the Dr. Nesreen Ibrahim of Alexandria, Egypt. They operate a not-for-profit Egyptian American Club of Houston organization. They have two children, Ahmed and Nadeen.
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