Clemson University has appointed John DesJardins, Ph.D., as director of the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute (RHBSSI). The Institute supports Clemson faculty, staff and students in advancing research and innovation across the sport sciences.
As the Hambright Distinguished Professor in Engineering Leadership in the Department of Bioengineering, director of the Laboratory of Orthopaedic Design and Engineering, and co-director of the Clemson Headgear Impact Performance Lab (CHIP Lab), DesJardins brings extensive experience in orthopaedic biomechanics and interdisciplinary sports science collaboration.
“I am honored to receive this appointment and excited to work with our talented faculty, staff and students to accelerate our national impact in the sports sciences,” DesJardins said.
He will work with the new Provost, Cole Smith, and the established board of directors to solidify the Institute’s structure and strategic goals for this new phase in the Institute’s growth.
“During his time as interim director, Dr. DesJardins provided steady leadership and vision for the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute,” Provost Cole Smith said. “His continued leadership as director, combined with his interdisciplinary expertise and commitment to research excellence, positions the Institute for further growth and rising national prominence in the sports sciences.”
DesJardins has served as interim director of RHBSSI for the past two years, guiding the Institute through a period of strategic reorganization and growth. During that time, the Institute has more than doubled the number of faculty fellows to 29 across 17 departments, hosted two Research and Creative Endeavors in the Sports Sciences (RECESS) symposiums for the greater Clemson community, and provided over $400,000 in funding for numerous faculty research initiatives, student travel grants, scholarships, athletic and motorsports clubs, lecture series and professional development initiatives. His leadership has strengthened the Institute’s presence across campus and elevated its role within the broader sports science community.
“Our ten-year strategic goal is to bring the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute to a top-10 national ranking of sports science institutes nationally,” DesJardins said. “Clemson is a national leader in athletics, research and education, and the Institute’s mission will serve to unify these strengths and bring the work of our faculty, staff and students to national prominence in the field of sports science.”
For over two decades, DesJardins’ laboratory has led research and educational efforts in sports medicine, human performance, rehabilitation, medical device design and sports protective equipment. His research has produced over 100 peer-reviewed publications, 400 conference presentations and eight patents, and he has mentored over 500 undergraduate and 50 graduate students in biomedical research.
As director, DesJardins will guide the Institute’s long-term strategic vision and foster interdisciplinary partnerships. Most recently, the Institute has led collaborative efforts with MUSC Health to develop a new state-of-the-art human performance research center within the new student health center building. Groundbreaking was held on February 6, 2026, and the new center is scheduled to open on Clemson University’s main campus in Fall 2027.
His appointment signals continued growth for RHBSSI as a nexus for innovative programming, research and outreach that enhances the strategic areas of human performance and motorsports at Clemson University.
“We are honored to carry on the endowed legacy of Robert H. Brooks and his vision of a world-class sports science institute at Clemson University,” DesJardins said. “Through our collective educational and athletic passion for the field of sport, I am excited to accelerate and celebrate our national impact in the sports sciences.”
