Helen Woo
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Helen Woo is a biomechanist specialising in the research and development of athletic footwear. Woo's inventions resulted in multiple patents related to the footwear industry during her career. In 2016 she commenced as Senior Director of the Biomechanics team at Under Armour. She is recognised for launching Under Armour's first running shoe that was designed on a female foot in 2022.[1][2]
Biography
[edit]Woo is a biomechanist with over two decades of experience in the athletic footwear industry.[2] As the Senior Director of the Biomechanics team at Under Armour she leads research and development efforts to improve athletic footwear and apparel.[3] Since joining Under Armour in 2016, Woo has overseen the establishment of a biomechanics laboratory and directed performance research aimed at enhancing athletic performance.[2][4]
Career
[edit]Woo has a Masters of Science in the School of Kinesiology from Simon Fraser University. Woo's thesis was titled "A three dimenional kinematic analysis of an elite squash forehand stroke".[5]
Woo’s work focuses on applying biomechanics to the design and development of athletic footwear. Her career includes senior positions at the Nike Sport Research Lab and Adidas AG at Reebok’s Human Performance Engineering Lab.[2] While at Nike, inventions patented included Footwork training system and method, and Article of footwear for dancing.[6] At Under Armour, she has contributed to the creation of footwear for various sports, genders, and surfaces, including products like the Nike Free, Reebok CrossFit Nano, and Under Armour HOVR Sonic running shoes.[4][1]
Woo’s research approach integrates collaboration with athletes, coaches, trainers, and academic researchers to identify performance needs and apply scientific insights to footwear design.[4] Her work emphasizes the application of biomechanics in the development process to create performance-focused products.[1][3][5][7]
Woo is also active in the broader biomechanics community. She serves as the Chairperson of the Footwear Biomechanics Group, was a member of the Editorial Board of the Footwear Science Journal, and participates in scientific review committees for biomechanics conferences.[2] She was a keynote Speaker at the 2019 Footwear Biomechanics Symposium.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Under Armour Launches its First Running Shoe Made on a Women's Last". UA Newsroom. Retrieved 2024-12-01.
- ^ a b c d e f "Speakers | FBS 2019". fbs2019.footwearbiomechanics.org. Retrieved 2024-12-01.
- ^ a b "Quick Tips to Run Faster and Further". Under Armour. Retrieved 2024-12-01.
- ^ a b c Running, Women's (2018-11-14). "A Sneak Peek At Under Armour's New HOVR Infinite". Women's Running. Retrieved 2024-12-01.
- ^ a b Woo, Helen (1993). A three dimensional kinematic analysis of an elite squash forehand stroke (PDF). Canada: Simon Fraser University.
- ^ "Helen Woo Inventions, Patents and Patent Applications - Justia Patents Search". Justia Patents. Retrieved 2024-12-01.
- ^ Bronner, Shaw; Ojofeitimi, Sheyi; Woo, Helen (2015). "Extreme Kinematics in Selected Hip Hop Dance Sequences". Medical Problems of Performing Artists. 30 (3): 126–134. ISSN 0885-1158.