Amber Murphy, PhD

What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned?

I have learned it is ok to not know or not be good at everything. It is enough to do your best at your chosen profession.

What do you consider to be your most important career achievement or milestone?:

I earned my doctorate while raising three children and also working out on the track with elite athletes like sprinter Noah Lyles.

What do you aspire to accomplish in your career and why? What obstacles will you overcome?

I aspire to make science and math more accessible, so that athletes and coaches can understand the benefits of using them to improve performance and prevent injury.

Describe an amazing opportunity in your STEM career.

This year I had the opportunity to work on hurdle and start biomechanics on track in the Bahamas with Devynne Charlton, the world record holder in the 60 meter hurdles.

How was AWIS helped you professionally and/or personally?

AWIS makes me feel less alone as a woman in science.

What is your favorite word? (only one word)

Persistence.

How do you define it?

Keep going no matter what; you can do it

How has this word influenced or inspired your career?

Persistance helped me change from a 26 year-old with three children and no degree, to earning my PhD in my late 40’s.

How does AWIS impact your career journey?

AWIS offers me connections and friendship.

What are you currently reading or listening to?

I enjoy listening to podcasts about women for women.

What do you consider the best professional or personal advice you’ve ever received?

Do not look to someone else to validate you. Know your worth.

Amber Murphy, PhD, is a sports biomechanist with over 20 years of research and on-track experience working with athletes at every level. As an expert in Sports Biomechanics, she has spent more than two decades working with collegiate and professional track and field athletes, as well as collegiate football players, applying rigorous science to elite performance. Building on decades of original research, Dr. Murphy co-authored The Science of Speed: Practical Applications For Track and Field & Team Sport Coaches and Athletes with the late Dr. Ralph Mann.