Matt Hoch, associate professor of athletic training in the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences, is one of 16 University Research Professors for 2023-24. The University Research Professorships honor faculty members who have demonstrated excellence that addresses scientific, social, cultural and economic challenges in our region and around the world.

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

“Being honored as a University Research Professor is one of the highlights of my career,” Hoch said. “It is an incredible honor to be in the company of my colleagues from the College of Health Sciences who have previously earned this distinction. I am extremely grateful for the amazing colleagues, students and institutional support which contributed to this achievement.”

Hoch’s research focuses on rehabilitation and prevention of musculoskeletal injuries in athletes and service members. His primary work has examined strategies to optimize recovery for individuals with a history of ankle sprains and instability. The projects are designed to deliver clinically feasible strategies to mitigate the burden of musculoskeletal injuries in a variety of people.

Hoch earned his doctoral degree from the University of Kentucky in 2011 from the rehabilitation sciences program in the College of Health Sciences. Hoch returned to the University of Kentucky in 2017 as a faculty member in the athletic training program within the College of Health Sciences. Currently, he serves as the associate director of the Sports Medicine Research Institute and has served on a variety of research projects throughout his career.

To date, Hoch has served as the principal investigator for three Department of Defense grants and co-investigator on several other grants which have been awarded to investigators in the Sports Medicine Research Institute. Among these projects, Hoch is leading a multisite clinical trial with colleagues at other academic and military sites focused on optimizing the rehabilitation strategy to enhance outcomes for individuals with chronic ankle instability. Hoch is also proud to lead a project focused on mitigating the burden of musculoskeletal injuries in women and men serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.

“For me, the most rewarding part of this work has been the relationships I have forged with colleagues, students, clinicians and research participants,” Hoch said.