Michael “Mick” Peterson, Ph.D. is the Director of the Racetrack Safety Program and Professor of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at the University of Kentucky. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory. Dr. Peterson’s research links traditional understanding of engineering mechanics and materials to the biomechanics of animals. His research emphasis is on the manner in which dynamic response can be used to characterize materials. He has worked on a range of equine and animal biomechanics topics including: the impact of exercise on bone density, the development of biomechanical models, durability of cetacean epidermis, the measurement of inertial properties of the equine forelimb, biomechanics of whale interaction with fishing gear, cetacean acoustic response, marine hydroacoustics and the kinematics of equine gait on treadmills and tracks.

Dr. Peterson greatest passion is for increasing our understanding and the consistency of racing and equestrian sport surfaces. Originating in ultrasonic imaging work more than 20 years ago this research has gradually grown to encompass a wide range of data collection and testing work. This data is the basis for applying concepts from manufacturing quality control to improved racing surface consistency for the protection of horses and riders. He has published more than 85 journal articles, 3 book chapters, more than 150 conference proceedings and has received 6 patents.