About BRI
BRI’s is a consulting company in the area of biomechanics of movement, physical activity and mobility. Its customers include many of the world leading companies in the sporting goods industry. The expertise available through BRI includes knowledge in biomechanics, market research, sporting good product/equipment development, and testing of footwear, orthotics/inserts, sport surfaces and many other products relevant for physical activity and everyday life. The president and CEO of the company is Dr. Benno M. Nigg. The rest of the team that works on BRI projects consists of consultants that have a wide range of expertise.
The BRI Team
Benno M. Nigg
Founder & CEO
Dr. Nigg is the founder and CEO of BRI. He has a doctorate in natural sciences (Physics) from the ETH Zurich, Switzerland. Dr. Nigg also founded and directs the Human Performance Laboratory. He is the author of more than 310 scientific publications and the recipient of many awards (e.g. Olympic Order, Alberta Science and Technology Award) and elected member of three Scientific Academies.
Lisa Stirling
Post Doctoral Fellow
Dr. Stirling is a researcher with BRI. Her main research interest is in the application of engineering approaches in the fields of rehabilitation and movement science. Her current research with BRI focuses on quantifying movement and muscle activity associated with fatigue during prolonged running. Dr. Stirling has a BASc in Electrical Engineering and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering.
Peter Federolf
Project Manager & Consultant
Dr. Federolf is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary and works as a project manager and consultant for BRI. Dr. Federolf studied physics and earned a doctorate in science (mechanical engineering) at the ETH Zurich. His work experience includes Stöckli (alpine skis), Atomic (alpine skis), and Royal Beach (home trainer). While at BRI, Dr. Federolf has conducted research on topics including ice hockey, footwear and apparel.
Ursula Heinz
Operations & Office Administration
Ursula represents the first point of contact for the majority of our new clients. Responsible for both the operations and administrative activities of BRI, Ursula has over 16 years of experience in operations management and executive support. She has been with BRI for 10 years, and obtained her Master's degree at the University of Alberta.
Aurel Coza
PhD Student & Research Assistant
Aurel is a project manager and research assistant at BRI. His main research interest is centered around the impact of mechanical vibrations on muscle activity and energy consumption. Aurel has a B.Sc. and a M.Sc. in Physics and is currently working on his PhD thesis in Biomechanics.
Jennifer Baltich
Biomechanics Research Technician
Jennifer is a research technician with BRI. She has a BSc in Biological Systems Engineering from the University of Davis and an MSc in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan. Her previous research interests have included ergonomics and work place design, mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon and tissue engineering. Her current research with BRI has primarily focused on the various effects of athletic and fitness footwear.
Bernd Friesenbichler
Biomechanics Research Assistant
Bernd is a research assistant at BRI and a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on biomechanics. His current research focuses on the biomechanical and physiological changes in prolonged running. Bernd also has a BSc in Sports Equipment Technology from the UAS Technikum Vienna where he concentrated on equipment evolution in sports including ice hockey, table tennis, soccer and running.
Karelia Tecante
Biomechanics Research Assistant
Karelia is a research assistant at BRI and a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on biomechanics. Her current research focuses on the relationship between the physiological and biomechanical aspects of functional footwear and an individual’s cognitive ability. Karelia has a BSc in Biomedical Engineering from Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico where she specialized in rehabilitation and instrumentation. Her future research will focus on mechanical vibrations and muscle activity.
Sandro R. Nigg
Marketing & Market Research
Sandro is responsible for the marketing and market research activities at BRI. Sandro has over 15 years experience in marketing, project management, product evaluation, business development and executing qualitative & quantitative research projects. His employment history includes working 6.5 years at adidas, managing a consulting firm, and as a director of client services at the Environics Research Group.