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About

Where Science Meets Performance

Postdoctoral Researcher, Lecturer, and Performance Coach with over 15 years of hands-on experience.

Dr Ayden McCarthy

Dr Ayden McCarthy is a Postdoctoral Researcher and Lecturer in Exercise and Sport Science at the University of New England, with an Honorary Postdoctoral appointment at Macquarie University.

With a PhD focused on optimising military performance using machine learning, a Master of Research in markerless motion capture biomechanics, and a Master of Exercise Science in Strength and Conditioning from Edith Cowan University, Ayden bridges the gap between laboratory research and real-world coaching.

His research spans biomechanics, wearable technology validation, injury epidemiology in female youth rugby league, and predictive modelling for tactical populations. As Head Coach of AM Performance Coaching since 2018 and a tennis coach since 2010, he brings over 15 years of practical coaching experience alongside his academic expertise.

  • PhD Exercise Science, Macquarie University (2025)
  • Master of Research, Macquarie University (2022)
  • MExSc Strength & Conditioning, Edith Cowan University (2019)
  • BSc Exercise Science, University of Wollongong (2016)
  • Visiting Scholar, University of Pittsburgh (2024)
  • NSWRL Centre of Excellence Researcher
Credentials

Academic Qualifications

2022 - 2025

Doctor of Philosophy - Exercise Science

Macquarie University, Sydney NSW
Thesis: Optimising Performance and Physical Screening Strategies in a Military Environment: A Machine Learning Approach

2021 - 2022

Master of Research - Exercise Science

Macquarie University, Sydney NSW
Thesis: Using Markerless Motion Analysis to Determine the Effect of Body Armour on Hip and Shoulder Mobility

2017 - 2019

Master of Science - Exercise Science (S&C)

Edith Cowan University, Joondalup WA

2014 - 2016

Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science

University of Wollongong, Wollongong NSW

Awards

Best Student Presentation

Australian Biomechanics Conference Regional Sydney, 2023. MRes/PhD Scholarships from Macquarie University and VALD Performance (2021-2025).

Grants

Competitive Research Funding

UNE Internal Funding Scheme ($5,000, 2026). Macquarie University Postgraduate Research Fund ($3,616, 2024). ISBS Travel Grant ($1,050, 2022).

Career

Professional Journey

2025 - Present
Postdoctoral Researcher
University of New England - School of Science & Technology
Based at the NSW Rugby League Centre of Excellence, Sydney. Leading research on ACL injury prevention in female youth rugby league athletes.
2025 - Present
Lecturer, Exercise and Sport Science
University of New England
Unit Coordinator for EXSC260 Strength Training and Conditioning and EXSC370 Exercise Prescription and Programming. Co-supervising 2 Master's and 1 PhD candidate.
2024
Visiting Scholar - PhD Candidate
University of Pittsburgh - Neuromuscular Research Lab
International research collaboration at the Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Pittsburgh PA.
2022 - 2025
PhD Candidate, Research Assistant & Academic Tutor
Macquarie University - Department of Health Sciences
Doctoral research on machine learning approaches to military performance prediction. Concurrent roles as Academic Tutor and Research Assistant across biomechanics, S&C, and exercise science units.
2018 - Present
Head Coach & Owner
AM Performance Coaching
Evidence-based strength and conditioning coaching for athletes and general population clients.
2010 - Present
Tennis Coach
Shaun Hibbert Tennis Academy
Over 15 years of coaching experience developing athletes across junior and senior levels.
Memberships

Professional Affiliations

ACSM Member (2024) ESSA Accredited Exercise Scientist (2017) ASCA Level 2 Associate (2022) ANZSB Member (2022) ISB Member (2023)