The research and real-life application of a Texas Christian University professor is now on display at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, highlighting real-time analytics and science happening within TCU’s Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences.  

Emily Haag, assistant professor of health science and public health, is featured in Soccer: More Than a Game, an immersive exhibit that dives deep into the science behind the sport – and just in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to the Metroplex. 

“The exhibit was planned to highlight STEM careers and professions surrounding the sport of soccer as the larger team that helps athletes perform at the peak of their abilities, train to improve performance, reduce injury risk and rehabilitate common injuries,” said Haag, who is co-director of TCU’s Locomotor Performance Lab.  

Her research has centered on the biomechanical requirements of fast dynamic activities, particularly sprinting and jumping. 

The Expertise of Strength and Conditioning 
“I also have a coaching background, having spent three years as a strength and conditioning coach working with nearly all sports at my alma mater, Bowling Green State University,” Haag said. “I was also directly responsible for the strength and conditioning training of the men’s and women’s soccer programs before pursuing my doctorate in applied physiology and biomechanics.” 

Haag said she was approached by the chief learning officer at the Perot Museum, Drex Owusu, after he saw her research in the field of sport/performance biomechanics.  

“I met with Mr. Owusu to discuss the project. They wanted me to answer questions about what I do as a researcher and scientist in the field and also highlight the environment in our lab through video content of what we study – top speed, sprint, acceleration and jump testing – on our treadmill with our in-ground force plates and motion capture system.” 

The videos from TCU are displayed on multiple boards throughout the exhibit. This includes the initial introduction to the science of soccer in the “Impact of the Game” section at the beginning of the exhibit, which highlights how science, society and culture are influenced by soccer. The TCU videos are also highlighted in the “Coaching Lab for Excellence in Athletics: C.L.E.A.T.S.” section dedicated to exploring careers in STEM that are related to soccer, including performance training, research and data analysis, material science and rehabilitation. 

On the Analytics Team 

The Perot Museum describes the exhibit as a “fast-paced, family-friendly exhibition that reveals how physics, biology and technology shape every aspect of the game, on and off the field.” 

Haag has attended the exhibit and had the full patron experience. 

“My favorite part of the exhibit was how you stepped in and got a profile that helped you discover your ideal role as part of soccer’s broader team that helps support athletes on and off the field,” she said. “You check in at different stations, answer questions and test your skills. I was profiled into the ‘Analytics Team.’ No surprise there, given my chosen profession!” 

Soccer: More Than a Game is on display now through Sept. 7.  

“Overall, the exhibit highlights all the exciting careers that surround the beautiful game, and it was a pleasure to be a part of,” Haag said.   

-Taylor Helmes