Philipp Eichmeir is a Researcher at the Research Center Wels within the Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences . His work focuses on optimal control , multibody dynamics , and adjoint methods applied to robotics and automotive systems. Expertise in adjoint gradient computation for extremal value optimization Active in automotive/mobility and smart production domains Philipp's research spans computational mathematics , robotics , and mechanical engineering , utilizing advanced numerical methods and simulation modeling for complex dynamic systems. His recent publications focus on multibody dynamics , adjoint optimization , and inequality constraint handling in control systems. Collaborative projects include IOMMS (Innovative Optimization Methods for Multibody Systems) and JR-Centre for Thermal NDE of Composites . Scientific Awards Best Paper Award (2020) Automatisierte Körperschallauswertung (2015)
Dr. Grace Kim is an Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. She holds a PhD in Occupational Therapy from NYU (2016), an MA in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University, and a BA in Psychology from UC Davis. She is a clinician-researcher affiliated with the Rehabilitation Medicine department at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, specializing in upper extremity robotics, outcome measurement, and stroke rehabilitation. Education: Bachelor's in Psychology: University of California, Davis Master's in Occupational Therapy: Columbia University PhD in Occupational Therapy: New York University (2016) Research Focus: Intersection of technology and neurorehabilitation Client-centered care for stroke survivors Wearable/mobile technology applications Shared decision-making approaches Awards/Grants: Mitchell Leaska Dissertation Grant (2014) Steinhardt Faculty Challenge Grant (2017) NYU Provost Mega-Seed Grant (2018) American Occupational Therapy Foundation Grant (2021) Dr. Kim teaches courses in Evidence-Based Practice, Neurorehabilitation, and Ethics at NYU Steinhardt. She mentors students in Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and the R25 Research Education in Cardiovascular Conditions program at NYU's Rory Meyers School of Nursing. Her work emphasizes affordable technology solutions to improve real-world outcomes for stroke patients, including remote self-training programs and home-based interventions.
Girija Chetty is a Full Professor in Computing and Information Technology at the University of Canberra's School of Information Technology and Systems. She holds a PhD in Information Sciences and Engineering and has over 35 years of experience in academia and research leadership roles, including Head of Software Engineering and Program Director of ITS courses. Her research focuses on multimodal systems, medical image computing, AI, and data science. She leads a dynamic research group comprising PhD students, postdocs, and international collaborators. Education: PhD in Information Sciences (Australia, 2007), MSc and BSc in Electrical Engineering/Computer Science (India). She has held visiting roles at Deakin University and CSIRO. Research interests span computer vision, pattern recognition, and medical diagnostics, with 200+ publications in top journals/conferences. Her work addresses global challenges via AI-driven solutions in healthcare (e.g., pain assessment systems, malaria diagnostics) and sustainability (SDG impact frameworks). Projects include AI for remote ultrasound imaging and smart farming systems. She actively collaborates with industry and global research institutions. Grants/Projects: 12 funded initiatives including AI for extreme environment healthcare, malaria pathogen detection, and big data-driven population health. Awards: Senior IEEE/Australian Computer Society membership, editorial roles in IEEE/Elsevier journals. Labs/Teams: Leads a multidisciplinary research group focused on medical AI and multimodal systems.
David J. Reinkensmeyer is a Professor at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), holding appointments in the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (The Henry Samueli School of Engineering), Anatomy & Neurobiology (School of Medicine), and Biomedical Engineering. His research focuses on neurorehabilitation engineering, developing robotic and sensor-based technologies to enhance motor recovery after neurological injuries such as stroke and spinal cord injury. He leads interdisciplinary efforts in robotic therapy, sensor design for movement assessment, and computational models of motor learning. Key areas include: Design of robotic devices for upper/lower extremity rehabilitation Development of wearable sensors to monitor home exercise programs Studying motor adaptation and proprioception in clinical populations Optimizing neurorehabilitation interventions through computational modeling His work integrates biomechanics, machine learning, and clinical neuroscience to create practical solutions for disabling movement disorders. Recent projects explore scalable mRehab systems, data-driven diagnostics, and real-time feedback technologies. Funding sources include NIH grants (e.g., R01 HD062744) and industry collaborations. Over 200 peer-reviewed publications and numerous patents reflect his impact in translating engineering innovations into clinical practice.
Min Lee is a Full-time Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Singapore Management University's School of Computing and Information Systems (SCIS). Holding a PhD from Carnegie Mellon University (2021), Lee specializes in Artificial Intelligence with a focus on Human-AI Collaborative Systems and their applications in healthcare. Their research bridges technical innovation with human-centric design, emphasizing trustworthiness, explainability, and accessibility in AI systems. Research interests include decision-making optimization, human-machine collaboration, and AI-driven solutions for healthcare challenges such as stroke rehabilitation, elderly care monitoring, and clinical decision support. Lee has pioneered low-cost AI/robotic solutions for post-stroke rehabilitation exercises, integrating socially assistive robotics with real-time feedback mechanisms. Recent work highlights AI's role in enabling trustworthy clinical decision-making through explainable AI (XAI) techniques like counterfactual explanations and gradient-based methods. Their systems address ethical concerns in predictive healthcare and advocate for stakeholder-inclusive design processes. Awards and grants: No specific awards mentioned in the profile, though research has been supported through collaborative projects with clinical partners and iterative user evaluations involving therapists and patients. Advising focuses on multidisciplinary projects spanning AI, healthcare, and human-computer interaction. Current advisees include BHOSALE Rimmon Saloman, TRAN Truong Thuy, and YANG Xinlin. Lee collaborates closely with clinical stakeholders to translate technical advancements into practical healthcare solutions, emphasizing iterative design and real-world applicability. Labs/teams: Active in SCIS's AI and Data Science initiatives, leading projects on intelligent decision support systems, socially assistive robotics for rehabilitation, and human-centered AI ethics frameworks.
Dr. Christine King is an Associate Professor of Teaching in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at UC Irvine's Samueli School of Engineering. Her research focuses on innovative pedagogical approaches including active learning, VR clinical immersion, and STEM education reform. She directs the BioENGINE program integrating innovation and entrepreneurship into biomedical education. Education includes: Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, UC Irvine (2014) M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering, UC Irvine (2010) M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Manhattan College (2009) B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Manhattan College (2008) Her research develops novel educational frameworks using active learning techniques, virtual reality simulations, and real-world clinical applications. Current projects investigate VR clinical immersion platforms for needs-finding training, AI integration in biomedical curricula, and culturally responsive engineering pedagogy. She creates hands-on learning experiences connecting engineering principles to healthcare challenges. Her publications demonstrate strong emphasis on educational innovation (65%), neurorehabilitation technology (20%), and medical device development (15%), with recent work focusing on VR/AI applications in education. Award recognition includes AIMBE Fellowship and best paper awards for educational innovation and medical technology. She leads the BioENGINE program fostering industry-academia partnerships and medical innovation. Laboratory facilities include VR clinical simulation environments and engineering education research labs supporting her pedagogical innovations and medical device prototyping.
Qiushi Fu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Central Florida, focusing on neuromuscular control, human-robot interaction, and biomechanics. His work leverages assistive and rehabilitation technologies to improve motor function and performance. Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering – Arizona State University M.S. in Mechanical Engineering – State University of New York at Buffalo B.S. in Automation – Tsinghua University Research interests include sensorimotor learning, bioinspired robotics, and rehabilitation prosthetics, integrating neuroscience, robotics, and machine learning. His recent publications emphasize adaptive control in dexterous manipulation, haptic communication, and wearable rehabilitation devices. Fu leads a multidisciplinary lab advancing human movement through technology, with applications in stroke recovery and prosthetic design. His work demonstrates trends in machine learning integration for neural decoding, bioinspired exoskeletons, and collaborative human-robot systems. Though no specific awards are listed, his research has been published in high-impact journals like Frontiers in Neurorobotics and Journal of Neuroscience .
Dr. Jill L. McNitt-Gray is a Professor of Biological Sciences and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern California (USC), serving as Director of the USC Biomechanics Research Laboratory. She also leads the Integrative and Evolutionary Biology Graduate Program, focusing on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of genomics, evolution, and physiology. Her academic roles include joint appointments in Biomedical Engineering and affiliations with the Center for Robotics and Embedded Systems, Center for Excellence in Genomic Science, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Education: PhD in Biomechanics (Pennsylvania State University, 1989), MA in Biomechanics (UNC Chapel Hill, 1985), and AB in Mathematics/Statistics (Miami University, 1980). Her research explores mechanisms of multijoint movement control, injury prevention, and human performance optimization across sports, music, and clinical populations. She pioneered biomechanical analysis of wheelchair propulsion mechanics and movement strategies in athletes and musicians. Research Interests: Biomechanics of physically-demanding movements, motor control dynamics, neuromuscular coordination, injury prevention in sports/dance/music, rehabilitation engineering, and comparative biomechanics in mammals. She integrates experimental techniques, computational modeling, and field studies to address these topics. Awards: Recognized as a Fellow of the National Academy of Kinesiology (2023), International Society of Biomechanics (2015), and American Society of Biomechanics (2013). Honored with the Hay Award (2016), Harmon Brown Award (2016), and USC Distinguished Professorship (2016–2019). Her mentorship was acknowledged via the Mellon Award (2010) and leadership of STEM outreach programs. Labs/Teams: Directs USC Biomechanics Research Lab and collaborates with the Sports Science, Engineering, and Technology Academy. Leads the GREU mentorship program and consults for USC Athletics, the Colburn School of Music, and Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center.
Michele Lobo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Delaware. Her research focuses on child development, rehabilitation technologies, and early intervention strategies for infants and children with neuromotor disorders. She leads the Move2Learn Innovation Lab and co-founded the GoDesign Group, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration in wearable technology and assistive device design. Education: PhD in Biomechanics from the University of Delaware (2006), Postdoctoral research at Vrije Universiteit (2001–2002), MPT in Pediatric Rehabilitation from Drexel University (1997), and BS in Biology from The College of New Jersey (1994). Research Interests: Investigating perceptual-motor experiences in learning, designing interventions to enhance development in infants with delays, and developing assistive devices such as exoskeletons (e.g., Playskin LiftTM). Key projects include the START-Play intervention, which improves motor and cognitive outcomes in infants with cerebral palsy. Awards: Recipient of the prestigious Gayle G. Arnold Award (2022), Chattanooga Research Award (2022), and Toby Long Award (2021). Her work has been supported by grants from the NIH, IES, and the American Physical Therapy Association. Labs/Teams: Co-leader of the Move2Learn Innovation Lab, focusing on wearable tech and functional fashion for pediatric rehabilitation. Affiliated with the Center for Autonomous and Robotic Systems and the Fashion & Apparel Studies Department.
Dr. Lin Jiang serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at San José State University's Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering, where her research bridges biomechanics and robotics to develop medical assistive technologies and human-robot interaction systems. Her educational background includes a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Dallas (2021, 2019), complemented by an M.Sc. in Control Engineering and B.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering from Nanjing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics (2014, 2011) with a minor in Industrial Business Management. Dr. Jiang's research focuses on translating aerospace control systems expertise into medical applications, particularly in rehabilitation robotics and breastfeeding technology. Her work emphasizes human-centered design for devices like the patented SmartLact8 breast pump, with recent publications demonstrating significant contributions to teleoperated rehabilitation systems and lactation biomechanics. Her 15 most recent publications (2020-2025) reveal consistent specialization in medical robotics, with dominant themes in rehabilitation devices (knee braces, upper extremity therapy), breastfeeding technology innovation, and human-robot interaction frameworks for healthcare and driving safety applications. Scientific recognition includes: New Investigator Award from CSUPERB Small Group Project Award from SJSU College of Engineering Exemplary Teaching award from UT Dallas Diversity Award from Summer Biomechanics Conference Best Paper award at ASME IMECE 2018 Research funding includes NSF support for hospital-based human-robot interaction studies. Dr. Jiang actively contributes to IEEE HKN, BMES, ASME, and ISHRML while mentoring students through her Biomechanics and Robotics Lab at SJSU. The Biomechanics and Robotics Lab serves as the primary research hub for developing medical assistive technologies, with current projects focusing on rehabilitation robotics, breastfeeding simulation systems, and human-robot interaction protocols for clinical environments.
Emma De Keersmaecker is a Research Fellow at the Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy , Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Belgium. Her work focuses on Virtual Reality , Gait , and Rehabilitation for neurological populations including Stroke and Multiple Sclerosis patients. Research keywords: Optic Flow, Patient Rehabilitation, Exercise Equipment, Biomechanics, Immersion Active in peer-reviewed publications and Cochrane systematic reviews Recipient of the FWO SB fellowship for fundamental research Research Trends : Emma's publications emphasize Virtual Reality applications for gait rehabilitation, investigating how Optic Flow , Immersion , and Assistive Technologies improve locomotion in stroke survivors and neurological patients. Her work spans Exoskeletons , Biomechanical Analysis , and Clinical Interventions . Scientific Awards : FWO SB Fellowship (2019)
Dr. Kelly P. Westlake serves as Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, with secondary appointments in Diagnostic Radiology Nuclear Medicine and Neurology. As Director of the PhD and DPT/PhD program in Physical Rehabilitation Science, she leads advanced training initiatives while maintaining thirty years of clinical and research expertise focused on neurological disorders and age-related mobility decline. Her educational foundation includes a Physical Therapy degree from McGill University, M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Rehabilitation Sciences from Queen's University, followed by postdoctoral training at Stanford University/Palo Alto VA (CIHR Clinical Research fellowship) and University of California, San Francisco (American Heart Association Fellowship). This trajectory established her dual expertise in clinical neurorehabilitation and advanced neuroscience methodology. Dr. Westlake's research program investigates sensorimotor-cognitive mechanisms underlying movement impairments in stroke, Parkinson's disease, and mild cognitive impairment through an integrative approach combining biomechanics (kinematics/kinetics), neuroimaging (fMRI/EEG/MEG), and psychophysiological assessments (HRV/GSC). Her distinctive work explores sleep-based motor learning consolidation via targeted memory reactivation and cognitive-motor interactions in reactive fall recovery, driving development of task-oriented robotic rehabilitation devices for clinical translation. Recent publications reveal strong trends toward home-based and self-managed rehabilitation solutions for stroke recovery, with growing emphasis on cognitive-motor interactions in aging populations and biomechanical analysis of perturbation responses for fall prevention. These studies consistently prioritize patient-centered, evidence-based interventions leveraging technological innovation to enhance accessibility and efficacy. Her scientific recognition includes: CIHR Clinical Research fellowship American Heart Association Fellowship Dr. Westlake currently leads $10+ million in grant funding including a 2025-2026 Maryland Industrial Partnerships Grant for FES treatment of shoulder adhesive capsulitis and multiple NIH awards (NIDILRR, NIA, NINDS) focused on stroke rehabilitation, fall prevention in older adults, and neuromotor training. She mentors PhD candidates and postdoctoral fellows through the Physical Rehabilitation Science PhD Program and UMANRRT fellowship, while developing clinical practice guidelines as Leader of the Balance and Falls in Neurological Conditions group for the APTA Academy of Neurologic Rehabilitation. The Neuromechanisms of Movement and Learning (NeuMo) Laboratory, directed by Dr. Westlake, features state-of-the-art capabilities including fMRI/EEG/MEG neuromonitoring, Vicon kinematics, Bertek force platforms, ActiveStep balance perturbation system, custom Balance boardwalk (patent pending), and Kinereach virtual reality systems. The lab maintains active collaborations with the UM Sleep Lab and UM Rehab for clinical-home integration studies, supported by academic-industry partnerships advancing rehabilitation technology development.
Dr. Garrick Forman serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Kinesiology within Brock University's Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, where he conducts pioneering research in esports biomechanics and ergonomics. Holding a PhD in Neuromechanics and Ergonomics from Brock, he focuses on optimizing gamer performance while mitigating injury risks through industry partnerships with GM Canada, NotionMedical, and Waterloo Regional Police. His educational background includes: PhD in Neuromechanics and Ergonomics, Brock University Forman's research centers on esports biomechanics, neuromuscular control of the distal upper limb, and fatigue-induced motor performance degradation. His work integrates advanced biomechanical analysis with practical ergonomic solutions, particularly addressing repetitive strain in gaming contexts. Recent studies employ robotics for precise movement quantification and examine sex-specific responses to physical demands, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to human performance optimization. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2025-2020) reveals a dominant focus on upper extremity biomechanics in gaming and occupational settings, with emerging trends in corticospinal excitability assessment and robotic movement analysis. His research consistently bridges laboratory findings with real-world applications through industry collaborations, emphasizing injury prevention and performance enhancement in both esports and traditional athletic domains. Dr. Forman's scholarly contributions have earned significant recognition: ISEK John V. Basmajian Memorial Award NSERC Canada Graduate Scholarship – Doctoral CIHR Banting & Best Scholarship In academic service, he teaches Clinical Biomechanics, Motor Control, Motor Learning, and Balance and Gait courses. While specific grant funding details aren't publicized, his industry partnerships indicate applied research support. His mentorship extends to laboratory instruction though formal graduate student supervision isn't documented. Current research leverages wrist robotics and electromyography to develop evidence-based ergonomic guidelines for gamers and professionals. His laboratory work operates at the intersection of sports science and human-computer interaction, utilizing motion capture and robotic systems to translate biomechanical insights into practical interventions for pain reduction and performance optimization in high-demand motor tasks.
Dr. Brooke Odle is an Assistant Professor of Engineering at Hope College, where she teaches courses including Engineering Computing, Biomechanical Systems, and Mechanics of Materials Laboratory. She joined the faculty in 2020 after a postdoctoral fellowship at Case Western Reserve University and continues as an Investigator at the Advanced Platform Technology Center in Cleveland, OH. Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology and Rutgers University, 2014 M.S., Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 2009 B.S., Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, 2006 Her research focuses on biomechanics and assistive technology for individuals with disabilities, particularly spinal cord injuries. Key projects include functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) for posture-dependent transfers and computational modeling of manual patient-handling tasks to reduce physical burdens on caregivers and patients. Dr. Odle has received grants from the Michigan Space Grant Consortium, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Craig H. Neilsen Foundation. Her recent publications emphasize neuroprosthetic control, musculoskeletal modeling, and rehabilitation robotics. She is an active member of the American Society of Biomechanics, Biomedical Engineering Society, and IEEE. Best Trainee Poster Award, Association of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals, 2019 First Place Postdoctoral Research Poster Award, Case Western Reserve University, 2018 A dedicated advocate for K–12 STEM education, Dr. Odle participates in National Biomechanics Day and volunteers with Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore. Her work bridges clinical challenges with engineering solutions to improve mobility and quality of life for individuals with paralysis.
Erik Thostenson is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Delaware, with an affiliated appointment in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. He holds degrees from the University of Delaware (PhD/MS in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering) and Winona State University (BS in Composite Materials Engineering, Summa Cum Laude). His research focuses on advanced composite materials, nanotechnology, and multifunctional sensor integration into composites. Dr. Thostenson's expertise spans composites processing, nanomaterials characterization (particularly carbon nanotubes), and structural health monitoring. His work emphasizes developing novel fabrication techniques like electrophoretic deposition for hierarchical composites, with applications in aerospace, civil infrastructure, and biomedical wearable sensors. Notable awards include the NSF CAREER Award, Air Force YIP Award, Elsevier Young Composites Researcher Award, and Hayashi International Memorial Award. He has pioneered methods for in situ sensing in composites using nanomaterials, enabling real-time damage detection and smart material systems. His research portfolio includes over 100 publications on topics like carbon nanotube-based sensors, additive manufacturing of composite tooling, and VR-integrated rehabilitation systems. He has also contributed to industry-relevant solutions such as scalable roll-to-roll composite manufacturing and structural repair methodologies.
