Brooke Slavens

Dr. Brooke Slavens is the Richard and Joanne Grigg Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, with joint affiliations in Biomedical Engineering and Rehabilitation Science. She directs the Mobility Lab at the Innovation Campus Accelerator Building and leads NIH, NIDILRR, and VA-funded research on upper extremity biomechanics in pediatric and adult populations with spinal cord injuries.

Her research examines musculoskeletal dynamics in assistive device users, focusing on shoulder complex biomechanics in wheelchair users to prevent secondary injuries. Advanced methodologies include 3D motion capture, musculoskeletal modeling, quantitative ultrasound, and MRI analysis. Current projects investigate sex-specific differences in joint loading, hypermobility spectrum disorders, and wheelchair athlete biomechanics.

Publications demonstrate extensive work on pediatric mobility assessment, with recent focus on quantitative imaging biomarkers, wheelchair transfer kinematics, and hypermobility-related gait pathology. Awards include the Vogel Research Award from the American Spinal Injury Association for pediatric SCI rehabilitation research.

Key professional roles:

• NIH Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Sciences Study Section (2021-present)
• Board of Directors, Broadscope Disability Services (2020-present)