Ha Van Vo

Dr. Ha Van Vo is an Eminent Scholar, Distinguished University Professor, and Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Mercer University's School of Engineering. As a Vietnam War survivor, he founded the Mercer On Mission Orthopaedic and Prosthetic Program in 2009, which has provided prosthetic devices to over 13,000 amputees and treated 52,000+ orthopaedic patients in Vietnam and Cambodia. His academic credentials include a PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Florida Atlantic University), DPM in Podiatric Medicine (Barry University), MS in Manufacturing Systems Engineering (Florida Atlantic University), and BSE in Engineering Science (University of Florida).

His research focuses on:

• Orthopedic biomechanics and rehabilitation engineering
• Prosthetic/orthotic design for developing countries
• Biomaterials for orthopedic surgery
• Bone fracture mechanics and injury analysis
• Clinical gait assessment methods

He teaches courses including Biomechanics, Biomedical Materials, Injury Mechanics, and Prosthetics/Orthotics clinical fitting.

Research publications primarily explore prosthetic design optimization, fracture mechanics, orthopedic device testing, and gait analysis, with strong emphasis on clinical applications in resource-limited settings. Recent work includes novel knee braces for neurological disorders and pediatric prosthetic solutions.

Honors & Awards:

• The Best Citizen, Ben Tre's People Committee (2023)
• Two-time Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International (2019, 2015)
• Healthcare Hero Award (2018)
• Mercer University's Distinguished University Professor (2018)
• Faculty of the Year (2018)
• Inaugural Faculty Member of the Year, Southern Conference (2015)

He secured a $10M grant to establish the Sheridan Center for Prosthetics and Orthotics at Mercer. Leads interdisciplinary teams in the Mercer On Mission program, collaborating with medical professionals and engineers to develop affordable rehabilitation devices. Serves on review panels for international journals and research foundations including Springer Nature and Swiss National Science Foundation.