Michael L. Madigan

Michael L. Madigan is a Professor in the Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech. His research focuses on human factors engineering, biomechanics, and ergonomics, particularly addressing issues related to slips, trips, falls, and musculoskeletal disorders. He leads the Madigan Biomechanics Group, which investigates the biomechanics of human motion and neuromuscular control to enhance occupational safety and elderly health.

Education:

• Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2001
• M.S., Bioengineering, Texas A&M University, 1996
• B.S., Bioengineering, Texas A&M University, 1994

Research Interests: Obesity’s impact on mobility, aging-related biomechanics, workplace ergonomics, and biomechanical interventions for fall prevention. His work combines experimental and computational methods to develop preventive measures like exercise interventions and ergonomic designs.

Professional Roles:

• Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Applied Biomechanics (2017–present)
• Formerly Editor, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise (2013–2017)
• Secretary, American Society of Biomechanics (2009–2012)

Awards:

• Kevin P. Granata Faculty Fellow (2013–2014)
• Virginia Tech College of Engineering Certificate of Teaching Excellence (2014)
• Finalist for International Society of Biomechanics Clinical Award (2005)

Advising & Grants: Advised over 20 doctoral and undergraduate students since 2007. His grants support studies on obesity-related falls, exoskeleton design, and biomechanical modeling. Collaborates with the Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences.

Labs/Teams: Director of the Madigan Biomechanics Group and core member of the Occupational Ergonomics and Biomechanics Laboratories. Active in developing smart prosthetics and wearable technologies for injury prevention.