Peter Lum

Peter Lum is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at The Catholic University of America, where he serves as Chair of the Biomedical Engineering department. He also directs the Center for Applied Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Research at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital and holds a position as Research Health Scientist at the Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Dr. Lum's research focuses on rehabilitation robotics, human motor control, and neurorehabilitation. His work includes:

• Developing robotic devices for rehabilitation of upper extremity function after neurological injury
• Studying motor learning and performance limitations in amputee populations
• Advancing telerehabilitation technologies
• Creating innovative interventions like the MIME robotic system and HEXORR (Hand EXOskeleton Rehabilitation Robot)

Dr. Lum's publication record shows a strong focus on robotic rehabilitation for stroke patients and amputees. His work spans from fundamental motor control studies to clinical trials of robotic interventions. He has published extensively on upper limb rehabilitation, exoskeleton development, and the neural mechanisms underlying motor recovery after neurological injury, with his papers cited over 7,000 times.

His scientific achievements include:

• Over $18 million in external grant funding as principal investigator or co-investigator
• Professor Robert Meister Distinguished Faculty Fellowship (2020)
• Pioneering the first controlled study demonstrating advantages of robotic arm therapy compared to conventional therapy
• Leadership of the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center established in 2018 with a five-year DHHS grant

As an advisor, Dr. Lum has mentored 8 PhD students to completion and currently advises 3 more PhD students. His research program bridges engineering principles with clinical rehabilitation needs, translating laboratory discoveries into practical applications that improve movement function for individuals with neurological injuries.