Exploring Biomechanics in the Classroom Using Problem-Based Learning

Bio: Dr. Clark recently graduated with her PhD in Kinesiology from the University of Utah and is now working as an assistant professor in the health and human performance department at Rocky Mountain College in Billings Montana. Dr. Clark’s research experience has focused on exploring mechanisms underlying fall risk in aging populations, compensatory mechanisms in transtibial amputee populations, and sprinting biomechanics. For now, Dr. Clark is relieved to be finished with grad school, excited to help her students explore their own passions within biomechanics and movement psychology, and enjoy Montana's great outdoors.  

Spinal Neural Interfaces for the Recovery of Sensorimotor Function

Bio: Dr. Ashley Dalrymple is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the University of Utah, and Director of the NERVES (Neural Engineering and Rehabilitation Via Electrical Stimulation) Lab since March of 2023. She earned her PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Alberta in 2019 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Option from the same institution in 2013. Dr. Dalrymple brings a wealth of experience from her post-doctoral roles at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, as well as international exposure gained at the Bionics Institute in Australia. Her extensive research portfolio includes projects such as the application of machine learning in for the control of walking, implanted and non-invasive spinal cord stimulation, and the characterization of novel neural implant devices. Her work spans basic science, proof-of-concept, pre-clinical, and clinical studies. Her commitment to advancing translational neural engineering, neurorehabilitation, and assistive technology is evident in her research trajectory and collaborative efforts.

Challenges and Opportunities of Cutting Edge Bionic Prostheses

Bio: Dr. Earley is an Assistant Research Professor with the Osseointegration Research Consortium at the University of Colorado, developing and improving osseointegration technology in a way that can be impactful not only in a laboratory setting, but at home and during daily use. His research focuses on maximizing patient functionality through improvements to prosthetic control and sensory feedback, evaluating quality of life through at-home data collection of prosthesis use, and development and validation of new outcome measures. This requires a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach bringing together engineers, scientists, surgeons, clinicians, therapists, and patients to develop novel technologies.

Computational Modeling of Multiscale Muscle Design

Bio: Katie Knaus’s research uses engineering principles to explain fundamental biomechanics of multiscale muscle design needed to solve problems that will improve human mobility, health, and performance. As director of the MyoEngineering Lab, she applies mechanical engineering expertise to myology, the study of muscle structure-function, using detailed computer simulations of complex muscle-tendon structures and innovative experimental measurements of human biomechanics and physiology.  Before joining Colorado School of Mines, Dr. Knaus received her BS in Mechanical Engineering and Physics and PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Virginia. She also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California San Diego with the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance. She is an active member of the American Society of Biomechanics, American College of Sports Medicine, American Society of Mechanical Engineers Bioengineering Division, and the International Women in Biomechanics.  

Research in Neuroergonomics & Occupational Biomechanics Laboratory

Bio: Dr. Erika Pliner is an Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah. Her research mission is to apply core competencies in biomechanics, ergonomics, and neuroscience to improve personal and occupational safety. Her postdoctoral work investigated the neural components of balance training efficacy with mobile brain imaging via electroencephalogram (EEG). She obtained her PhD in Bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh, where her research focused on identifying individual, environmental and biomechanical risk factors of ladder falls. Dr. Pliner has been active in translating risk factors of ladder falls to safer ladder use practices for individuals, companies and government organizations. Dr. Pliner is the recipient of the American Society of Biomechanics Pre-Doctoral Young Scientist Award and research grants including NIH F32 and T32 Fellowships, the Whitaker International Fellowship and the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. Dr. Pliner received her BS in Mechanical Engineering and MS in Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.  

Improving Human Sensorimotor Interaction with Lower-Limb Assistive Devices

Bio: Cara Gonzalez Welker received a B.S.in Biomedical and Chemical Engineering from Vanderbilt University in 2014, and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 2017 and Ph.D. in Bioengineering in 2021, both from Stanford University. She then completed a year of postdoctoral studies at the University of Michigan. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department and Biomedical Engineering and Robotics programs at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Her research interests include haptics, biomechanics, robotics, and assistive devices.