Lora Cavuoto, PhD, CPE

Research

Research Areas: physical ergonomics, biomechanics, occupational safety and health, workplace wellness, designing workplace accommodations for the obese and older populations

Ergonomics and Biomechanics Lab:

This laboratory is used for research activities in the area of physical ergonomics, safety and occupational biomechanics. Research in this lab involves the investigation of workplace injury mechanisms, human capacity, and physical performance along with the development and evaluation of ergonomic controls and interventions. In addition, students utilize the laboratory equipment to identify and assess the physical risks of work environments. This laboratory is equipped with a 3D motion capture system, a full body dynamometer system, EMG measurement equipment, a force platform, and data collection and analysis software.

Current Projects:

1. Advancing Safety Surveillance using Individualized Sensor Technology (ASSIST)
2. Improving post-stroke rehabilitation effectiveness and compliance using smart objects

Recently Completed Projects:

1. Revised force-endurance models for the US workforce
2. The role of psychosocial factors in worksite wellness program participation
3. Evaluating the effect of obesity on central drive using near-infrared spectroscopy and the implications for physical work

SurgE Surgery Ergonomics and Human Factors Laboratory:

Located on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, this lab provides a location to conduct the human factors experiments for healthcare improvement, with particular emphasis on surgical training and usability evaluations. The laboratory is configured with movable furniture which provides the ability to configure the space as needed to conduct the usability evaluation. Additionally, for use in data capture, the laboratory includes software packages that allow video recording and analysis of video screens at each station, and audio recording and playback from each station. Adjacent to the simulation centers, and part of the Medical School, this lab has space for engineering graduate students and faculty to develop solutions in concert with clinical staff.

Current Projects:

1. Building a better robotic operating room
2. Advanced virtual simulation for fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery training and credentialing