C.V.
Find me elsewhere: LinkedIn, ResearchGate
Areas of interest: Motor control strategies and adaptation; neuromotor rehabilitation; biomedical device design; biological tissue mechanics; vehicle occupant safety; ergonomics and environmental health; biomedical regulatory practices; STEM education.
Current
Consultant, Novotech Drug Development Consulting (Formerly CBR International) - Write, edit, and review regulatory, clinical, and scientific/technical documents to support development of pharmaceuticals, biological products, and medical devices. Research regulatory, technical, and other topics as needed to support internal and client projects. Assist with business development and internal quality activities.
Activities:
Engineering Content Reviewer, TeachEngineering Digital Library
SKYWARN Volunteer Spotter / Colorado All-Season Spotter Team, NWS Denver/Boulder
History
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder (2016).
M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder.
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder.
Research experience:
Research Assistant / PhD Student - Neuromechanics Lab, Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado (Advisor: Dr. Alaa Ahmed) - Investigated human motor adaptation in arm reaching movements and postural control (kinematics and dynamics, muscle activity, etc.), using a combination of experimental methods and computational modeling. Developed novel experimental methods and data analysis tools. Acted as Principal Investigator (PI) or co-PI on several IRB-approved human research protocols.
Research Assistant / Independent Study - Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado (Advisor: Dr. Virginia Ferguson) - Developed analysis methodology for evaluating neuromuscular performance from mouse hindlimb strength test data. Designed methods and apparatus for evaluating passive tensile and viscoelastic behavior of biological soft tissues.
Design Project Team / Research Assistant - Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado (Advisor: Dr. Jana Milford) - Investigated potential engineering solutions to control mercury emissions from coal-fired electrical utilities. Researched relevant EPA and state regulations and recent air quality permits.
Teaching experience:
Teaching Assistant, Dynamics (undergraduate mechanical engineering course) - Taught 2 lab sections per week; assisted with designing and writing lab assignments; led weekly homework help sessions; graded assignments and exams.
Teaching Assistant, Statics & Structures (undergraduate mechanical engineering course) - Led weekly homework help sessions and pre-exam review sessions; graded assignments and exams; provided debugging help and programming tips for MATLAB assignments, and graded final programs.
Teaching Fellow, ITL K-12 Engineering Outreach Program - Developed and taught engineering-based curricula for K-12 students; organized and directed project-based engineering/science workshops for elementary and high school students.
Teaching Assistant, Wind Energy (senior/graduate-level mechanical engineering course on wind turbine design topics) - Graded assignments.
Teaching Assistant, First-Year Engineering Projects (multidisciplinary engineering projects course) - Advised 7 student design teams; participated in project design reviews and team evaluations; graded individual and team assignments; supervised students in lab and manufacturing shop activities. Assisted with preparing for and coordinating college-wide engineering design expo.
Private tutor - algebra, trigonometry, general physics, and English composition (high school and college level)
Other experience:
Technical Consultant / Operations Administrator, CBR International - Wrote and reviewed clinical, regulatory, and scientific/technical documents to support development of pharmaceuticals, biological products, and medical devices. Researched regulatory, technical, and other topics as needed to support internal and client projects. Assisted with preparing business development and marketing materials, training materials and presentations, and invited lectures. Worked directly with management team to develop systems and procedures for consulting activities and business operations. Responsible for maintaining company website; managed and implemented major redesign of entire site including site design/layout, content development, and technical implementation.
Clinical Writing Assistant, CBR International - Wrote and reviewed clinical study reports on novel biologics and pharmaceuticals; assisted with preparing FDA regulatory submissions.
Document Associate, CBR International - Performed technical writing, review, and quality assurance for technical and regulatory documents on novel biologics and pharmaceuticals; assisted with preparing FDA regulatory submissions; performed background regulatory and scientific research as needed. Performed statistical analysis of clinical trial data and manufacturing quality data. Managed company's library of regulatory and scientific reference materials, educational materials, and confidential documentation.
Webmaster, Fiske Planetarium & Science Center - Maintained and updated web pages and associated content.
R&D Engineering Intern, Gambro BCT (now TerumoBCT) - Created and tested design solutions (related to user interface and manufacturing/assembly issues) for disposable components of whole blood processing systems; developed manufacturing quality test procedures.
Mechanical Engineering Senior Design Team, University of Colorado at Boulder - Developed and tested a prototype variable-volume auto-transfusion system for surgical applications. Industry sponsor: COBE Cardiovascular. Team received Mechanical Engineering Senior Design Award.
Volunteer & service activities:
Peer Reviewer: Exercise & Sport Sciences Reviews, Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, Journal of Motor Behavior, Journal of Neuroscience, PLOS ONE, TeachEngineering Digital Library
SKYWARN Volunteer Spotter / Colorado All-Season Spotter Team, NWS Denver/Boulder
College & University Student Activities Committee, IEEE Denver
GEARRS Organizing Committee Member and Co-Chair, Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder
Graduate STEMinar Organizing Committee, University of Colorado at Boulder
Student Recruiter, Women In Engineering Program, University of Colorado at Boulder
Hospital Volunteer, Boulder Community Hospital, Boulder, CO
Student Mentor, Icthus Student Ministries, Boulder, CO
Publications:
Pienciak-Siewert A, Ahmed AA: "Whole-body adaptation to novel dynamics does not transfer between effectors." Journal of Neurophysiology 126: 1345-1360, 2021.
Pienciak-Siewert A, Horan DP, Ahmed AA: "Role of muscle coactivation in adaptation of standing posture during arm reaching." Journal of Neurophysiology 123: 529-547, 2020.
Pienciak-Siewert A: "Sensorimotor adaptation in whole-body postural control." Doctoral dissertation, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, 2016.
Pienciak-Siewert A, Horan DP, Ahmed AA: "Trial-to-trial adaptation in control of arm reaching and standing posture." Journal of Neurophysiology 116: 2936-2949, 2016.
Pienciak-Siewert A, Barletta AJ, Ahmed AA: "Transfer of postural adaptation depends on context of prior exposure." Journal of Neurophysiology 111: 1466-1478, 2014.
Horanyi E, Pienciak A, Zarske MS, Carlson DW: "Curricular Unit: Service-Based Engineering Design Projects." TeachEngineering, Nov. 2010.
Horanyi E, Pienciak A, MacNeil J, Rivale S, Zarske M, Carlson DW: "Hands-on Activity: Watch Out for the Blind Spots." TeachEngineering, Nov. 2010.
Berkower S, Hanson N, Pienciak A: "Hands-on Activity: Sum It Up: AnIntroduction to Static Equilibrium." TeachEngineering, Sept. 2010.
Simmons L, Burkholder F, Watrous A, Yowell J, Pienciak A: "Hands-on Activity: Create a Pinhole Camera." TeachEngineering, Sept. 2010.
Milford JB, Pienciak A: "After the Clean Air Mercury Rule: Prospects for Reducing Mercury Emissions from Coal-Fired Power Plants." Environmental Science & Technology 43: 2669-2673, 2009.
Selected conference presentations:
Pienciak-Siewert A, Horan DP, Ahmed AA: "Trial-to-trial adaptation in standing posture." Rocky Mountain Regional Meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics, Apr. 2015, Estes Park, CO. [Podium - Awarded "Best Graduate Podium"]
Pienciak-Siewert A, Huang HJ, Ahmed AA: "Optimal stability-maneuverability trade-off in postural control." Paper FB14.10, 36th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, Aug. 2014, Chicago, IL. [Poster]
Pienciak-Siewert A, Barletta A, Ahmed A: "Stance width affects learning and transfer of postural control in novel dynamic environments." Program No. 830.06, Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, Oct. 2012, New Orleans, LA. [Podium]
Pienciak A, Ahmed A: "Age-related changes in motor adaptation to novel dynamics." Poster 173, Annual Meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics, Aug. 2011, Long Beach, CA. [Poster]