Previous Employment

2010-2015

Senior Lecturer, Mechanical Engineering, Surgery (adjunct), University of Auckland, New Zealand

Research (40% FTE)

Evaluating strategies for upper limb and lower limb motor control

Evidence based universal design of assistive technology

Use of motion analysis to understand human movement and improve function

Teaching (40% FTE)

ENGGEN 770 Medical Devices (postgraduate)

MECHENG 731 Design 4M (fourth year)

MECHENG 736 Biomechatronics (fourth year)

ENGGEN 115 Dynamics (first year)

Administration (20% FTE)

University of Auckland Human Participant Ethics Committee (Faculty nominee)

Deputy Theme Leader for Medical Devices (Faculty representative)

Ethics advisor for the Faculty of Engineering, University of Auckland (Faculty representative)

2013 (January – February)

Visiting Scholar, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

Evaluated perceptual, physical and cognitive components of access to computers by youth with cerebral palsy.

2008 - 2010

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Surgery, University of Auckland, supervised by Dr. Susan Stott and Dr. Shanthi Ameratunga

Evaluated the availability and use of assistive technology for youth with cerebral palsy

Related upper limb motor control during unimanual computer task analysis to bimanual and gross motor function classification scales

Examined strategies for upper limb motor control by youth with cerebral palsy

2009 (September – December)

Visiting Scholar, Bloorview Kids Rehab

Evaluated assistive technology access by youth with cerebral palsy

Employed International Standards Organization techniques for evaluating efficiency of hand movement to perform computer tasks

2004 – 2008

Ph.D., University of Waterloo, supervised by Dr. Catherine Burns

(human testing performed at the University of Auckland with Dr. George Dodd)

Explored the key auditory characteristics and signals to effectively relay information while reducing cognitive load

Developed an auditory interface to relay spatial information to individuals with visual impairments

Evaluated obstacle avoidance responses based on acoustic flow while approaching obstacles and passing through apertures

2005 – 2006

Trainee, CIHR Health Informatics PhD/PostDoc Strategic Training Program

Studied Health Informatics research through both web-conferencing and physical attendance at courses across Canada

Worked with a group of e-health professionals to identify areas of improved e-learning

2003 – 2004

Research Associate, University of Waterloo, supervised by Dr. Aftab Patla

Acquired expertise in analysis of gait using Optotrak motion analysis cameras and measurements with a GAITRite mat

Explored obstacle avoidance tactics of people with visual impairments

Integrated perceptual processes with biomechanical evaluation

2001 - 2002

Orthopaedic Manager (acting), Saskatchewan Abilities Council

Supervised Adaptive Technology, Rehabilitation Engineering, Footwear, Orthotics, and Prosthetics departments (30 people)

Developed methods to evaluate staff

1999 - 2002

Rehabilitation Engineer, Saskatchewan Abilities Council

Consulted during assistive technology evaluations of children with disabilities

Updated the Machinery Modifications Catalogue for farmers with disabilities

Developed a device for tracking individuals with Alzheimer disease using the Global Positioning System (GPS) and cellular technology

Researched heel strike impact of lower limb amputees using accelerometers

Developed a strategy for improvement to the Northern Telehealth Network

1997 - 1999

M.Sc., University of Calgary, Alberta, supervised by Dr. Ronald Zernicke

Acquired expertise in analysis of gait using a Motion Analysis System, Expert Vision Software and Kintrak software

Examined forefoot and rearfoot motion, and forces and moments at the hip, knee and ankle of children with clubfoot using Matlab

1996 -1997

Researcher, Millenium Biologix Inc. and Physics Department, Queen’s University

Doped hydroxyapatite gel and pellets with silicon or titanium to determine the required concentration to obtain optimum transformation to alpha-tricalcium phosphate

Performed x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy on discs, powders and pellets

1995

Therapeutic Recreationist, Bloorview Children's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario

Prepared daily recreational programs for children with disabilities

Trained and supervised volunteers

1995

Researcher (volunteer) Hugh Macmillan Rehabilitation Centre, Toronto, Ontario

Performed Materials research to determine which polymer to use in a car restraint system for disabled children