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