Research engagement is an important component of the graduate educational experience. In preparation, our students first participate in training in the protection of human subjects and the responsible conduct of research. Our students then participate in a research practicum course and in their own research projects (thesis or culminating project) as part of our curriculum. Students also have opportunities to get involved in industrial and other sponsored research projects.
Research results dissemination occurs through publication in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations (students*; names of students supported by our NIOSH Training Grant are underlined):
Lavender, S. A., Charbonnet*, J., & Sommerich, C. M. (2023). Biomechanical assessment of alternative hand trucks for transporting heavy loads up and down stairs. Appl Ergon, 110, 104010. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104010 (Thesis research by Master’s student J Charbonnet, who was supported through our NIOSH Training Grant.)
Poska*, E., Lavender, S.A., & Sommerich, C.M. (2023, October 2023). Ergonomic Analysis of a Novel Shelf Stocking Cart. Presented at the 67th Human Factors and Ergonomics Society International Annual Meeting, Washington, DC. (Thesis research by Master’s student E Poska, who was supported through our NIOSH Training Grant.)
Orme*, Z., Sommerich, C.M., & Lavender, S.A. (2023). Biomechanical Investigation of Methods of Grasping a Trombone: A Pilot Study. Presented at the 67th International Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Washington, DC.
Johnson*, E.R., Husain, S.A., Lavender, S.A., & Sommerich, C.M. (2023). A case-study comparison of qualitative and quantitative techniques for assessing surgeon ergonomics. Presented at the 67th International Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Washington, DC.
Seagren*, K. E., Sommerich, C. M., & Lavender, S. A. (2022). Musculoskeletal discomfort in veterinary healthcare professions. Work, 71(4), 1007-1027. doi: 10.3233/WOR-205043. (Thesis research by Master’s student KE Seagren, who was supported through our NIOSH Training Grant.)
Amini Pay*, N., Sommerich, C.M., Lavender, S.A., 2021. Assessment of alternative methods for informal caregivers to perform patient repositioning tasks. Applied Ergonomics 93. [Read this paper.] (Thesis research by Master’s student N. Amini Pay, who was supported through our NIOSH Training Grant.)
Lavender, S.A., Sommerich, C.M., Bigelow*, S., Weston*, E.B., Seagren*, K., Amini Pay*, N., Sillars*, D., Ramachandran*, V., Sun*, C., Xu*, Y., Marras, W.S., 2020. A biomechanical evaluation of potential ergonomic solutions for use by firefighter and EMS providers when lifting heavy patients in their homes. Appl Ergon 82, 102910.
Wang*, X., Bigelow*, S., Seagren*, K.E., Preddie*, A.K., Wang*, Z., Ardiyanto*, A., Allread, W.G., Lavender, S.A., 2018. Re-thinking floor mat design from an ergonomics perspective: Can a two-part mat system reduce biomechanical loads during normal mat handling tasks? Applied Ergonomics 72, 17-24.
Keester*, D.L., Sommerich, C.M., 2017. Investigation of musculoskeletal discomfort, work postures, and muscle activation among practicing tattoo artists. Appl Ergon 58, 137-143. (Thesis research by Master’s student D.L. Keester, who was supported through our NIOSH Training Grant.)
Palmer*, D., Sommerich, C.M., Darragh, A., 2017. Patient Care and Electronic Medical Record Entry Demands on Physical Therapists. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 2017 Annual Meeting, 1351-1355. (Culminating research project by Master’s student D. Palmer, who was supported through our NIOSH Training Grant.)
Cage*, K., Sommerich, C., 2016. An investigation of alternative work methods for emergency dispatch workers. PREMUS. (Thesis research by Master’s student K. Cage, who was supported through our NIOSH Training Grant.)
Sommerich, C.M., Lavender, S.A., Evans, K.D., Radin Umar*, R.Z., Li*, J., Shasank*, N., Keester*, D., Parthasarathy*, S., Palmer*, D., Dickerson, J., 2016. An articulating support arm system for reducing sustained posture and muscular effort while performing echocardiograms: a pilot study. International Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 1492-1494.
Ngo*, S.P., Sommerich, C.M., Luscher, A., 2016. Digital Human Modeling of Obese & Aging Workers in Automotive Manufacturing. 2016 International Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 1041-1045. (Thesis research by Master’s student S.P. Ngo, who was supported through our NIOSH Training Grant.)
Le*, P., Hwang*, J., Grawe*, S., Li*, J., Snyder*, A., Lee*, C., Marras, W.S., 2015. Biomechanical patterns of text-message distraction. Ergonomics 58, 1690-1700.
Le*, P., Dufour, J., Monat*, H., Rose*, J., Huber*, Z., Alder*, E., Radin Umar*, R.Z., Hennessey*, B., Dutt*, M., Marras, W.S., 2012. Association between spinal loads and the psychophysical determination of maximum acceptable force during pushing tasks. Ergonomics 55, 1104-1114.
Sommerich, C.M., Lavender, S.A., Radin Umar*, R.Z., Le*, P., Mehta*, J., Ko*, P.L., Farfan*, R., Dutt*, M., Park*, S., 2012. A biomechanical and subjective assessment and comparison of three ambulance cot design configurations. Ergonomics 55, 1350-1361.
Czuba*, L. R., Sommerich, C. M., & Lavender, S. A. (2012). Ergonomic and Safety Risk Factors in Home Health Care: Assessment and exploration of alternative interventions. Work, 42(3), 341-53. (Culminating research project by Master’s student L.R. Czuba, who was supported through our NIOSH Training Grant.)
Hernandez*, O. K., Sommerich, C. M., & Woods, D. D. (July 2011). The Potential for Tele-Presence to Assist and Aid with Medication Self-Management. Ergonomics in Design, 19(3), 15-23. (Thesis research by Master’s student O.K. Hernandez, who was supported through our NIOSH Training Grant.)
Sommerich, C.M., Gumpina*, R., Roll*, S.C., Le*, P., Chandler*, D.F., 2009. Investigating effects of controller algorithm on torque tool operators. 2009 Industrial Engineering Research Conference.