Starting with my first job at the Medical College of Wisconsin as a Research Technician in a joint role with the Cardiovascular Center and Department of Anesthesiology, I found that I gravitated towards applied research programs. While performing both chronic and acute cardiovascular research studies, I found the most professional gratification from implementing advanced technologies. I was very fortunate to work with Dr. David Waltier MD PhD at MCW. Dr. Waltier always challenged me to look into advanced research capabilities including advanced measurement systems and analytical modeling capabilities. I was able to assist on some finite element analysis (FEA) studies examining cardiovascular modeling and comparison to chronic and acute occlusion studies. He also had me research measurement system technologies that could monitor advanced cardiovascular function ex vivo. That was the eureka moment where I knew what course I wanted to take in my professional career, to analyze problems for which little is known and research methodologies and solutions that could be further investigated as potential solutions to these engineering challenges.
Since that time I have lived a very fulfilling professional career where I have worked in a variety of advanced research and innovation based scientific disciplines. I have been very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the latest and greatest biomechanical measurement system technologies and simulation techniques. I have over 20 years of experience in advanced human performance testing efforts utilizing state of the art measurement technologies for high speed motion, kinematic and kinetic analysis, and sensory/perception research and analysis studies.
My professional experience section provides more details about the specifics of my career development. Below is a summary of the major advanced technologies and techniques that I have been able to work with:
- Kane’s Dynamics modeling techniques used in predictive capabilities of forward dynamics modeling and Virtual Product Development (VPD) biomechanical studies.
- Development of FEA studies for comparison to servo-hydraulic micromotion implant studies and histological spinal fusion device retrieval studies.
- Remote Parameter Control (RPC) servo-hydraulic testing programs based upon accelerometer data profiles captured in the field.
- Various motion tracking technologies including both passive and active marker optical motion tracking, electromagnetic motion tracking, and inertial motion tracking systems.
- An interchangeable on-board diagnostic (OBD) MEMS-based inertial motion tracking shaft measurement and data acquisition system.
- Dual system launch monitor that recorded both pre-impact club motion and post-impact ball launch conditions.
- Custom pressure sensors to measure dynamic human grip forces during the swing.