ALUMNI

Ji Hong Chang

Research Interest:
Anthropometry, musculoskeletal disorders induced by vibration, and product design based on ergonomic approaches.

Current Degrees:
Ph.D. Biological Systems Engineering, 2007
University of California, Davis

M.S., 1997
Sung Kyun Kwan University (Korea)

David Reiter

Research Interest:
Quantifying biomechanical risks in low back disorders (LBDs) in an occupational setting through the use of laboratory experiments, field data collection, and biomechanical modeling. Particular interest lies in characterizing effects of boundary conditions and temporal effects on soft tissues in the spine. Doctoral dissertation was concentrated on measuring these effects in vivo and in vitro to better understand mechanisms of injury as well as to quantify some limits or guidelines in which risk of soft tissue injury is increased. Different mathematical algorithms were explored to quantify useful physical quantities relating the loading conditions to alterations in the tissue.

Current Degrees:
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, 2006
University of California, Davis
Thesis: A non-invasive quantitative approach using MRI for assessing the spinal intervertebral disc response to prolonged load exposure.

M.S. Mechanical Engineering, 2001
University of California, Davis
Thesis: A study on swelling kinematics of the spine and its implications on low back pain.

B.S., 1998
North Carolina State University

Julia Koerber

Current Degree:
M.S. Biomedical Engineering, 2006
University of California, Davis
Thesis: Ergonomic comparison of upright and backpack vacuum cleaners.

John Kung

Research Interest:
Bioinstrumentation, upper extremity cumulative trauma disorder, and ergonomic tool design.

Current Degrees:
M.S. Biological Systems Engineering, 2006
University of California, Davis
Thesis: Evaluation of the effects of back and upper extremity postures on grip force production in pruning.

B.S. Biological Systems Engineering, 2002
University of California, Davis

Debbie Schenberger

Research Interest:
Spinal fusion and the effect it has on workers upon their return to the work force. The time required for spinal fusion will be studied in a sheep model using electronic monitoring and then analyzed with mechanical testing, finite element model comparisons, and histology. The results will be used to help minimize the time period patients are immobilized after spinal surgery in the hopes to promote a stronger fusion and minimize muscle atrophy. Long term, a group of patients will be evaluated using tests for range of motion before and after spinal fusion surgery.

Current Degrees:
D.Eng. Biological Systems Engineering, 2006
University of California, Davis
Thesis: Design of MEMS sensor system to measure spinal fusion.

M.S. Mechanical Engineering, 1995
Stanford University

B.S. Mechanical Engineering, 1989
University of the Pacific

Jessica Paskiewicz

Current Degrees:
M.S. Biomedical Engineering, 2003
University of California, Davis
Thesis: Effects of the GRIPSystem (TM) on muscle activity and kinematics of the lower back.

B.S. Mechanical Engineering, 2000
Michigan State University

Andy Kato

Current Degrees:
M.S. Biological Systems Engineering, 2002
University of California, Davis
Thesis: Ergonomic Evaluation of California Winegrape Trellis Systems.

B.S., 1999
University of Hawaii, Manoa

Ian Rybczynski

Current Degrees:
M.S. Biomedical Engineering, 2002
University of California, Davis
Thesis: Ergonomic impact of glove use in a coating removal task.

B.S., 1995
Arizona State University