Recent advances in assistive technology have facilitated improved motor recovery in individuals with various neuromuscular and musculoskeletal impairment. As innovative and cutting-edge technologies continue to emerge, it is important to understand how users interact with and benefit from these new technologies to maximize their functional outcome. This seminar discusses various novel technologies targeting functional restoration through assistive device use. Examples include the use of surgically implanted neural interfaces to enable dexterous prosthetic control and mechanical assistance delivered by a soft wearable robot to reduce gait impairment experienced by individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. The presentation will include a discussion of impairment-specific advantages, demonstrated functional benefits to date, and relevant considerations for successful translation and implementation of each of the approaches.

PRESENTER: Dr. Christina Lee

Dr. Lee is postdoctoral fellow in bioengineering at the Harvard Biodesign Lab. She received her PhD in 2023 from The University of Michigan and BS and MS degrees in 2018 from Northwestern University in biomedical engineering. Her research interest lies in understanding how individuals with neuromuscular and musculoskeletal impairment interact with assistive devices through the investigation of fundamental biomechanics and performance-related measures during device use in the lab and in the community.

FACULTY HOST: Dr. Deema Totah, Mechanical Engineering, Graduate Seminar