UW Neuromuscular Biomechanics

Bryan Heiderscheit, PT, PhD
Associate Professor: Orthopedics and Rehabilitation
Affiliate Assoc. Professor: Biomedical Engineering
Affiliate Assoc. Professor: Clinical Investigation
Director: UW Runners' Clinic
Director: Sports Performance Research, UW Athletics

Email: heiderscheit@ortho.wisc.edu
Office: 4120 Medical Sciences Center

Darryl Thelen, PhD
Professor: Mechanical Engineering
Affiliate Assoc. Professor: Biomedical Engineering
Affiliate Assoc. Professor: Orthopedics and Rehabilitation

Email: thelen@engr.wisc.edu
Office: 3039 Mechanical Engineering Building

Elizabeth Chumanov, PhD, DPT
Physical Therapist, UW Sports Rehabilitation
Doctor of Physical Therapy, UW-Madison 2012
PhD Mechanical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2009
MS Mechanical Engineering, UW-Madison
BS Chemical Engineering and Biology, Iowa State Univ.

Research Thesis: Dynamic Simulation of Musculotendon Mechanics during High Speed Running

Email: easchmerr@wisc.edu
Office: 4195 Medical Sciences Center

Jen Sanfilippo, MS
Coordinator, Sports Performance Laboratory
MS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2011
BS Kinesiology, UW-Madison, 2009
BS Biology, UW-Madison, 2005

My research interests are rehabilitation and injury prevention. My thesis is on hamstring rehabilitation and re-injury prevention. I also currently work with UW Athletics Sports Performance looking at biomechanic differences and their effects on injury risk.

Email: js1@athletics.wisc.edu
Office: Camp Randall Stadium, 1440 Monroe St

Joseph Towles, PhD
Research Scientist: Department of Mechanical Engineering
PhD Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, 2003

My research interests are in translational studies aimed at elucidating the mechanics and control of the hand following neurologic and musculoskeletal injury—such as spinal cord injury, stroke, and peripheral neuropathy—with the goal of developing innovative rehabilitative and surgical interventions that improve grasp function. Computational and experimental approaches are used to investigate intrinsic characteristics of muscles, neuromuscular control and sensorimotor integration in the context of functional restoration of grasp.

Email: towles@engr.wisc.edu
Office: 3035 Mechanical Engineering Building

Amanda Gallow, PT, DPT
Sports Physical Therapy Resident, UW Sports Rehab
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Ohio State University 2012
BS Pre-Physical Therapy, University of Dayton 2009

My current research interests are focused on the return to running post partum. I am currently working on a review paper detailing the musculoskeletal, physiological, biomechanical and various other changes that occur throughout pregnancy and during the post partum period.

Email: agallow@uwhealth.org

Jason Franz, PhD
Research Associate: Department of Mech. Engineering
PhD Integrative Physiology, CU-Boulder, 2012
MS Engineering Mechanics, Virginia Tech, 2006
BS Engineering Science and Mech., Virginia Tech, 2004

The overall goal of my research is to better understand how advancing age affects the neuromuscular biomechanics of human movement. I use an integrative approach that combines motion analysis and electromyography with musculoskeletal simulation and tissue imaging. Ultimately, I use the insights gained from my research to develop novel rehabilitation strategies aimed at preserving the independence and quality of life of older adults.

Email: jrfranz2@wisc.edu
Office: 2258 Mechanical Engineering Building

Laura Chernak
Graduate Student in Biomedical Engineering
MS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2011
BS Mechanical Engineering, Bucknell University, 2009

My research interests are in injury biomechanics and rehabilitation. I work with ultrasound to better understand the mechanical properties of abnormal or previously injured tissue.

Email: lchernak@wisc.edu

Primary Project: Ultrasound Elastography

Carrie Francis
Graduate Student in Biomedical Engineering
MS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2012
BS Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, 2009

I am interested in biomechanical analysis of gait disorders. More specifically I am interested in mechanics and treatment options for equinus gait in kids with Cerebral Palsy (with a focus on contributions from the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles). I'm also starting a project involving the evaluation of a new rehabilitation method for adults with traumatic brain injuries.

Email: cfrancis2@wisc.edu

Primary Project: Muscle Function during Gait

Christa Wille
Graduate Student in Physical Therapy
BS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2012

My research interests are focused on gait analysis and the biomechanics of running. More specifically, I am interested in how step rate modifications affect running performance and how changes in a runner's step rate can be used as a treatment for running related injuries.

Email: cmwille@wisc.edu

Primary Project: Step Rate Manipulation

Jarred Kaiser
Graduate Student in Mechanical Engineering
MS Mechanical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2012
BS Mechanical Engineering, Ohio State University, 2010

I am interested in rehabilitation and prevention of osteoarthritis. My thesis project will be using dynamic MRI to measure altered knee kinematics after ACL-reconstruction in order to examine the mechanics associated with the progression of osteoarthritis

Email: jmkaiser2@wisc.edu

Primary Project: Dynamic MRI of Knee

Rachel Lenhart
Graduate Student in Biomedical Engineering
MS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2012
BS Biomedical Eng., Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2008

My research interests include neuromuscular biomechanics, orthopedics, and rehabilitation. I am currently working on a project looking at the surgical correction of crouch gait in children with cerebral palsy. As an MD/PhD student, I am hoping to combine this sort of research with a clinical practice in pediatric orthopedic surgery.

Email: rlenhart@wisc.edu

Primary Projects: Surgical Correction of Pediatric Gait Disorders, Muscle Function during Gait, Step Rate Manipulation

Evan Nelson
Graduate Student in Clinical Investigation
Faculty Associate: Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
DPT Duke University 2007
BA Biology, Luther College 2004

Current research projects examine prevention and treatment of running related injuries using cadence change and video gait analysis as clinical practice interventions.

Email: Nelson3@ortho.wisc.edu
Office: 4195 Medical Sciences Center

Kwang Won Choi
Graduate Student in Mechanical Engineering
MS Mechanical Eng., Univ. of Illinois at Chicago, 2010
BS Mechanical Eng., Hanyang University, S. Korea, 2007

I am interested in applying Finite Element Analysis and CAD techniques to the field of musculoskeletal biomechanics and orthopedics.

Email: kchoi34@wisc.edu

Primary Project: Computational Modeling , Dynamic MRI

Lindy Couwenhoven
Undergraduate Student in Biomedical Engineering

I currently work with the UW Athletic Sports Performance Lab to identify trends in biomechanical data to help predict sports injury and projected recovery timelines.

Email: couwenhoven@wisc.edu

Chuck Donaldson
Graduate Student in Biomedical Engineering
BS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2012

My research interests are in the biomechanics of running/athletic injuries and developing tests to prevent them. I am working with the ElliptiGO right now, but moving towards more research in the athletic department in the future.

Email: cdonaldson@wisc.edu

Alex Ehlers
Undergraduate Student

My research interests lie in biomechanics, specifically rehabilitation and injury prevention. I am currently working with Jarred Kaiser and Rachel Lenhart on research concerning muscle fatigue during cycling.

Email: acehlers@wisc.edu

Kyle Jamar
Undergraduate Student in Biomedical Engineering

My research interest is in the area of biomechanics as it applies to rehabilitation and orthopedics. I am currently working with Jarred Kaiser to integrate the Wii balance board and Xbox kinect for teaching and rehabilitation purposes.

Email: jamar@wisc.edu

Arezu Monawer
Undergraduate student in Mechanical Engineering

I am interested in biomechanics, and am currently working on investigating knee kinematics using dynamic MRI and a loading device.

Email: monawer@wisc.edu

Michael Schmidt
Undergraduate Student in Biomedical Engineering

My research interest is focused on biomechanics, specifically human dynamics and orthopedics, for rehabilitation purposes.

Email: mrschmidt3@wisc.edu

Megan Courtney
Undergraduate Student in Biomedical Engineering

In the past, I've worked on a radial expanding uterine cervical dilator that, once inserted through the cervical canal, could be controlled by a surgeon to radially dilate the cervix. I am currently working on magnetic retention of facial prostheses to body piercings for patients with microtia or people affected by accidents or birth defects.

Email: mncourtney@wisc.edu

Michael Scherer
Undergraduate Student in Biomedical Engineering

I am interested in biomechanics and othopedics specifically as they apply to reconstruction surgeries. My current project involves using dynamic MRI to accurately measure knee kinematics in order to create a tangible and functional knee model.

Email: mwscherer@wisc.edu

Kristen Rasske
Undergraduate Student in Biomedical Engineering

My interests are in biomechanics and injury prevention for athletic performance. I am currently working with Jason Franz, PhD on a study of how the mechanics of the Achilles tendon change as we age.

Email: krasske@wisc.edu

Tanner Marshall, MS
UWNMBL Alumnus
MS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2013
BS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2012

Email: tmarshall@wisc.edu

Taylor Powers, MS
UWNMBL Alumna
MS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2013
BS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2012

Email: tapowers@wisc.edu

Daniel Volk, BS
UWNMBL Alumnus
BS Mechanical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2013

Email: dvolk@wisc.edu

Anne Schmitz, PhD
UWNMBL Alumna
PhD Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2012
MS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2008
BS Mechanical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2006

I am interested in developing computer models of the knee to simulate ACL reconstruction surgery.

Post Graduation: Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of Kentucky in the Noehren Lab (Lexington, KY)

David Bunger, MS
UWNMBL Alumnus
MS Mechanical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2012
BS Mechanical Engineering, Tufts University, 2008

Post Graduation: Working for Trek Bikes (Waterloo, WI)

Grace Trabulsi, BA
UWNMBL Alumna
BA Sports and Exercise Science, Messiah College, 2004

Post Graduation: Physical Therapy Intern (Madison, WI)

Emily Headley, BS
UWNMBL Alumna

BS Biology, UW-Madison, 2012

Joseph Collins, MS
UWNMBL Alumnus
MS Biomechanics, UW-Milwaukee, 2009
BS Kinesiology, Univ. of Massachusetts-Amherst, 2007

Post Graduation: Physical Therapy Intern (Madison, WI)

Paul Milbaier, MS
UWNMBL Alumnus
MS Mechanical Engineering, University of Stuttgart, 2012
BS Mechanical Engineering, University of Stuttgart, 2011

Michael Ryan, PhD, CPed
UWNMBL Alumnus
PhD Experimental Med., Univ. of British Columbia, 2009
MS Human Kinetics, Univ.of British Columbia, 2002
BHK Exercise Science, Univ. of British Columbia, 1994

Post UWNMBL: Post-doctoral Fellow at Griffith University (Brisbane, Australia)

Jonathan Mantes, MS
UWNMBL Alumnus
MS Mechanical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2011
BS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2010

I am interested in biomechanics, specifically in areas of orthopedics and rehabilitation. I am currently working with Jarred Kaiser to investigate the kinematics of ACL-reconstructed knees using dynamic MRI imaging.

Post Graduation: Mechanical Systems Design Engineer at the Brady Corporation (Milwaukee, WI)

Kayt Frisch, PhD
UWNMBL Alumna
PhD Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2011
MS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2009
BS Mechanical Engineering, Calvin College, 2006

My research interests are in using non-invasive imaging techniques to quantify soft tissue mechanics. My thesis focuses on using ultrasound to quantify the mechanical changes that occur in tendons after the tendon has be torn.

Post Graduation: Professor of Physics and Mechanical Engineering at Dordt College (Sioux Center, IA).

Rob Bradford, MS
UWNMBL Alumnus
MS Mechanical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2011
BS Mechanical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2008

I'm interested in applying state-of-the art MRI techniques to the field of biomechanics. In particular, we are working towards using a novel MRI sequence created by UW scientists to study the connection between ACL reconstruction and the early development of osteoarthritis. We hope that someday, this research may help guide surgical techniques and improve clinical outcomes for patients.

Post Graduation: Mechanical Engineer at GE Healthcare in PET Imaging (Waukesha, WI).

Chelsey Erickson, MS
UWNMBL Alumna
MS Mechanical Eng., UW-Madison, 2010
BS Mechanical Eng., Milwaukee School of Eng., 2009

My research interests focus on biomechanics. I am particularly interested in biomechanics as it relates to human adaptation to microgravity (astronauts) as well as sports injuries and rehabilitation. I am currently working with the UW Athletics program on Star Excursion Balance Testing.

Post Graduation: Engineer in the Quality-Regulatory Leadership Program at GE Healthcare (Waukesha, WI)

Nathan Kleinhans, MS
UWNMBL Alumnus
MS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2010
BS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2008

I am interested in the biomechanics of the gait cycle. I am currently working with Laura Chernak and David Bunger to design a device to actively load the Achilles tendon for ultrasonic imaging.

Post Graduation: Employed in Technical Services at EPIC Systems (Verona, WI)

Amy Lenz, MS
UWNMBL Alumna
MS Biomedical Engineering, UDel, 2012
BS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2010

Research Thesis: Dynamic Hamstring Function during Gait

Email: allenz@uwalumni.com

Post Graduation: Gait Lab Engineer at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital (Grand Rapids, MI)

Nick Harrison, BS
UWNMBL Alumnus
BS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2010

Gina Stuessy, MS
UWNMBL Alumna

Research Topic: Visualization of Three-dimensional Knee Mechanics

Daniel Cobian, DPT
UWNMBL Alumnus
DPT Physical Therapy, UW-Madison
BS Biology and Kinesiology, UW-Madison
Email: dgcobian@wisc.edu

Selena Bobula, DPT
UWNMBL Alumna
DPT Physical Therapy, UW-Madison
BS Physics and Italian, The Ohio State University

Research Focus: Variability of Stride Duration in Older Adults under Dual-task Conditions

Email: Bobula@wisc.edu

Post Graduation: Physical Therapist at Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Center (Chinle, AZ)

Judy Dewane, DSc
UWNMBL Alumna
DSc Neurologic Physical Therapy, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
MHS Neurologic Physical Therapy, Univ. of Indianapolis
BS Physical Therapy, Marquette University
Email: dewane@ortho.wisc.edu

Christopher Westphal, MS
UWNMBL Alumnus
MS Mechanical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2009
BS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2007

Research Thesis: Load Dependent Variations in Knee Kinematics Measured with Dynamic MRI

Email: cjwestphal@wisc.edu

Post Graduation: Pursuing PhD in Mechanical Engineering at UW-Madison (Madison, WI)

Amy Silder, PhD
UWNMBL Alumna
PhD Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2009
MS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2005
BS Biosystems Engineering, Michigan State Univ., 2003

Research Thesis: Effects of Prior Hamstring Injury on Morphology, Mechanics and Function

Email: silder@stanford.edu

Post Graduation: Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship in Bioengineering at Stanford University (San Francisco, CA)

Antonio Hernandez, PhD
UWNMBL Alumnus
PhD Mechanical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2009
MS Mechanical Engineering, UC Berkeley, 1993
BS Mechanical Engineering, MIT, 1991

Research Thesis: In vivo Dynamic Function of Lower Extremity Human Biarticular Muscles as Measured by Novel Electrical Stimulation Protocols Juxtaposed to Computational Perturbation Studies

Email: ahernand@wisc.edu

Post Graduation: Medical Student at UW-Madison (Madison, WI)

Kyle Gleason, MS
UWNMBL Alumnus
MS Mechanical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2009
BS Mechanical Engineering, Milwaukee School of Eng.

Research Thesis: Upper Body Power Generation during Bicycle Pedaling

Email: kpgleason@wisc.edu

Post Graduation: Employed at EPIC Systems (Verona, WI)

Max Michalski, MS
UWNMBL Alumnus
MS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2009
BS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison
Email: michalski@wisc.edu

Post Graduation: Medical Student at UW-Madison (Madison, WI)

Lisa Block, BS
UWNMBL Alumna
BS Kinesiology, UW-Madison
Email: lmblock@wisc.edu

Post Graduation: Medical Student at UW-Madison (Madison, WI)

Mary Zhang
UWNMBL Alumna
Biomedical Engineering Student, MIT
Email: maryzhang@gmail.com

Martin Schultze, MS
UWNMBL Alumnus
MS Mechanical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2008
Engineering Cybernetics, Universitat Stuttgart

Research Thesis: Central Pattern Generators as a Biologically Inspired Neural Control Mechanism for Bicycle

Email: mschultze@wisc.edu

Post Graduation: Pursuing PhD at University of Hamburg (Hamburg, Germany)

Andrew Sterling, MS
UWNMBL Alumnus
MS Mechanical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2008
BS Mechanical Engineering, Univ. of Colorado-Boulder, 2005

Research Thesis: Cervical Spine Motion and the Biomechanical Influence of Vertebral Fusion

Email: asterling82@gmail.com

Post Graduation: Thermal analysis engineer with Lockheed Martin & Boeing (Denver, CO)

Ben Whittington, MS
UWNMBL Alumnus
MS Mechanical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2007
BS Mechanical Engineering, UW-Madison

Research Thesis: Utilization of Lower Extremity Stiffness during Human Walking

Email: whittingtonben@gmail.com

Post Graduation: Envoy Medical Corporation (St. Paul, MN)

Joe Farron, MS
UWNMBL Alumnus
MS Mechanical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2007
BS Mechanical Engineering, UW-Madison

Research Thesis: Measurement of Tendon Strain During Muscle Twitch Contractions Using Ultrasound

Email: jwfarron@gmail.com

Post Graduation: Engineer at Boeing Corporation (Seattle, WA)

Jackson Potter, MS
UWNMBL Alumnus, Co-Advised with Prof. Heidi Ploeg
MS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2007
BS General Engineering, University of Illinois

Research Thesis: Bicycle Seat Pressure Distribution during Seated Cycling, and the Effects of Gender, Power and Hand

Email: jjpotter82@gmail.com

Post Graduation: Pursuing PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech University (Atlanta, GA)

Julie Sauer, MS
UWNMBL Alumna, Co-Advised with Prof. Heidi Ploeg
MS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison
BS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison

Research Focus: Pelvic Motion during Seated Pedaling

Email: jlsauer@gmail.com

Post Graduation: Engineer with EPIC Industries (Verona, WI)

David Remy, MS
UWNMBL Alumnus
MS Mechanical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2006
Engineering Cybernetics, Universitat Stuttgart

Research Thesis: Integration of an Adaptive Ground Contact Model Into the Dynamic Simulation of Gait

Email: christian.remy@mavt.ethz.ch

Post Graduation: Pursuing PhD at ETH (Zurich, Switzerland)

Christine Weisshaar, MS
UWNMBL Alumna, Co-Advised with Prof. Heidi Ploeg
MS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison
BS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison

Research Focus: Effect of Saddle Design on Rider Comfort

Email: clweisshaar@gmail.com

Post Graduation: Research Engineer at the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)

Yomary Munoz, BS
UWNMBL Visiting Undergraduate Researcher
University of Puerto Rico, Mayagiiez Campus

Email: munoz_yomary@yahoo.com

Tim Rand, MS
UWNMBL Alumnus
MS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2006
BS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison

Research Focus: Synergistic Muscle Control of Human Walking

Email: tdrand@wisc.edu

Post Graduation: Clinical Research Assistant Aerotek Scientific (Raleigh,NC)

Dina Hoerth, MS
UWNMBL Alumna
MS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2005
BS Mechanical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2004

Research Focus: Kinematic Analysis of Human Sprinting

Email: dmhoerth@uwalumni.com

Gabe Donatell, MS
UWNMBL Alumnus
MS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2004
BS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2003

Research Focus: Abnormal Muscle Activation Patterns with Patello-femoral Pain

Email: gdonatel@wlgore.com

Post Graduation: Quality engineer in prosthetic vasculature products for W.L. Gore and Associates (Flagstaff, AZ)

Peter V. Ehrhart, MS
UWNMBL Alumnus
BS Computer Science and Physics, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 2003

Adam Graf. MS
UWNMBL Alumnus
MS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2004
BS Biomedical Engineering, UW-Madison, 2003

Research Focus: Age and Functional Effects on Gait Mechanics

Email: angraf@uwalumni.com

Post Graduation: Senior Motion Analysis Laboratory Engineer at Shriners Hospital for Children, Chicago, IL