Human Engineering Research Experience

Fri, 13 Jan 2017 13:02:10 -0500

Program 1: American Student Placements in Rehabilitation Engineering (ASPIRE)

ASPIRE focuses its Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program on research in the rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology fields. Rehabilitation engineering employs a systematic approach to the design, modification, customization and/or fabrication of assistive technology for persons with disabilities. Research efforts in rehabilitation engineering are focused on identifying and addressing problems critical to achieving and maintaining the highest possible level of function in areas related to mobility, communications, sensory (e.g., hearing, tactile, vision), and cognition and in activities associated with employment, independent living, and education. The primary objective of the ASPIRE REU program is to provide an exemplary mentoring and resourceful environment that enables undergraduate students to 1) transition from dependent to independent thinkers, 2) develop a sense of excitement about entering an engineering or technical field 3) and be well prepared for their future careers.

Program 2: Quality of Life Technology Research Experience for Undergraduates (QoLT REU)

The mission of Quality of Life Technology research is to transform lives of people with reduced functional capabilities due to aging or disability through intelligent devices and systems. The program is a unique partnership between Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and the University of Pittsburgh, integrating CMU’s strength in the design, implementation, and technology transfer of intelligent systems, and Pitt’s strength in rehabilitation, health sciences and aging research. The primary objectives of QoLT REU are to excite undergraduate students about technology and engineering, engage them in cross-disciplinary research in QoLT to gain understanding of how to relate human functions (physiological, physical, social, and cognitive) to the design of intelligent devices and systems that aid and interact with people, expand their knowledge of emerging technologies in QoLT, and prepare them for graduate studies or professional careers in QoLT.

The program runs May 22, 2017 – July 28, 2017

The deadline is February 24, 2017

No particular background is required. Some examples of past participants' academic backgrounds include:

All domains of engineering,

Computer Science,

Rehabilitation Science,

Exercise Physiology,

Psychology,

and Biology