In the News
“We work with the Physical Therapy Department here to study how people walk, and move, and help improve the quality of their lives,” Bigelow told Spectrum News 1 inside her lab.
Dr. Kim Bigelow, associate professor, University of Dayton Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and director, University Engineering Wellness through Biomechanics Lab, was keynote speaker at AccessEngineering, Capacity Building Institute (CBI): Universally Designed Learning and Learning about Universal Design in Seattle. Engineering faculty, disability experts, and engineering students and professionals with disabilities gathered to share expertise, create resources and focus on accessible hands-on learning.
Enhancing Undergraduate Engineering Education through Meaningful Assistive Device Design — PI: Dr. Kimberly E. Bigelow, Ph.D. – University of Dayton
First-year and senior engineering students at the University of Dayton will improve independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities through the support of this NSF grant. The occupational therapy staff at Kettering Health Network’s NeuroRehab and Balance Center will identify projects. And, students will develop fully functional prototypes that will be designed and tested to ensure usefulness.
Preliminary research suggests the kicks, punches, and knee movements associated with kickboxing can improve balance and mobility in patients with multiple sclerosis.
“We’re humanists at heart — and that’s the beauty of engineering,” said assistant professor Kim Bigelow, the lab’s director. “The field is so broad, you can easily find a connection between the science and your passion. For me, it was finding ways to help people and improve their quality of life.”
Kim Bigelow, Engineering Wellness Through Biomechanics Lab director, helped develop a test to predict fall risks that can be taken in a doctor's office in two minutes.
A University of Dayton research study shows the benefits of kickboxing for people with multiple sclerosis.
They've all won highly competitive NSF Graduate Research Fellowships. Smoot will focus her research on autism.
To limit falls, Erin Sutton and Dr. Kim Bigelow research the best and worst ways to carry groceries. The worst way: using a backpack.