Matthew B. Parkinson, PhD
A relatively recent pdf version of my CV is available for download here. Some highlights are available below. A full listing of publication is available here.
education
Ph.D., University of Michigan, Biomedical
Engineering. 2004.
Dissertation: "Balance maintenance in normal seated reach." An investigation into the biomechanics of balance and the types of analysis that it requires. This work has generated models that quantify balance capability, improve motion prediction ability, aid in the analysis and design of tasks and environments, and facilitate the accommodation and risk analysis of people with disabilities affecting balance. Co-Chairs: Don B. Chaffin and Panos Y. Papalambros.
M.S., University of Michigan, Industrial and Operations Engineering. 2003.
Emphasis in biomechanics, ergonomics, human factors, and task analysis. Advisor: Don B. Chaffin.
M.S., Brigham Young University, Mechanical Engineering. 1998.
Thesis: "A process model and framework for the active control of product development processes." Chair: Jordan J. Cox.
B.S., Brigham Young University, Mechanical Engineering with University Honors. 1996.
Honors Thesis: "Compliant mechanisms: An optimization-based approach to their design." Minors in Mathematics and English.
academic appointments (abridged)
Assistant Professor, Summer 2005 - Present, Pennsylvania State University
Joint appointment in Engineering Design and Mechanical Engineering.
Teaching design courses and continuing research in Designing for Human Variability.
Adjunct Lecturer, Fall 2004, University of Michigan
Instructor for Senior-level design class in Mechanical Engineering. Lecture
and mentor students working in project teams. Projects include: vehicular
interior and seats, wheelchairs, hydraulic-assisted bicycles, and medical
devices.
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Fall 2004 - Summer 2005, University of Michigan
Performing research into application of robust design methodologies to
the design of products for people. This work was within the Optimal
Design Laboratory and Human Motion
Simulation Laboratory at the University of
Michigan and is sponsored by the Automotive
Research Center. More information
is available in the Current Research section of this
site.
Instructor, Fall 2003, University of Michigan
Primary instructor for Junior-level design class in Mechanical Engineering.
Developed curriculum, presented lectures, wrote homeworks and exams.
Our class staged a wildly successful project display which was visited
by hundreds of people and covered by the Ann Arbor
News. Received AEEE Award for Outstanding Student Instructor.
