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Graduate students will find a
vast selection of outstanding
research opportunities
with MEAM's internationally renowned faculty. From groundbreaking fundamental research to
innovative solutions to real-world problems, the Department's comprehensive, multidisciplinary
research program has been successfully fitting the diverse investigative interests of
our students for more than 125 years.
MEAM's strong, far-reaching research funding base is testimony to the interest our research
activities draw from around the world--and to the Department's considerable achievement in
conducting high level, meaningful research. Some of MEAM's major funding sources include the
National Science
Foundation (NSF), National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA), U.S. Air
Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), U.S. Department of Energy
(DoE), U.S. Department of
Defense (DoD), National Institutes of
Health (NIH), National Institute of
Standards and
Technology (NIST), General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co., Chrysler Corp., Detroit Diesel,
General
Dynamics, and Caterpillar, to name few.
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Biomechanics
Collaborating with scientists from the University of Michigan
Medical Center and more than
10 other U-M departments, Biomechanics faculty and students are investigating the mechanical
causes of neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disabilities, diseases, and injuries. Projects are
designed not only to achieve scientific insights into biomechanical problems, but also to
carefully train students in interdisciplinary research techniques.
MEAM's Biomechanics research seeks to gain basic insights into problems that have wide socioeconomic
impact, from spine deformities in the young to falls in older adults. Researchers use advanced
engineering methodology, including mathematical modeling, computer simulation, and experiments with
volunteer subjects.
Biomechanics research focuses on the study of how the brain coordinates and controls a myriad
of muscles in human locomotion and how aging and a variety of disabilities affect that control.
Insights gained are used in medicine, ergonomics, kinesiology, psychology, and other fields to improve
diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilitative, and preventive techniques.
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U-M MEAM CPO / Shekinah Errington
Biomechanics researchers study reach and balance in older adults.
MAJOR
RESEARCH
ACTIVITIES
Studies of:
- how age affects the ability to recover from a forward fall;
- the biomechanics of sudden stops and turns while walking;
- the ability to respond to suddenly-appearing obstacles;
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