Michael L. Boninger, MD, is the director and principal investigator of the University of Pittsburgh Model Center on Spinal Cord Injury, NIDILRR Center of Excellence. Projects include:
- Biochemical evaluation of the transfer assessment instrument (with Alicia Koontz, PhD)
- Revolutionizing prosthetics program
- University of Pittsburgh Model Center of Spinal Cord Injury
Jorge Candiotti, PhD, focuses his current research on the development of assistive robots and educational gamification through user-centered design to improve mobility functioning, injury prevention, and quality of life of individuals with SCI/D
Jennifer Collinger, PhD, is currently researching neurorehabilitation and brain-computer interface technology for individuals with motor impairments due to spinal cord injury and disease. She, with Mike Boninger, was a recipient of the 2012 Breakthrough Award for her work in brain-machine interface research. Projects include:
- Investigation of cortical changes following
- Revolutionizing prosthetics program (with Mike Boninger, Robert Gaunt)
Rory Cooper, PhD, has interests that span wheelchair engineering, wearable & robotic assistive technology, and smart accessibility systems. His work is grounded in participatory design with individuals with disabilities, aiming to bridge STEM and health sciences to drive high-impact, interdisciplinary innovation. He is the founding Director of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL).
Brad Dicianno, MD, conducts research related to disability (especially spina bifida), assistive technology, and value-based care. Specifically, he is interested in studying how technologies can improve outcomes for people with disability and also improve the delivery of healthcare and community-based services. Relevant technologies are mobile health, telemedicine, electronic medical records interoperability, and rehabilitation engineering devices such as wheelchairs. He is the Medical Director of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL). He also is the site PI for the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry.
Jonathan Duvall, PhD, focuses his current research on developing assistive technology including robotic transfer devices, alternative power sources for mobility devices, and 3D printing sports and recreation equipment.
Lee Fisher, PhD, focuses on restoration of sensory and motor function after neural damage due to spinal cord injury and amputation. He has experience in the use of electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves to generate muscle contractions to restore standing after spinal cord injury, and his current research focuses on stimulation of the dorsal root ganglion to generate meaningful sensory percepts in upper- and lower-limb amputees. Projects include:
- Pre-clinical and clinical testing of somatosensory neuroprostheses after amputation
- Development of novel stimulation paradigms to delay fatigue and prolong standing after spinal cord injury
Robert Gaunt, PhD, focuses his research in the areas of sensorimotor control and the development of neuroprosthetic devices. He has worked on developing methods to restore and improve bladder function using electrical stimulation of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves and on interfaces with the dorsal root ganglia to monitor natural sensory activity and generate artificial sensations. Projects include:
- Novel sensory neural prosthesis using active, flexible electronics
- Microstimulation of pelvic and pedendal afferents to restore bladder function
- Revolutionizing prosthetics program
Lynn A. Worobey, PhD, DPT, ATP, is the co-director of the University of Pittsburgh Model Center on Spinal Cord Injury, NIDILRR Center of Excellence. Projects include:
- Translating Transfer Training and Wheelchair Maintenance into Practice
- University of Pittsburgh Model Center of Spinal Cord Injury
Our reputation for leading the field in novel innovations has led to the designation as a Model System Center funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
The University of Pittsburgh is home to the Model Center on Spinal Cord Injury. Led by Principal Investigator, Dr. Michael Boninger, the UPMC-SCI is one of 14 funded research and clinical centers in the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) network. UPMC-SCI provides a continuum of care beginning with emergency response, continues with comprehensive acute medical treatment and rehabilitation through utilization of assistive technology services and vocational rehabilitation. UPMC research, which focuses on assistive technology and the prevention of upper limb pain related to over use, aims to improve the participation and quality of life of individuals with spinal cord injury.