Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering

Education

PhD: 1992, Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Ohio State University

MS: 1988, Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Ohio State University

BS: 1986, Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Ohio State University

IMSE Courses

IE 271 Applied Ergonomics and Work Design.

IE 501/601 Research Methods - Graduate Seminar

IE 571 Occupational Biomechanics

IE 671 Research Practisum in Ergonomics

Sponsored Research

Title: "Ergonomic Interventions for Commercial Fishermen" Sponsor NIOSH, (2006-2009)

Title: "Ergonomic Interventions in Agriculture", Sponsor NIOSH, (2001-2007)

Title: "Ergonomic Interventions in Furniture Industry" Sponsor NIOSH, (1999-2003)

Title: "Back Injury Interventions for Small Contractors" Sponsor NIOSH, (1996-1999)

Gary Mirka

Professor and Chair

Office: 3004 Black Engineering
Email: mirkaiastate.edu
Curriculum Vitae
Tel: 515.294.8661
Fax: 515.294.3524

Research Description
Dr. Mirka’s research interests are in the area of occupational safety and ergonomics with particular emphasis on spine biomechanics, low back injury prevention and ergonomic intervention effectiveness research. His research efforts have taken him into the construction, agriculture, commercial fishing, and furniture manufacturing industries. Dr. Mirka was the recipient of the 1993 Volvo Award for Low Back Pain Research.

For more information see the lab homepage: The Ergonomics Laboratory

Recent Journal Publications
(1) Jin S, RS McCulloch and GA Mirka (2009) “Biomechanical Evaluation of Postures Assumed When Harvesting from Bush Crops”, International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 39(2): 347-352.
(2) Xu X, SM Hsiang, and GA Mirka (2009) “The Effect of a Suspended-Load Backpack on Gait”, Gait & Posture, 29(2): 151-153.
(3) Mirka GA, S Jin, and J Hoyle (2009) “An Evaluation of Arborist Handsaws”, Applied Ergonomics, 40(1): 8-14.
(4) Xu X, SM Hsiang and GA Mirka (2008) “Coordination Indices between Lifting Kinematics and Kinetics”, International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics 38(11): 1062-1066.
(5) Kucera KL, GA Mirka, D Loomis, SW Marshall, HJ Lipscomb, and J Daniels (2008) “Evaluating Ergonomic Stresses in North Carolina Commercial Crab Pot and Gill Net Fishermen”, Journal of Occupational & Environmental Hygiene, 5(3): 182-196.
(6) Xu X, GA Mirka, SM Hsiang (2008) “The Effects of Obesity on Lifting Performance”, Applied Ergonomics, 39(1): 93-98.
(7) Anderson AP, KA Meador, LR McClure, D Makrozahopoulos, DJ Brooks and GA Mirka (2007) “A Biomechanical Analysis of Anterior Load Carriage”, Ergonomics, 50(12): 2104-2117.
(8) Shu Y, Z Jiang, X Xu, and GA Mirka (2007) “The Effect of a Knee Support on the Biomechanical Response of the Low Back”, Applied Biomechanics, 23(4): 275-281.
(9) Shin G, and GA Mirka (2007) “An In-Vivo Assessment of the Low Back Response to Prolonged Flexion: Interplay Between Active and Passive Tissues”, Clinical Biomechanics, 22: 965-971.
(10) Reid SA, and GA Mirka (2007) “Learning Curve Analysis of a Patient Lift-Assist Device”, Applied Ergonomics 38(5): 765-771.
(11) Southard SA and GA Mirka (2007) “An Evaluation of Backpack Harness Systems in Non-Neutral Torso Postures”, Applied Ergonomics 38(4): 541-547.
(12) Southard SA, JH Freeman, JE Drum and GA Mirka (2007) “Ergonomic Interventions for the Reduction of Back and Shoulder Biomechanical Loading when Weighing Calves”, International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics 37(2): 103-110.