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Members

Where our members go
Our lab members are outstanding people with a broad depth of knowledge in many different subjects. Some of the jobs/internships our members have gone to include:

    • Advanced Bionics
    • Altec
    • American Ordinance
    • Boeing
    • C&S Products
    • CIVCO Radiotherapy
    • Cummins Inc.
    • Danfoss
    • DCI Group
    • Des Moines Area Community College
    • Greenlee Textron
    • Medtronic
    • Oriental Trading Company
    • Procter & Gamble
    • Rockwell Collins
    • Tesla
    • Titan Tire Corporation
    • UnityPoint Health
    • WestRock
    • Winnebago
    • Woodward Resource Center

Doctoral Students

Fatima Mgaedeh
IMSE

Mohammed Ameen
HCI

Disciplined and enthusiastic about studies human-computer interaction, currently working on a project that involves monitoring people using Artificial Intelligence. The goal of this project is to detect abnormal behavior in the moving crowd and take appropriate action. Our project can potentially be the next big step in security and surveillance system.

Bachelor’s degree in information technology from King Abdulaziz University.
Master’s degree in computer science and engineering from University of Connecticut.

Hassan M. Wasfi
HCI
I received my master’s degree in computer security from Newcastle university in the United Kingdom in 2011. I received my bachelor’s degree in computer science from King Abdul Aziz University in 2008. I worked at King Abdul Aziz university as a lecturer from 2014 to 2020 in the information technology department. My current research focuses primarily on the area of computer security, especially in the authentication system and its relationship with behavioral aspects of password creation for recognition and recalling textual passwords.
Mohammed “Audi” Al-Daraghmeh
IMSE
 

Majed Hariri
HCI

As a researcher, user experience enthusiast, and software engineer, I combine research methodologies with user-centric design and robust software development to create impactful solutions. My passion lies in understanding user needs and leveraging data-driven insights to inform the development of intuitive and innovative software.

Currently, my research interests focus on the impact of gamification on physical activity and its potential to promote healthy lifestyles. By exploring how gamification elements can be incorporated into software solutions, I aim to create engaging experiences that motivate users to adopt and maintain healthier habits.

Braden Westby
IMSE

Braden Westby is a cross-disciplinary researcher pursuing their Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering at Iowa State University. Currently working on projects spanning from slips and falls to forensics to hydroponics, they are interested in establishing groundwork for the advancement of exoskeleton design as the technology of the world catches up to the dreams. They have publications on topics ranging between exoskeleton design, uniform design, workstation standards, and the impact of athletic shoes. One of their big goals is to help design to keep people safer in a rapidly changing world by helping them work more comfortably, efficiently, and safely. In addition to work, Braden enjoys reading fantasy, playing tabletop games, and attempting to establish another workout routine.
 Zhonglun Wang

Zhonlun Wang
IMSE

Physical Ergonomics
Zhonglun is working on creating a set of comprehensive ergonomics assessments. This set of assessments consider more factors that haven’t been used over the years even though these factors have been proven to affect human capability.

Varun Ananthasivan
IMSE

 

Masters Students

 

Bassam Alabbas
HCI

Develop a comparison between apps to look at interaction between calorie tracking apps conventional and more in-depth interventions.
B.S. in Information Technology from King Abdulaziz University in May 2015.
Currently studying for an M.S. in Human-Computer Interaction with a focus on UX

 


Undergraduate Students

Nell Jaskowiak

M E

Project MANTIS
Catherine Brunia

IMSE

Project DEMETER
Niamh Corscadden

IMSE

Project DEMETER
Alexandria “Aria” Pulley

IMSE

CO2 Impacts on Drivers

Medical Training with AR/VR and Compliance

Paiton Pumroy

IMSE

CO2 Impacts on Drivers

Volunteers

Enzo Deo

IMSE

Project DEMETER

 

Alumni

Tom Schnieders

Tom Schnieders
IMSE

Project QUANTUM
Tom continues his research in the PhD program with looking further into the processes involved in designing, manufacturing, and testing exoskeletons.ARCTiC LawE: Armed Robotic Control for Training in Civilian Law Enforcement
Tom is looking at utilizing an upper body exoskeleton for training of civilian, law enforcement, and military personnel in firearm training. Ultimately, the exoskeleton greatly impacts sensory motor learning and the biomechanical implications are confirmed via both performance and physiological measurements. It is believed to be a viable substitute for training with live fire handguns to reduce the cost of training time and munitions and will increase accuracy and precision for typical law enforcement and military live fire drills. (http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/etd/15092/) Work to further refine the ARCTiC LawE is ongoing.Muscle Wire
Tom  works with Tyler, Erik, and Mallory on muscle wire design and manufacture. His research in this area focuses on developing consistent and rapid manufacturing and actuation. As well as looking at practical application for exoskeletons, prosthetics, and biomedical fields.Patrol Car Ergonomics
Tom works with Tyler and Erik on evaluating patrol cars with respect to ergonomics and human factors. Research goals here include the design and development of more comfortable cabins for servicemen and servicewoman.Additive Manufacturing on Textiles
Tom works with other lab members in the research and application of additive manufacturing on textiles with multiple filament and textile materials. Key work involves development of a reliable printing method for flexible materials. Thermal Affects in Body Armor Heat Mitigation
Tom works with many of the lab members in assisting in the development of an undergraduate lab for applied ergonomics. This particular lab looks at environmental factors, such as heat, and its impact on police officers when wearing body armor.


Colten Fales
IMSe

BBDT: Bovine Birthing with Dystocia Training
My research is in transfer of training paradigm, and in developing evaluation methods for skilled trades. Currently, many agriculture tasks are difficult to teach in classroom settings and are thus learned from experience. My goal is to reduce the art form of Agricultural based trade skills and turn them into something tangible and easily evaluated.

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Dr. Esra’a Abdel-All, PhD
IMSE

Rapid Manufacturing
My research focuses on three areas related to developing a new rapid prototyping technique for rapid manufacturing of injection molds in addition to investigating advantages and disadvantages of rapid prototyping on operator performance and designer skills, respectively.
AbdulMohsen Al-Besher

Dr. Abdulmohsen Albesher, PhD
IMSE

Mobile Government and Civic Engagement in Saudi Arabia
This research compares civic engagement in Traditional Government and M-government in order to indicate if M-government increases civic engagement. The research scope for this research is Saudi Arabia.
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Joe Kim
IMSE

Most important project: Optimization of Headrest Materials for a Head and Neck Exoskeleton Designed for Surgeons
This study is attempting to optimize the materials utilized in a head and neck exoskeletons designed for surgeons. EMGs, IMUs, cognitive tests, and other surveys will be used to determine whether the exoskeleton or materials have a significant effect on user performance.
B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Iowa State, received May 2022
Currently studying for an M.S. in Industrial Engineering with a focus on Human Factors & Ergonomics; expected Dec. 2022
Courtney Middlekoop

Courtney Middelkoop
IE

Miller Grant | Applied Ergonomics Course Update
Courtney is working with Dr. Stone to develop new interactive labs for I E 271 – Applied Ergonomics. The update to this class will have a greater emphasis on labs where students can apply what they learn in class.
Akshay Dave

Akshaykumar Dave
IMSE

Body Armor
Reducing thermal discomfort and discomfort due to armor rigidity, while providing equivalent protection as current armors.
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Drew Schweiger
I E

Time Study on Food Hub Operations
Drew is assisting in analyzing the food hub operations by conducting time studies and identify where the work can be made more efficient.

Brianna Cortez
IE

Firearm Training
Brianna is currently performing literature reviews on firearm training and exoskeletons.
Erik

Erik Danford-Klein
IE

Muscle Wire
Erik moved from a volunteer at the lab to working as a paid undergraduate research assistant with Tom on the actuation and production of muscle wire and looking at practical applications for future experiments.In addition, he works with Dr. Stone on the design and development of sensors for future gun studies.
Christopher Hernandez

Christopher Hernandez
IE

Time Study on Food Hub Operations
Christopher is working on analyzing the food hub operations by conducting time studies and identifying where the work can be made more efficient. The overall goal is to make the job site at these food hubs more efficient. Christopher is working with Christian and Zhonglun on the food hub operations. In addition, Christopher is working with Christian and Tom to perform a literature review for the Patrol Car Study project.

Olivia
Olivia Janusz, MS
IMSE

The Design and Ergonomics of Kitchen Knives
I am testing slicing vegetables with knives using electromyography and body part discomfort to determine if there is a difference between sharp and dull, and chef and Santoku knives. Then I am designing grips to be placed on the knife blade to test if the recommended grip position is less fatiguing and safer to the individual using it.

AhmadDr. Ahmad Mumani, PhD 
IMSE

Human Factors and Ergonomics in Packaging
Studying package-human interaction is vital because of the differences among people and packages. Attaining Humans’ satisfaction while retaining the basic functions of packages is a problem that Human factors and Ergonomics can deal with. In my research, the factors that affect this interaction are studied with the aim at improving the package to be effective and ergonomic.

Dylan Muller
IE

Additive Manufacturing on Textiles
Dylan works with other lab members in the research and application of additive manufacturing on textiles with multiple filament and textile materials. Key work involves development of a reliable printing method for flexible materials. 

TylerTyler Oviatt, BS
IE

Muscle Wire
Tyler worked with Tom on muscle wire. Muscle wire is shape-memory alloy or polymer that can be coiled, which in turn provides the ability to perform with greater forces and sometimes greater than a human muscle. Muscle wire applications range from compression clothing to prosthetics and even exoskeletons. The problem lies in the use of monofilament polymers and polyethylene as muscle wire is not very widely explored. Monofilament polymers and polyethylene are commonly used in fishing line. The goal is to further investigate fishing line as a muscle wire, and then create an application that could be used to improve the study of muscle wire.Patrol Car Ergonomics
Tyler worked with Tom on ergonomic evaluation and design of patrol cars.
Krishna Leela Rajana

Krishna Leela Rajana, MS
IMSE

Investigation of Suturing Techniques
There is a lot to be done in the medical community to improve the numerous surgical procedures which are often painful and an unpleasant experience. The task of making no errors often falls solely on the doctor. This research is an attempt to improve the experience of one such procedure, using ergonomic techniques.

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Anupam Singh, MS
IMSE

Analysis of Force, Speed, Metabolic Burn, and Safety of Various Kicks
The aim behind the research is to compare the four common kicks in marital arts (front, side, roundhouse, and spin kicks) not only with regards to the amount of force generated, but also with respect to the speed, metabolic burn, and safety. The study also incorporates the hardness of the human body by keeping the hardness of the target roughly equivalent to that of the body. There lies a significant difference in kicking a soft bag compared to the human body with respect to injury biomechanics.

 Jaclyn Stiller

Jaclyn Stiller
I E

 

Medical Suturing
Jaclyn furthered Leela’s research on medical interventions in suturing during her Honors Project.

Midhun

Midhun Vasan, MS
IMSE

Standards for Setting Up Computer Workstations
With changes in technology from CRT monitors to present LCD and LED monitors, there have been changes in the standards followed to set up the computer workstations for an average user. Distance of the monitor screen from the user, angle of view and height of monitors all effect user comfort. The research focuses on whether the standards have been challenged to accommodate for latest technology and to find out whether these standards are effective.
 

Kristina Schaffhausen
IMSE

Suturing
Kristina worked on creating a better way to train people to make sutures.

Kate Socha
I E
Thermal Affects in Body Armor Heat Mitigation
Kate works with many of the lab members in assisting in the development of an undergraduate lab for applied ergonomics. This particular lab looks at environmental factors, such as heat, and its impact on police officers when wearing body armor.

Cong Xu
I E

Muscle Wire
Cong assists in research related to shape memory alloys as well as other projects given to him by Tom and Zhonglun.


Ben
Johnson
Cpr E
Project MARRS
Drone design and operation project. More details in the future.

Bradley Lacoume

Aero E
Project MARRS
Drone design and operation project. More details in the future.

Kevin Push
M E

Muscle Wire
In preparation for real world application of shape memory alloys; Kevin is currently working on using an electrothermal element to validate actuation in coiled polyethylene muscle fibers. He also works on others projects given to him by Tom.

Project MARRS
Drone design and operation project. More details in the future.

Surya Cidambi
M E

Muscle Wire
Surya works on shape memory alloy tasks as well as other tasks as assigned by Tom.
Alex Coffman
Alex Coffman
M E
3D Printing and Parallel Coordinates Visualization
Alex is working with Tom on 3D Printing maintenance, research, and documentation. In addition, he is working with an open source program to develop a parallel coordinates visualization tool for researchers.

 

Dr. Richard T. Stone

Dr. Richard T. Stone ATHENA Lab Director and Co-Founder
Biography

Fatima Mgaedeh

Fatima Mgaedeh ATHENA Lab Coordinator
Biography

Braden Westby

Braden Westby ATHENA Lab Webmaster
Biography

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