Students

Current Students Studying at The Center for Ergonomics

Ph.D. Students
Yadrianna AcostaAcosta-Sojo, Yadrianna
  • Degree Program: Ph.D., Expected graduation: Winter 2018
  • Area of Interest: Yadrianna’s research is in physical ergonomics and focuses in sensorimotor human performance. She is currently investigating sensory and motor deficits in stroke patients. Specially, changes in upper limb activities. The aims are to determine the degree to which sensory and motor systems functioning differ between individuals affected by stroke and healthy individuals, and to determine whether the origin of deficits are primarily sensory, motor, or from both. This knowledge will be used to develop and adapt rehabilitation procedures to facilitate/accelerate recovery.
  • Advisor(s): Prof. Bernard J. Martin
  • Desired Employment: Academia
  • Website: https://sites.google.com/a/umich.edu/yacosta/
Du, Na
  • Degree Program: Ph.D., Expected graduation: 2022
  • Area of Interest: Na’s primary research goal is to improve human performance and safety in complex environments by applying human factors to the design, analysis, and evaluation of engineering systems. Her current research interests include human-automation interaction, the design of decision aids that support trust calibration and human factors in healthcare. Now she is working on a project to study the trust between human and autonomous agents and to facilitate human-autonomy interaction.
  • Advisor(s): Prof. X. Jessie Yang, Prof. Nadine Sarter
  • Desired Employment: Academia
albert-fuFu, Albert
  • Degree Program: Ph.D., Expected graduation: 2019
  • Area of Interest: I have been working on the NIOSH Ladder Study since the beginning of 2015. The study focus on how different ladder configuration, with different pitching, rail height and rung spacing, would affect the risk of falls. In addition, since there are increasing number of female firefighters in the states, we are expected to see advantage&disadvantage for ladder configurations between male climbers and female climbers.
  • Advisor(s): Prof. Thomas Armstrong
  • Desired Employment: Academic, Industrial
Justin HaneyHaney, Justin
  • Degree Program: Ph.D., Expected graduation: Winter 2020
  • Area of Interest: Justin’s research interests are in physical ergonomics and human factors with a focus on the prevention of injuries in the workplace from repetitive motion tasks and overexertion. He is currently working on a project to develop algorithms to predict whole body postures and hand motion trajectories during threading operations and the handling of web material.
  • Advisor(s): Prof. Clive D’Souza
  • Desired Employment: Industry
  • Website: https://justinhaney.wixsite.com/home
Li, Yifan
  • Degree Program: Ph.D., Expected graduation: Winter 2020
  • Area of Interest: Yifan’s main research interest is in Physical Ergonomics, Occupational Biomechanics, and Human Factors with a focus in surgery and operating room ergonomics. He hopes to apply motion capture and inertial sensors in medical simulations to model surgeon movements. His aim is to improve surgeon health and surgery efficiency through by improving the operating environment as well as operating tools.
  • Advisor(s): Prof. Clive D’Souza
  • Desired Employment: Academia
Kevin LibermanLieberman, Kevin
  • Degree Program: Ph.D., Expected Graduation: 2020
  • Area of Interest: Kevin is a pre-candidate in the Robotics Ph.D. program.  He is interested in cognitive ergonomics and human-robot interaction.  Prior to the University of Michigan, Kevin worked for an air traffic management engineering and research company, supporting the development of a new airport surface management concept and automated tool.  He has also researched decentralized, multi-robot control via potential functions.
  • Advisor(s): Prof. Nadine Sarter, Prof. Ella Atkins
  • Desired Employment: Academia, Industry
  • Website: https://sites.google.com/a/umich.edu/kevinlieberman/
Lim SolLim, Sol
  • Degree Program: Ph.D., Expected graduation: Winter 2019
  • Area of Interest: Sol’s research interest is focused in the area of healthcare ergonomics. Her ongoing work involves validating use of inertial sensors for ergonomics posture assessment. She is currently developing algorithms to analyze body postural angles from inertial sensors and 3D motion capture system in simulated work tasks of varying physical intensity levels. This research aims at developing software algorithms to analyze and characterize body postures in patient lift tasks performed by healthcare workers.
  • Advisor(s): Prof. Clive D’Souza
  • Desired Employment: Academia, Industry
  • Website: https://sites.google.com/a/umich.edu/sol/

Liu, Ke
  • Degree Program: Ph.D., Expected graduation: Winter 2020
  • Area of Interest: Ke is a PhD student in Driver Interface Group at University of Michigan Transportation Institute (UMTRI). Through the experience of her tertiary education over the past a few years, she have had many opportunities to conduct interdisciplinary researches and develop fundamental skills in human factors, mechanical engineering, statistics, and programming. She joined Driver Interface Group in 2015 and has been involved in research on driving simulator (Minisim) studies as well as on-road tests. Her research interests include development and evaluations of driver interfaces and systems.
  • Advisor(s): Prof. Yili Liu, Prof. Paul Green
  • Desired Employment: Academia, Industry
Yidu LuLu, Yidu
  • Degree Program: Ph.D., Expected graduation: 2020
  • Area of Interest: Yidu is a first year Ph.D. student in the THinC Lab. She got her bachelor degree in Industrial Engineering from Tsinghua University. Her research interest is in cognitive ergonomics. She has worked on a project related to multitasking and interruption management to see how people of different cultures will react to multiple computer-based tasks. Now she is exploring new topics in the area of cognitive ergonomics.
  • Advisor(s): Prof. Nadine Sarter
  • Desired Employment: Industry
Ruikun LuoLuo, Ruikun
  • Degree Program: Ph.D., Expected graduation: 2021
  • Area of Interest: Ruikun Luo is a Ph.D student at the Interaction & Collaboration Research Lab(ICRL) at University of Michigan. His research interest is human robot interaction/collaboration and machine learning. His research goal is to study how to use machine learning to understand human and how robot makes decision based on the inferred behavior of human. Prior to joining ICRL, he completed his B.S in Mechanical Engineering and Automation in Tsinghua University, China and M.S in Mechanical Engineering in Carnegie Mellon University, US.
  • Advisor(s): Prof. Xi Jessie Yang
  • Desired Employment: Academia, Industry

Mao, Yanxun
  • Degree Program: Ph.D., Expected graduation: 2018
  • Area of Interest: Yanxun’s research is in cognitive ergonomics and focuses on computational model of human-machine interaction system simulation using large data analysis method. He is currently implementing neural network and reinforcement learning in building user interface ecosystem specially on In-Vehicle Infotainment systems. The goal is to build a self contained user interface design and evaluation feedback model to make quantifiable predictions and evaluations of user interfaces. Also, he is interested in studying human attention and behavior pattern with big data analysis and its related algorithm development.
  • Advisor(s): Prof. Yili Liu
  • Desired Employment: Industry
Karanvir Panesar

Panesar, Karanvir
  • Degree Program: Ph.D., Expected graduation: 2023
  • Area of Interest: Karanvir is a PhD student at The Human-Automation Interaction and Cognition (THInC) lab. Prior to joining the THInC lab, Karanvir got his B.S. in Computer Engineering and a minor in Art from California State University of Northridge. He also worked as a software developer and user interface designer at a startup company where he helped develop a unique human-autonomy teaming agent designed to facilitate teamwork between the automation and the human operator of a ground dispatch station that was developed in support of NASA’s Reduced Crew Operations project. Karanvir’s current research interests lie in understanding the evolution of trust over time between humans and machines as well as the design and development of multi-modal user interfaces to enhance human performance.
  • Advisor(s): Prof. Nadine Sarter
  • Desired Employment: Industry
  • Website: karanvirpanesar.com
Kamolnat Tabattanon Tabattanon, Kamolnat
  • Degree Program: Ph.D., Expected graduation: 2023
  • Area of Interest: Kamolnat’s current research interests are in physical human factors and human factors considerations for inclusive and accessible design. She is interested in incorporating digital simulation and digital human modeling into designing for inclusivity. She is also interested in researching means to aid designers in developing inclusive designs through frameworks, tools, or recommended guidelines.
  • Advisor(s): Prof. Clive D’Souza
  • Desired Employment: Academia, Industry
Yuzhi Wan

Wan, Yuzhi
  • Degree Program: Ph.D., Expected graduation: Winter 2019
  • Area of Interest: My research is in cognitive ergonomics, with a focus on alarm management for complex systems. I am especially interested in addressing the problem of alarm floods and providing appropriate mapping of alarm urgency in a multimodal environment. I am currently working on a project funded by the FAA to study tactile information presentation on the New Generation cockpits.
  • Advisor(s): Prof. Nadine Sarter
  • Desired Employment: Industry

Former Students of The Center for Ergonomics

Ph.D.
Name Year Program Area of Interest Advisor Thesis Title
Jeong, Heejin 2018 Ph.D. Cognitive Modeling Liu Computational Modeling and Experimental Research on Touchscreen Gestures, Audio/Speech Interaction, and Driving
Figueroa, Rosemarie 2017 Ph.D.  Biomechanics Armstrong Development of a Three-Dimensional Anthropometric Model for Simulating Hand Work
Prinet, Julie 2016 Ph.D. Cognitive Ergonomics Sarter Attentional Narrowing: Triggering, Detecting and Overcoming a Threat to Safety
Pitts, Brandon 2016 Ph.D. Systems Interface Design Sarter Age-related differences in multimodal information processing and their implications for adaptive display design
Carrasquillo, Vernnaliz 2016 Ph.D. Ergonomics / Biomechanics Armstrong Cycle to Cycle Task Variations in Mixed-Model Assembly Lines and Their Effects on Worker Posture, Joint Loads, and Recovery Time
Feng, Fred 2015 Ph.D. Cognitive Modeling Liu Queuing Network Modeling of Human Multitask Performance and its Application to Usability Testing of In-Vehicle Infotainment Systems
Moacdieh, Nadine 2015 Ph.D. Systems Interface Design Sarter Eye tracking: A promising means of tracing, explaining, and preventing the performance effects of display clutter in real time
Lu, Sara 2014 Ph.D. Transportation Safety Sarter Tactile and crossmodal change blindness and its implications for display design
Yu, Denny 2014 Ph.D. Biomechanics Armstrong Application of human factors in surgery: studies on technique, displays, and performance
Best, Christopher 2013 Ph.D. Cognitive Modeling Liu Modeling dual-task concurrency and effort in QN-ACTR and IMPRINT
Cao, Shi 2013 Ph.D. Cognitive Modeling Liu Queueing network modeling of human performance in complex cognitive multi-task scenarios
Scotland, Samantha 2013 Ph.D. Physical Ergonomics Martin Upper limb asymmetries of movement sense and sense of effort: the contribution of gender and handedness
Zhou, Wei 2013 Ph.D. Development of Biomechanical Models for Describing Hand and Finger Placements in Handling Work Objects
Li, Huiyang 2012 Ph.D. Cognitive Ergonomics Sarter Supporting human-automation collaboration through dynamic function allocation: The case of space teleoperation
Nathan-Roberts, Dan 2012 Ph.D. Cognitive Modeling Liu Using interactive genetic algorithms to support aesthetic ergonomic design
Bae, Sungchan 2011 Ph.D. Biomechanics Armstrong Investigation of Hand Posture During Reach and Grasp for Ergonomic Applications
Jayaraman, Swapnaa 2011 Ph.D. Cognitive Ergonomics Sarter Supporting monitoring and interruption management In complex domains through graded multimodal notifications
Jones, Monica 2011 Ph.D. Biomechanics Reed / Chaffin / Hughes Bracing during kinematically constrained one-hand isometric force exertions: predicting force and posture for ergonomic analysis
Lau, Michael 2011 Ph.D. Ergonomics / Biomechanics Armstrong An investigation of factors that affect subjective assessment of wrist posture and applied hand force
Wiggermann, Neal 2011 Ph.D. Biomechanics / Ergonomics Keyserling The effect of flooring surface compliance on plantar pressures and discomfort during prolonged standing
Young, Justin 2011 Ph.D. Biomechanics Armstrong Biomechanics of hand/handhold coupling and factors affecting the capacity to hang on
Anthony, Brian 2010 Ph.D. Transportation Safety Sarter
Berman, Marc 2010 Ph.D. Cognitive Modeling Liu Memory, Interference and Depression
Ferris, Thomas 2010 Ph.D. Cognitive Modeling Sarter Informative vibrotactile displays to support attention and task management in anesthesiology
Fuller, Helen 2010 Ph.D. Cognitive Ergonomics Liu The Virtual Driver: Integrating Physical and Cognitive Human Models to Simulate Driving with a Secondary In-Vehicle Task
Kim, H.J., Suzanne 2010 Ph.D. Analysis of Biodynamic Responses Associated with Upper Limb Reaching Movements under Whole-Body Vibration- Support for an Active Biodynamic Model
Srinivasan, Divya 2010 Ph.D. HUMOSIM Reed Visuomotor Coordination in Symmetric and Asymmetric Bimanual Reaching Tasks
Yu, Shin-Yuan 2010 Ph.D. Upper Body Coordination and Movement Control of Unconstrained Visually Guided Three-Dimensional Reach Movements
Choi, Jaewon 2008 Ph.D. Developing a 3-Dimensional Kinematic Model of the Hand for Ergonomic Analyses of Hand Posture, Hand Space Envelope, and Tendon Excursion
Hoffman, Suzanne 2008 Ph.D. HUMOSIM Chaffin / Reed Whole-body postures during standing hand-force exertions: development of a 3D biomechanical posture prediction model
Wagner, David 2008 Ph.D. Classification and Modeling of Acyclic Stepping Strategies Used during Manual Material Handling Transfer Tasks
Bauerly, Michael 2007 Ph.D. Mathematical Modeling and Experimental Study of Interface Aesthetics
Grieshaber, David 2007 Ph.D. Factors Affecting Hand Posture and One-Handed Push Force During Flexible Rubber Hose Insertion Tasks
Rider, Kevin 2007 Ph.D. Effects of Ride Motion Perturbation on the Speed and Accuracy of In-Vehicle Reaching Tasks
Seo, Na Jin 2007 Ph.D. Development of a Biomechanical Model of Hand Coupling for Axial Torque and Push Exertions on Cylindrical Handles
Womack, Sarah 2007 Ph.D. Organizational Ergonomics Armstrong / Liker A multi-methodological study of the effects of lean manufacturing practices on work-related musculoskeletal disorder risk factors and other injuries

Masters
Name Year Program
Nona, Laith 2017 M.S.E.
Caminita, Mia 2017 M.S.E.
Williams, Kathryn 2017 M.S.E.
Green, Cooper 2016 M.S.E.
Jeong, Heejin 2015 M.S.E.
McDowell, Ashley 2015 M.S.E.
Cwynar, David 2014 M.S.E.
DosSantos, Matheus 2014 M.S.E.
Greenough, Christopher 2014 M.S.E.
Kai, Thomas 2014 M.S.E.
Knuutila, Kristin 2014 M.S.E.
Komar, David 2014 M.S.E.
Twomey, Alessandra 2014 M.S.E.
Waller, Stephanie 2014 M.S.E.
Walsh, John 2014 M.S.E.
Huang, Wenyan 2013 M.S.E.
Bybee, Jeffrey 2012 M.S.E.
Cressman, Dale 2012 M.S.E.
Giliken, Casey 2012 M.S.E.
Ho, Helinda 2012 M.S.E.
Myatt, Lisa 2012 M.S.E.
Dubinsky, Jayme 2011 M.S.E.
Graul, Douglas 2011 M.S.E.
Herron, Matthew 2011 M.S.E.
Hinton, Jared 2011 M.S.E.
Kime, Jeremy 2011 M.S.E.
Phillips, Catherine 2011 M.S.E.
Sackllah, Michael 2011 M.S.E.
Au, Kenneth 2010 M.S.E.
Lapp, Katherine 2010 M.S.E.
Muiru, William 2010 M.S.E.
Ortiz, Vivian 2010 M.S.E.
Potterton, Jon 2010 M.S.E.
Hammersborg, Anders 2009 M.S.E.
Neeland, Mark 2009 M.S.E.
Stringfield, Kiana 2009 M.S.E.