Presenter Bio:

Clark Dickerson (PhD) is a Professor of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo, where he has been since 2005. His research focuses on human musculoskeletal biomechanics, particularly of the shoulder. He earned his BSME at Alfred University, his MS in bioengineering from Clemson University, and his PhD in biomedical engineering from the University of Michigan. His current research interests include the development and experimental evaluation of computational shoulder models, digital ergonomics, age and disease-related shoulder disorder prevention, assessment, and mitigation, in vitro tissue mechanical characterization, and comparative and developmental shoulder mechanics. His work also extends to the design and evaluation of assistive devices, including upper limb exoskeletons and therapeutic soft robots. Dr. Dickerson is an author of over 150 peer-reviewed research articles and over 300 conference and invited talks. He is a past-president of Canadian Society for Biomechanics and past-chairperson of the Board of the International Shoulder Group (a technical group of the International Society of Biomechanics). He also recently completed a 10-year term as the Canada Research Chair in Shoulder Mechanics.




Abstract:

Human shoulders are staggeringly unique amongst Earth species. They enable amazing capabilities, including complex tool manipulation and high-speed accurate throwing, but these traits are accompanied by vulnerabilities to many aspects of modern life. This talk will summarize investigations into primary shoulder function and dysfunction and related applications in work, sport, and daily life.