Summary: Welcome to a 2016 Kessler Foundation Research Speakers series. Guest speakers for today, April 4th, 2016 are Drs. Gail Forrest and Karen Nolan presenting: “Powered Robotic Exoskeleton Research in the HPER”. Dr. Karen Nolan is a Senior Research Scientist in Human Performance and Engineering Research at Kessler Foundation, Assistant Professor of PM&R at Rutgers NJMS, Clinical Research Scientist at Children’s Specialized Hospital, and Affiliated Faculty of Biomedical Engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Dr. Nolan has extensive experience in leading the design and implementation of biomechanics research and strong expertise in balance, gait, movement analysis, neuromuscular physiology, rehabilitation robotics, and peripheral motor control. Dr. Gail Forrest is associate director of Human Performance and Engineering Research at Kessler Foundation and is also Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Rutgers – New Jersey Medical School. Over the last 6 years Dr Forrest has continued to receive state and federal funded grants concentrating on the neuroplasticity, improvement in secondary consequences and restoration of function for individuals after SCI. She has presented and published extensively in the area of neuroplasticity and musculoskeletal changes for individuals after SCI. Dr Forrest has other key interests in the area of biomechanics as related to modeling algorithms for under standing control mechanisms in upper extremity (i.e. arm reaching after stroke), and postural control during locomotion. All her areas of research are ultimately focused towards the improvement of functional mobility. This presentation was recorded on Monday, April 4th, 2016 at the Kessler Foundation Conference Center, West Orange, NJ and is sponsored by Kessler Foundation.
