Principal Investigator

Erika M Pliner

Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Director, Neuroergonomics & Occupational Biomechanics Lab
Office: 2341 MEK
Phone: 801-581-3685
email: erika.pliner@utah.edu

Faculty Page

Favorite Iconic Event: Jason Lezak's record breaking split time in the 4x100 freestyle relay at the 2008 Beijing Olympics - contributing to the 8 gold medal Olympic performance by Michael Phelps.

Hiring Graduate Students

Interested students are recommended to email your CV and research interests to Dr. Pliner and apply online.

Apply Online

Graduate Students

Ruba Alraqibah

Education
PhD in Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, pursuing
BS in Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, 2023
Minor in Chemistry, University of Utah, 2023

Research Interests
Neuroergonomics, Neuromechanics, Human Factors, Fall Prevention

Favorite Iconic Event: Katie Ledecky earning her 9th gold medal after winning the 800 m freestyle at the Paris Olympics.

Sophie Pearson

Education
PhD in Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, pursuing
MS in Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, 2024
BS in Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, 2023

Research Interests
Biomechanics, Occupational Safety & Injury Prevention, Human Factors

Favorite Iconic Event: Taylor Swift's Reputation album release.

Undergraduate Students

Carson Davis

Education
BS in Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, pursuing

Research Interests
Neuromechanics, Biomechanics, Human Factors, Balance Control

Favorite Iconic Event: Damian Lillard's playoff win series-winning buzzer-beater against OKC in 2019.

Cole Ward

Education
BS in Neuroscience and Behavior, Wesleyan University, pursuing
Minor in Integrated Design, Engineering and Applied Sciences, Wesleyan University, pursuing

Research Interests
Neuromechanics, Mechanical Design, Aging, Human Factors

Favorite Iconic Event: The Miracle on Ice, when the US won the Ice Hockey gold medal in the 1980 Olympics over the 4x reigning Soviet champions.