Principal Investigator
Erika M Pliner
Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Director, Neuroergonomics & Occupational Biomechanics Laboratory
Office: 2341 MEK
Phone: 801-581-3685
email: erika.pliner@utah.edu
Education
PhD in Bioengineering (Biomechanics), University of Pittsburgh
MS in Engineering (Ergonomics), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
BS in Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Postgraduate Training
Postdoc in Neuromechanics, University of Florida
Postdoc in Physiology, Neuroscience Research Australia
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
Doctoral 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 freestyle at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Alex Ingram
Education
PhD in Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, pursuing
MS in Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, 2022
BS in Bioengineering, Syracuse University, 2015
Research Interests
Biomechanics, Human Factors, Injury Prevention & Safety
Favorite Iconic Event
Kelly Clark being the first woman to land a 1080 in the Superpipe at X Games Aspen 2011
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
Camryn Sheen
Education
PhD in Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, pursuing
BS in Biomedical Engineering, Arizona State University, 2026
Research Interests
Biomechanics, Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation, Neuromuscular Control
Favorite Iconic Event
The inspiring display of resilience and stoicism by professional rugby player Georgia Page after shattering her nose yet continuing to play until she was forcibly pulled off the field in a 2015 championship sevens match
Masters Students
Ian Briggs
Education
MS in Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, pursuing
BS in Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University, 2023
Research Interests
Human Factors, Biomechanics, Movement Analysis, Injury Prevention
Favorite Iconic Event
Kenneth Rooks winning silver with a stunning final lap in the Men's 3000 m Steeplechase during the 2024 Paris Olympics
Carson Davis
Education
MS in Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, pursuing
BS in Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, 2025
Research Interests
Neuromechanics, Biomechanics, Human Factors, Balance Control
Favorite Iconic Event
Damian Lillard's playoff win series-winning buzzer-beater against OKC in 2019
Undergraduate Students
Ejay Aguirre
Education
BS in Data Science, University of Utah, pursuing
AA in Liberal Arts, Northern Marianas College, 2024
Research Interests
Data, Environmental Sustainability, Accessibility
Favorite Iconic Event
The 2022 World Cup Final: France vs. Argentina
Emily Roberts
Education
BS in Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, pursuing
Research Interests
Biomechanics, Medical Implants, Human-Environmental Response
Favorite Iconic Event
Simone Biles' 4-medal comeback in the 2024 Paris Olympics after taking a break to prioritize her mental health in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
Simeon Tanner
Education
BS in Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, pursuing
AS in University Studies, Utah Valley University, 2024
Research Interests
Manufacturing Systems Safety, Human Factors, Mechanical Design
Favorite Iconic Event
Alice in Chains MTV Unplugged performance
Research Staff
Cole Ward
Education
BS in Neuroscience and Behavior, Wesleyan University, 2025
Minor in Integrated Design, Engineering and Applied Sciences, Wesleyan University, 2025
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
High School Students
Mateo Ayllon
Veronica Gao