Steele Lab

Engineering to enhance human mobility, play, and exploration

AccessEngineering

NSF-supported program to support individuals with disabilities in engineering and train all engineers in principles of inclusive design.

Musculoskeletal Simulation

We develop methods for dynamic neuro-musculoskeletal simulations to understand the complexities of human movement.

HuskyADAPT

Accessible Design & Play Technology: Partnering engineering students with local need experts for accessible and inclusive innovation.

Outreach

Teaching and learning about engineering through the ultimate machine, the human body.

Mobility is critical to human health

As mechanical engineers, we love to study movement. Understanding the complex dynamics of the neuromusculoskeletal system, as well as how movement is shaped and influenced by our interactions with devices, the environment, and others is the core mission of our team. From walking to wheeling, we take a human-centered, needs-based design approach to understand the basic science, develop innovative techniques, and translate results to daily life. Whether on the athletic field, in the clinic, or at home we seek to understand how humans move and how we can improve health, performance, and quality of life. Let’s get moving!

Dynamic Motor Control

Every brain injury is unique. This fact makes the evaluation, treatment, and support of individuals with neurologic injuries a complex and highly personalized challenge. In this research we seek to identify the individualized factors that can be used to predict

Person walking on a treadmill while supported from a body harness and monitoring energetic cost with a face mask

Cerebral Palsy Energetics

Movement requires energy! How much energy an activity takes often dictates how often and how much we choose to engage. For individuals with cerebral palsy, the energetic cost of many activities of daily living are elevated due to changes in

A child participant wearing an Actigraph sensor on each wrist held in front of their body. Actigraphs are IMUs that look like large black watches.

Ubiquitous Rehabilitation

Ubiquitous sensing with wearable technology, video, and environmental sensors has opened new doors to support human health and performance. In rehabilitation, advancing these methods for actionable clinical insight is critical to improve outcomes and support activities of daily living. Research

AccessEngineering

Launched in September 2014, AccessEngineering works to increase the participation of persons with disabilities in engineering education and workforce in order to both increase and diversify the engineering workforce. This is achieved through engaging faculty and students nationwide in efforts to

Outreach

We love to share our work with students, teachers, and other community members who are interested in the ultimate machine and engineering. The human body is incredibly complex and we need more creative minds from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about addressing