assistive technology

Spencer Hensley awarded Mary Gates Research Scholarship

Katie Awards, EarlyMobility, News , , ,

Congratulations to Spencer Hensley, who has been selected for a Mary Gates Research Scholarship! This highly competitive University of Washington program supports undergraduate students as they deepen their engagement in research while working closely with faculty mentors.

The Mary Gates Research Scholarship is designed to enhance students’ educational experiences by giving them the resources to devote more time and focus to their research. With reduced financial pressure, scholars are able to pursue more ambitious questions, develop new skills, and contribute meaningfully to their fields.

In the Neuromechanics and Mobility Lab, Spencer supports Mia Hoffman’s research on mobility aids for children with Down syndrome and other gross motor delays, contributing to efforts to understand how early access to mobility devices supports participation and development.

Please join us in celebrating this achievement – way to go, Spencer!

A young man smiles. He has dark brown hair, and is wearing glasses and a plaid jacket.

Neuromechanics & Mobility Lab presents at ASB 2025

Katie Awards, EarlyMobility, MotorControl, News, Presentation, Projects , , , , ,

The Neuromechanics & Mobility Lab had a fantastic showing at the 2025 American Society of Biomechanics (ASB) Annual Meeting in Pittsburgh, PA! From student awards to impactful presentations, our team contributed to advancing the science of human movement and rehabilitation engineering.

We’re proud to celebrate Ally Clarke, who received a Student Travel Award for her abstract titled “Influence of Bodyweight Support on Motor Control in Children with Cerebral Palsy.” Her work was recognized by the ASB community for its contribution to pediatric motor control research. Congratulations, Ally!

Lab members presented posters across multiple themes. Madeleine McCreary explored toddler muscle activation during joystick driving in her poster “Kicking it off: Does toddler leg muscle activation while driving change with posture?” Mackenzie Pitts shared insights on “Mechanisms of split-belt treadmill adaptation in children with cerebral palsy.” Ally Clarke presented her award-winning work on bodyweight support and motor control, and Katie Landwehr-Prakel showcased her research on “Muscle activity during walker-based exoskeleton use in children with cerebral palsy.”

Beyond the science, our team engaged in workshops, debates, and networking events that emphasized advocacy, inclusion, and the integration of lived experiences into biomechanics research. The ASB 2025 program featured sessions on AI in biomechanics, wearable tech, and neuromechanics – all aligning with our lab’s mission to enhance mobility and participation.

Thank you to ASB and the biomechanics community for an inspiring week. We’re already looking forward to connecting again at the World Congress of Biomechanics (WCB) in Vancouver in 2026!

  • Four people standing together on a rooftop at sunset with a scenic view of the Pittsburgh city skyline, yellow bridges, and river in the background during ASB 2025
  • Four individuals standing in front of a research poster at ASB 2025, representing the University of Washington.
  • Group of individuals standing and discussing research in front of scientific posters at ASB 2025, with charts and graphs visible on the posters
  • Researcher presenting findings to an attendee in front of scientific posters at ASB 2025, showcasing graphs and charts related to biomechanics research.
  • Two individuals standing in front of three research posters on cerebral palsy at ASB 2025

Congratulations – Kate Bokowy earns Outstanding Research Award

Katie Awards, News , , , ,

We’re excited to celebrate Kate Bokowy, who recently earned her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington!

Kate was also recognized with the Department of Mechanical Engineering Outstanding Research Award for her impactful work in the Neuromechanics & Mobility Lab. Under the mentorship of Ph.D. student Mia Hoffman, Kate contributed to the development of the Switch Kit—a DIY toolkit designed to facilitate digital accessibility using accessible switches.

Congratulations, Kate, on your graduation and this well-deserved recognition!

Congratulations – Mia Hoffman receives Dennis Lang Award!

Katie Awards, News , ,

We’re thrilled to share that Mia Hoffman, a Ph.D. student in the Neuromechanics & Mobility Lab, has been honored with the Dennis Lang Award from the University of Washington Disability Studies Program.

Mia is currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies, and this award recognizes her outstanding academic work and spirited commitment to the field. The Dennis Lang Award celebrates the legacy of Dennis Lang, a co-founder of the UW Disability Studies Program, whose dedication and service were instrumental in shaping the program and its community.

Mia received a merit-based monetary award and was recognized at the Disability Studies convocation on June 4.

Congratulations, Mia! Your work continues to inspire and advance the values of inclusion, equity, and excellence in disability studies.

Mia has long straight blonde hair and is wearing a white and black striped blazer on a balcony

2025 CREATE Research Showcase Highlights Inclusive Innovation

Katie EarlyMobility, News, Presentation , , , , , ,
  • A group of people standing and conversing at an indoor research showcase. Some attendees are viewing posters or displays.
  • A group of people viewing academic posters displayed on easels at a research showcase.
  • A person standing next to a scientific poster presentation titled "Kicking it off: Do toddlers with disabilities activate leg muscles when driving with a joystick?" featuring graphs, charts, and images.
  • Two individuals standing in front of a research poster titled “Mobility aids to support independent play for young children with Down Syndrome” which includes graphs and charts. A small powered wheel chair with a stuffed dinosaur is set up in front of the poster.
  • A person holding a flyer in front of a research poster about Down syndrome. The flyer invites families with children aged 12–36 months with Down syndrome to participate in a study at the University of Washington.
  • Two people seated behind a table displaying materials for the H.A.T. Hand Assessment Tool. A banner with an illustrated hand and the tool’s name is draped across the front of the table.

The Center for Research and Education on Accessible Technology and Experiences (CREATE) recently hosted its Spring 2025 Research Showcase and Community Day, bringing together researchers, industry leaders, and community members dedicated to advancing accessibility. Co-sponsored by HuskyADAPT, the event highlighted cutting-edge work that bridges technology and inclusion.

Our lab was proud to be part of the showcase, with several students and collaborators presenting their research. Alisha Bose presented a poster on How Does Clinical Presentation Impact Gameplay in Early Intervention? This project explored how children’s unique needs influence their interaction with accessible play tools like the Switch Kit.

Madeleine McCreary presented Kicking it Off: Do Toddlers with Disabilities Activate Leg Muscles When Driving with a Joystick? This study examined leg muscle activation in toddlers using powered mobility devices to inform interventions that support play and development.

Mia Hoffman, Spencer Hensley, and Katie Belen Leija presented Mobility Aids to Support Independent Play for Young Children with Down Syndrome. Their work evaluated how mobility devices support early movement and play in children with Down Syndrome.

Alexandra (Sasha) Portnova showcased the H.A.T. – Hand Assessment Tool, a camera-based tool that measures finger range of motion to support hand therapy practices.

These projects reflect CREATE’s mission: to make technology accessible and to make the world accessible through technology.