assistive technology

Neuromechanics & Mobility Lab presents at ASB 2025

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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

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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!

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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

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  • 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.

Celebrating Our Research Trainees at the 2025 UW Undergraduate Research Symposium

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The University of Washington Undergraduate Research Symposium is an annual, day-long celebration of undergraduate achievement in research, scholarship, and creative expression. This year, we are proud to highlight the outstanding contributions of our lab’s research trainees who shared their innovative work with the broader academic community.

Alisha Bose delivered a compelling podium presentation titled “How Does Clinical Presentation Impact Gameplay in Early Intervention?” Her research explores how different clinical profiles may influence the way children engage with therapeutic play, contributing valuable insights to the field of accessible design.

Katie Leija presented a poster on “Impact of Powered Mobility Device Seat Design on a Young Child’s Exploration,” examining how adaptive seating affects mobility and interaction in young children using powered mobility devices.

Spencer Hensley shared his work through a poster presentation titled “Effects of Mobility Aids on Muscle Activity in Kids with DS,” which investigates how different mobility aids influence muscle engagement during play in children with Down syndrome.

We are incredibly proud of Alisha, Spencer, and Katie for their dedication and creativity. Their projects reflect the core mission of the Neuromechanics & Mobility Lab—engineering to enhance human mobility, play, and exploration. Through their work, they are helping to advance inclusive design and accessible technology that empowers individuals of all abilities.

  • A person stands at a podium giving a presentation. Behind them, a large screen displays the title slide: “HOW DOES CLINICAL PRESENTATION IMPACT GAMEPLAY IN EARLY INTERVENTION?” by Alisha Bose.
  • A person stands next to a research poster titled “Impact of Powered Mobility Device Seat Design on a Young Child's Exploration,” featuring the University of Washington logo.
  • A person stands beside a scientific poster titled “Effects of Mobility Aids on Muscle Activity in Kids with DS.”