Dr. Max Jordon (sitting with laptop computer laptop), Dr. Erkan Kaplanoglu and mechatronics main Austin McDade display a pneumatically powered steadiness board. Photo by Angela Foster.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Research Institute is launching the Biomechatronics in Healthcare Initiative, a cross-campus analysis effort designed to prepare and increase collaborative work in engineering, laptop science and healthcare.
“UTC already has significant expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence, rehabilitation, human performance and digital health,” mentioned Interim Vice Chancellor for Research Mina Sartipi. “The Biomechatronics in Healthcare Initiative supplies a framework for bringing these strengths collectively, supporting pupil researchers and increasing collaborative tasks that may result in advances in healthcare expertise.
“With more than 40 healthcare-related projects completed over the past five years—including collaborations with Erlanger, Siskin and other regional healthcare partners—we already have strong momentum in this area. This initiative builds on that foundation and advances UTC’s strategic research priorities by fostering interdisciplinary innovation and creating new opportunities for external funding, industry collaboration and healthcare impact.”
The initiative brings collectively greater than 10 college members from 4 faculties, making it one of UTC’s most multidisciplinary analysis efforts. Led by Dr. Erkan Kaplanoglu, Department Head and Professor of Engineering Management and Technology and Director of the Biomechatronic and Assistive Technology Lab, the initiative is designed to attach technical innovation with scientific and human-performance experience to handle rising challenges in healthcare.
UTC is making an preliminary institutional funding of about $130,000 to assist the initiative’s startup efforts.
“Since joining UTC, I have worked closely with the healthcare field as an engineering faculty member,” Kaplanoglu mentioned. “We are developing devices such as prosthetics and orthoses while also exploring opportunities to apply artificial intelligence in healthcare. This initiative gives us a chance to work more closely with local hospitals and respond to needs we see in the community.”
Departments and college members embody:
- Engineering Management and Technology: Dr. Erkan Kaplanoglu
- Electrical Engineering: Dr. JW Bruce
- Computer Science and Engineering: Dr. Yu Liang
- Mechanical Engineering: Dr. Ron Goulet
- Physical Therapy: Dr. Nancy Fell, Dr. David Levine, Dr. Max Jordon, Dr. Ashley Schilling, Dr. Frank Tudini
- Athletic Training: Dr. Jenny Hogg, Dr. Lynette Carlson
- Nursing: Dr. Brooke Epperson
- Data Analytics: Dr. Monireh Rahmati
The combine of disciplines is central to the initiative’s objective. The objective is to attach technical growth with scientific, operational and human-performance views in order that analysis groups can handle healthcare challenges starting from AI and digital healthcare methods to wearable robotics and rehabilitation applied sciences to scientific integration and human efficiency.
“If students are looking for a research group in this area, they want to see this type of structure in place,” Kaplanoglu mentioned. “This initiative can help create that path for master’s and doctoral students and make it easier to bring more students into the work.”
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