Biography

Alongside her role in SHRS, Dan Ding is also a Research Biomedical Engineer within the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. She holds a secondary appointment at the Department of Bioengineering and McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Ding’s research integrates advanced technologies such as sensors, artificial intelligence and human-machine interaction to create assistive devices that enhance the lives of people with disabilities. Her work spans smart home technology, wearables and assistive robotics, aiming to promote independence, well-being, and participation among individuals with disabilities and older adults. 

Ding leads the Accessible SmartTech Research Group, which addresses a wide array of smart technology solutions, including smartphones, smart home devices, wearables, robotics and AI-driven tools. The group employs a comprehensive methodology, combining quantitative and qualitative data to develop, refine and evaluate technology-based interventions and service delivery models. Ding has secured significant funding as a principal investigator on numerous federal grants and from non-profit organizations and published over 230 peer-reviewed articles. Ding also has extensive experience leading training grants and mentoring students at all academic levels. She is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of researchers and engineers in rehabilitation science.