In the Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology (RST), we engage in research of impact. Our research is focused on improving health and rehabilitation outcomes for people with disabilities through the integration of consumer experiences, engineering, assistive technology, medicine and clinical practice. RST performs research sponsored by the:
- International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP)
- Functional Mobility Assessment Outcomes Management System/Registry
- Investigating Prosthesis Users’ Accommodation Time to Changes in Prosthetic Componentry
- Veterans Administration Assistance and Advisory Services for Assistive Technology Labs
- Telerehabilitation
- Comprehensive Evaluation Services for Research Centers and Training Programs
- Investigation into Parallels of PASC and TBI Presentation
- Misuse of Methamphetamine in Young Persons in Nigeria (MOTION)
- Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Towards Mental, Neurological, and Substance Use Disorders in Liberia and Ireland
- Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program for the Assessment and Investigation of New Coverage Policies for Complex Rehabilitation Technology (CRT) within a Contemporary Accountable Care Environment
- Rehabilitation in the Face of Progressive Decline: Practice and Perspectives
- Towards Equitable Provision and use of Assistive Technology (AT) for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities
Laboratories
Product Testing Laboratories
This lab contains apparatus for a variety of testing capabilities to evaluate the quality, safety, and durability of mobility products, both prototype devices as well as mobility products already on the market. In the Product Performance Test Lab, we have apparatus to evaluate the performance and safety of products. The Product Durability Test Lab provides environmental test chambers (heat and corrosion) and fatigue testing machines, which allow researchers to simulate product aging and wear.
Design Studio
A studio that provides a creative space that facilitates the development and sharing of ideas for product design. The space contains workstations with 3D design software, and engaging meeting space for collaborative idea generation that can be shared on dry erase painted walls and through projection.
Prototyping Laboratory
This laboratory includes equipment for the fabrication of prototypes and test fixtures. The lab contains a variety of hand and power tools including a mill, drill press, lathe and compound miter saw. An electronics workstation serves to support hardware and software development. This station consists of software programming, electronics prototyping, and debugging stations, equipped with oscilloscopes, meters, power supplies, soldering irons, and function generators. Multiple 3D printing stations and supplies facilitate rapid prototyping of components.
RST/UPMC Center for Assistive Technology – The Center for Assistive Technology (CAT)
This Center is a joint effort of the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC, is one of the largest community-based outpatient assistive technology (AT) clinics in the United States. CAT provides AT related services to over 1500 clients annually and has been steadily growing. The CAT is engaged in research (virtual coaches, advanced mobility devices, assistive robotic devices), development of clinical outcome tools (functioning every day in a wheelchair, functional mobility assessment, multi-sensor driving assessment), and experimental clinical service provision (telerehabilitation, wearable technologies). CAT has recently implemented “smart text” into the electronic record system, to define “mobility related activities of daily living”, and to define “functional ambulation”.
Prosthetics and Orthotics Research Lab
This lab provides designated space for human subjects testing. Adjacent reception area and changing room facilitate logistics. Research equipment includes prosthesis integrated load cells (one ipecs, RTC electronics, Dexter, MI; two Europa, Orthocare Innovations, Tacoma, WA), mobile gait-analysis sensor (G-walk, BTC engineering, Milan, ITA), compatible wireless 8-channel EMG (FreeEMG, BTS engineering, Milan, ITA), metabolic breath analysis system (CardioCoach, Korr, Salt Lake City, UT), 50 activity monitors (StepWatch, modus health, Washington, DC), along with an assortment of tools and exercise equipment to facilitate a range of protocol designs. The lab shares space with RST’s Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics program that contains all of the major equipment for functional assessment, fabrication and fitting of prosthetic and orthotic devices including a fabrication lab, vacuum forming/oven room, lamination room, machining room, and plaster room. A spacious patient area provides a waiting/changing room, parallel bars, movable steps, wall to floor mirrors, and assistive devices to enable efficient fitting and gait assessment sessions.
We offer students opportunities to engage in research experiences within the Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology. Participation in research will help you gain critical skills and complement classroom learning.
Available options include volunteer as well as paid positions and are available to Pitt students and non-Pitt students. Please fill out the appropriate link below.
If you are a Pitt student interested in exploring research opportunities, please complete the SHRS Student Research Tracker at this link. You MUST have an active Pitt e-mail to complete this form.
Under the “Disciplines” section, please choose “Rehabilitation Science and Technology/Prosthetics and Orthotics” as “Disciplines: Choice 1.” This will ensure that your application is routed to RST first.
If we are unable to provide a position at RST, your application will be routed to any additional departments you indicate under “Disciplines” (Choice 2 and so on).
If you are not enrolled at Pitt but are interested in exploring research opportunities, please complete the Online Research Interest Form at this link. Your information will be shared with all RST Research faculty and kept on file.
