Louisiana Tech’s New Frontiers in Biomedical Research Series continues with a presentation from Deanna Gates, associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and assistant professor of movement science at the University of Michigan. Presentation:

• “Optimizing Prostheses-User Interaction to Enhance Performance”
• Monday, Jan. 22, 3:30 p.m., University Hall; reception to follow.
• This lecture from the field of biomechanics and rehabilitation is open to the public; member of the community are encouraged to attend.
• Gates’ visit sponsored by Tech’s Department of Kinesiology.

Gates’ research focuses on the study of repetitive human movement — such as walking and reaching — to determine which aspects of movement a person actively controls and how this function can most effectively be modeled. Using these models, she designs both passive and active devices that can mimic biological function and restore or improve function in individuals with a disability. She earned her B.S. in mechanical engineering with a minor in biomedical engineering from the University of Virginia, her M.S. in biomedical engineering from Boston University, and her Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. After completing her doctorate degree, Gates was an associate with Exponent Failure Analysis Associates in Phoenix. She spent two years as a research biomechanist at the Center for the Intrepid at Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Prior to joining the University of Michigan, Gates was a site supervisor for the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for Military Medicine, also at Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston. This is the fifth year of the New Frontiers in Biomedical Research Seminar Series that brings internationally recognized scientists to Louisiana Tech to visit with students, faculty, and staff. The series has led to new collaborations for our faculty and summer research and graduate school opportunities for our students. The series has also demonstrated the interdisciplinary nature of research and has grown to include presentations on visual communication in the form of medical illustration. The series has created an opportunity to introduce Louisiana Tech and the surrounding community to faculty from other universities across the country, both to share and to enhance our resources.