OIOC

Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Health Sciences, concentration in Ergonomics and Biomechanics

The primary objective of the Doctor of Philosophy program is to prepare students for academic and research careers in fields involved in the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, injuries and disabilities that result from the interaction of physical, environmental, and psychosocial factors.

Typically, select students who complete the master's degree in Ergonomics and Biomechanics are invited to apply for the doctoral degree program; however, individuals may enter directly into the program. The program is highly selective of those who are admitted, and customarily only allows 10 to 13 individuals to participate in the doctoral program per term. To date the program has 9 active students and has graduated 13 students.

For admission into this program, applicants must have a master's degree in one of the natural or physical sciences, health sciences, or engineering with a cumulative average of B (3.0) or higher. Acceptance into the doctoral program is based upon undergraduate grades, master's degree grades, GRE scores, professional and/or academic experience, letters of recommendation, and the interview. The faculty interviews all applicants before admission to the program. These admission criteria are in addition to the general GSAS and specific EHS requirements.

The doctoral degree requires the successful completion of 72 credits, or at least 36 credits beyond the Master of Science in Ergonomics and Biomechanics. In addition to the coursework, every doctoral candidate must successfully pass comprehensive examinations, complete and successfully defend a thesis proposal, and finally complete and successfully defend a doctoral thesis.

During the course of study, doctoral students have the opportunity to participate in active laboratory and applied research work. It is expected that every student is active in a long-term research project within a multidisciplinary team. These projects may include the utilization of advanced instrumentation in the laboratories, clinical research through the OIOC clinic, epidemiological work, biomechanical modeling, and/or high-technology evaluation procedures. Individual guidance in the specialized area of interest is made available to every student. The doctoral program is aimed to train students to conduct independent research and have a broad knowledge in ergonomics and biomechanics necessary for the academic, research, industrial and other occupational environments.

Research
Ph.D. Candidates

Environmental Fall Hazards: DUFF, J.

Children And Computers: GILLESPIE, R.

Shoulder Study/MRI: LOMBARDO, G.

Shoulder Kinematics: SNYDER, J.

Women And Work: SCHECTER-WEINER, S.

Treatment Outcome Satisfaction: LIS, A.

Lifting Behavior: YOON, J.

Ph.D. Graduates

The Effect of Gender and Fatigue on the Biomechanics of Landing from a Jump. Pappas, E. (April 2005)

Physical and Psychosocial Predictors of Work Retention After a Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Program.
CAMPELLO, M. (June 2002)

The Process of Returning to Work Following an Episode of Disabling Low Back Pain: A Phenomenological Study.
HARWOOD, K. (April 2001)

The Effect of Gender & Fatigue on the Biomechanics of Landing from a Jump.PAPPAS, E. (2005)

Breath Control During Lifting and its Effects on Intra-abdominal Pressure and Maximal Isometrick Trunk Extensor Force.
HAGINS, M. (March 2001)

Automobile Instrument Panel Design: Reach Capabilities of Younger and Older Drivers: FORMOSA, D. (January 2000)

Bone Formation During Limb Lengthening: Animal Experimentation With and Without Preservation of the Bone Marrow and/or Periostetum. GUICHET, J.M. (May 1999)

The Effects of Low Back Pain on the Perception of Job Demands. HALPERN, M. (April 1999)

Muscle Recruitment Patterns During Pushing and Pulling Tasks. JALAYONDEJA, W. (April 1998)

Effect of Computer Design on Risk Factors for Cumulative Trauma Disorders and on Patterns of Motor Coordination of the Forearm and Wrist in Skilled and Novice Users. BARR, A. (December 1996)

The Effect of Pure and Combined Loading on the Recruitment Pattern of Ten Selected Trunk Muscles. SHEIKHZADEH, A. (December 1996)

Quantification of the Trunk Muscle Performance in Standing, Semi-standing and Sitting Postures in Healthy Males. CARTAS, O. (March 1990)

The Effect of Age on Isokinetic Motor Output in Flexion and Extension Shoulder Movements in Adult Females. GALLAGHER, M. (March 1989)

A Comparative Postural Analysis of the Lifting Task: Using a Rear Loader versus a Side Loader Sanitation Truck. TRAINOR, D. (March 1989)

The Effect of Previous Contraction Condition on Subsequent Eccentric Power Production in Elbow Flexor Mmuscles. KROLL, P. (December 1987)

The Effect of Fatiguing Isoinertial Trunk Flexion and Extension Movement on Patterns of Movement and Motor Output. PARNIANPOUR, M. (November 1987)

A Comparative Electromyographic and Acoustic Analysis of Violin Vibrato in Healthy Professional Violinists. BEJJANI, F. (May 1987)

Contact: Ali Sheikhzadeh - 212-255-6690

Master of Science
Faculty
Biomechanics Laboratory

Program Brochure
Admissions and Application