Page 10 - 2018 RF Annual Report 28 PDF for Web

ER GONOMIC S ENGINEERING

DAN NATHAN-ROBERTS

DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL & SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
SPONSORS: HERMAN MILLER INC., STERIS CORPORATION, WAVELET HEALTH INC.

Dan Nathan-Roberts was drawn to science
and engineering from a young age. “I always liked
figuring out how things worked, and I was fortunate
to be encouraged to attend science camps and
study math and engineering.”
Today he works in cognitive ergonomics,
a field that explores the relationship of human
cognitive abilities with systems and technology,
particularly in health care and in the workplace.
Cognitive ergonomics has many
applications, as Nathan-Roberts’ diverse research
demonstrates. He collaborates with businesses in
health care, medical devices, technology and more.
For example, furniture manufacturer
Herman Miller approached Nathan-Roberts for help
with the ergonomics of a new product line, which In the HF/E masters program
included features new to the industry. I have been able to apply
“The undergraduate team and I had the my science background and exercise
opportunity to conduct an ergonomic analysis of the creativity in different ways compared
fit of an unreleased Herman Miller product,” explains to my previous career in engineering,
Nathan-Roberts. “We generated research reports which is very freeing. This program
and briefed Herman Miller on our findings.” also enabled me to find a position in
Working with students has been especially the healthcare industry, the field in
inspiring. “The students in my classes and in my which I’ve always wanted to work.
research group are hard-working, smart and Janet Wu Chastain ’17 MS
engaged,” he says. “Their enthusiasm and curiosity Human Factors and Ergonomics
inspire me to provide as many opportunities for User Experience Researcher
them as I can.” Proteus Digital Health

10 ANNU AL REP OR T 2018