Can we use engineering methods to prevent injury and illness?
Speaker: Dr. Geoff Fernie
Abstract
Biography
Dr. Fernie is an Emeritus Scientist at the KITE Research Institute and was formerly the Institute Director of the iDAPT Centre for Rehabilitation Research, which we now known as KITE. His is interested in developing solutions to everyday problems and has included technologies for two broad purposes: i) To prevent injury and disease and ii) to help individuals and their family caregivers continue to live in their own homes as they age. His research has focused on reducing falls through the development of innovative mobility products, non-slip winter footwear and improvements to accessibility and building codes. He has also made significant advances in preventing hospital acquired infections by improving hand hygiene. Geoff has been responsible for many products that assist people's independence, including innovative wheelchairs and bathroom aids. Many of his inventions have reduced the physical burden of caring for people, including the prevention of back and shoulder injuries in professional nurses and family caregivers caused by lifting and moving people.