Bryan Buchholz, Ph.D.

Dr. Buchholz is professor of occupational biomechanics and ergonomics. He has earned doctoral and master's degrees in bioengineering, a master's in applied mechanics and a bachelor's in chemical engineering, all from The University of Michigan. He is director of the new University of Massachusetts system-wide doctoral program in Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology. His research efforts focus primarily on the development of biomechanical models that provide a better understanding of the pathomechanics of work-related musculoskeletal disorders so that effective interventions may be perfected. His continuing work on the development of biomechanical models of the human hand for evaluation of its prehensile capabilities and the design of tool handles has expanded since his initial work on his doctoral dissertation. He is also interested in the development of ergonomic exposure assessment tools, especially those employing bioinstrumentation. Dr. Buchholz is part of the Construction Occupational Health Project and involved in an initiative to understand and help control work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the construction industry. He has also been involved in ergonomic exposure assessment in the fishing industry.