Biographical Profile

Mark S. Redfern, Associate Dean for Research at the Swanson School of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Redfern is also William Kepler Whiteford Professor in the Department of Bioengineering. As Associate Dean for Research, Dr. Redfern is responsible for creating an environment to enhance research within the Swanson School. This includes initiating and supporting cross-disciplinary collaborative efforts.

Dr. Redfern’s research interests include two broad areas: the biomechanics of human movement and occupational biomechanics. The major focus of the human movement research is in the area of postural control, locomotion, and measurement systems of movement. The application areas are the factors that influence balance in older adults and patients with balance disorders and the prevention of falling injuries. Of particular interest is the impact of aging and vestibular function on movement control.
The occupational biomechanics research focus has been in the area of musculoskeletal injury prevention through biomechanical analysis of jobs and tasks within jobs. These include occupational fall prevention and biomechanical analyses in the workplace leading to job redesign and protective equipment design.

Dr. Redfern is a graduate of the University of Michigan where he earned his bachelor of science in engineering science and applied mechanics, and Ph.D. in bioengineering. He was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan Center for Ergonomics. Dr. Redfern is co-holder of two patents, “Apparatus and Method for Postural Assessment While Performing Cognitive Tasks,” issued September 19, 2006, U.S. Patent No. 10/840,791, Carey D. Balaban and Mark S. Redfern ; and “Gait Variability Measurement System,” filed November 11, 2010 (USSN: 61/412,690), Mark S. Redfern and Mark C. Musolino.

His specialty certification includes American Board Certified in Prosthetics and Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics. His professional memberships include Gerontological Society of America (GSA); Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE); American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE); Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES); and the American Society of Biomechanics (ASB).