Academic Appointment

• Associate Professor

Education

• PhD, Bioengineering, University of Michigan, 1997
• MS, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan, 1995
• MS, Bioengineering, University of Michigan, 1994
• BS, Computer Science, Virginia Tech, 1992

Research Interests

• Computer access
• Rehabilitation robotics
• Human-machine interaction

Recent Publications

• RC Simpson, HH Koester, EF LoPresti. Research in Computer Access Assessment and Intervention. Clinics of North America. 21(1): 15-32, 2010.
• JM Smith, RC Simpson. Analyzing Performance with Computer Access Technology using an Unconstrained Text Entry Protocol. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development. 46(8): 1059-1068, 2010.
• RC Simpson. Using the Speed-Accuracy Operating Characteristic to Visualize Performance with Pointing Devices. The Open Rehabilitation Journal. 2: 58-63, 2009.
• RC Simpson, EF LoPresti, RA Cooper. How Many People Would Benefit From a Smart Wheelchair? Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development. 45(1): 53-71, 2008.
• EF LoPresti, RC Simpson, N Kirsch, D Schreckenghost, S Hayashi. Distributed Cognitive Aid with Scheduling and Interactive Task Guidance. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development. 45(4): 505-521, 2008.
• EF LoPresti, HH Koester, RC Simpson. Toward Automatic Adjustment of Pointing Device Configuration to Accommodate Physical Impairment. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. 3(4): 221-235, 2008.
• RC Simpson. Making Better Decisions. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society Magazine. 27(2): 23-28, March/April 2008.
• V Sharma, RC Simpson, EF LoPresti, C Mostowy, J Olson, J Puhlman, S Hayashi, R Cooper, E. Konarski, B. Kerley. Participatory Design in the Development of the I-Haul Wheelchair Convoy System. Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation. 5: 1, 2008.
• HH Koester, EF LoPresti, RC Simpson. Toward automatic adjustment of keyboard settings for people with physical impairments. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. 2(5): 261-274, 2007.
• RC Simpson, HH Koester, EF LoPresti. Selecting an appropriate scan rate: The “.65 rule” Assistive Technology. 19(2): 51-60, Summer 2007. 

Courses Recently Taught 

•  Spring 2010:  HRS 3712, Human-Machine Interfaces, 2 Credits
•  Fall 2009:  HRS 1704, Introduction to Assistive Technology, 2 Credits
•  Fall 2009:  HRS 2711, Computer Access, 3 Credits

Biographical Profile

Dr. Simpson received a BS in Computer Science from Virginia Tech in 1992. At the University of Michigan he earned an MS in Bioengineering in 1994, an MS in Computer Science and Engineering in 1995, and a PhD in Bioengineering in 1997. Dr. Simpson was certified as an Assistive Technology Practitioner in 1997. Dr. Simpson joined the faculty of the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology (RST) in 2000. His job responsibilities include research, teaching courses and mentoring students and providing clinical computer access services at the Pitt Center for Assistive Technology (CAT).

A common theme of Dr. Simpson’s research is the development of algorithms to automatically adapt the behavior of assistive technology in response to changes in the needs and abilities of the user. Another consistent theme running through Dr. Simpson’s research is the collection and analysis of quantitative data in real-world environments, either from sensors (in the case of smart wheelchairs) or user input (in the case of computer access). A third theme pervading Dr. Simpson’s research is the development of tools that can be integrated into the clinical service delivery process. 

Membership in Professional and Scientific Societies

•  Human Factors Engineering Society, 2002–present 
•  Association of Computing Machinery (ACM), 2000–present 
•  ACM Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction
•  ACM Special Interest Group on Computers and the Physically Handicapped   
•  American Association for Artificial Intelligence, 2000–present 
•  Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), 1994–present  
•  IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society
•  IEEE Systems, Man and Cybernetics Society
•  IEEE Computer Society 
•  Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), 1992–present
•  RESNA Special Interest Group on Rehabilitation Robotics
•  RESNA Special Interest Group on Computer Applications
•  RESNA Special Interest Group on Universal Access
•  RESNA Special Interest Group on Augmentative Communication 

Awards and Honors

•  Norma J. Gianutsos Volunteer Award; United Cerebral Palsy of Pittsburgh
•  University of Pittsburgh Innovators Award
•  Certificate of Appreciation; RESNA
•  Certificate of Appreciation; RESNA