Research Area: Human Health
Where mechanics meets medicine
With over 200 medical device companies within 20 miles and three top-tier hospitals within walking distance, the Stanford campus provides a unique setting for medical innovation.
Many faculty and students working in human health/Biomechanical Engineering are developing a combination of strong mechanical skills with a working understanding of biological and/or medical systems and processes. Investigations range from exploring how cells sense their environment and interact, to designing the next generation of medical equipment and joint replacements. Biomechanical Engineering research encompasses not only fundamental scientific questions but also the endeavors which will bring discoveries to hospitals, clinics and society as a whole to improve general health, well-being and quality of life.
Human Health is central to the department’s efforts in exploring the mechanics-biomedicine interface and developing innovative solutions for this rapidly growing area. In addition, many students working in all of the Mechanical Engineering groups (Design; Thermofluids, Energy, and Propulsion Systems; Flow Physics and Computation; and Mechanics and Computation) have substantial research efforts in the area of biological systems.
Human Health Research Highlights
Nine Stanford faculty members elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Juan Santiago elected to American Academy of Arts & Sciences which honors exceptional scholars, leaders, artists, and innovators engaged in advancing the public good.
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Stanford scientists find that ‘free-living’ runners default to an energy-saving speed, no matter the distance
By comparing the most energy-efficient running speeds of recreational runners in a lab to the preferred, real-world speeds measured by wearable trackers, Stanford scientists found that runners prefer a low-effort pace – even for short distances.
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Q&A: How wearable tech can teach and heal with the power of touch
Wu Tsai Neuro interdisciplinary postdoctoral scholar Caitlyn Seim develops human-centered wearable technology to help stroke survivors.
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