David Nuckley, Ph.D.
Department of Mechanical Engineering
"Biomechanics of the Spine" 

The cervical spine acts as the main structural column of the neck as well as the conduit through which our body's neural connections pass.  Our research at the Applied Biomechanics Laboratory centers on preserving these functions in automotive accidents, during surgical interventions, and with natural age advancement.  Our experimental efforts have elucidated the mechanical response of the neck due to impact and inertial loading.  These studies have determined differences due to surgical augmentations, natural spinal development, and differing loading conditions.  Further, these experimental efforts have led to the development of computational models to aid in injury prevention and clinical management of injuries.  I will be presenting an overview of our experimental approach including tools and techniques as well as our most recent experimental findings.