Education:
Ph.D., Industrial Engineering, University at Buffalo,
2005
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of California-Davis,
1984
B.S., Occupational Therapy, University at Buffalo, 1997
M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of California-Davis,
1987
Profile:
Dr. Lenker is an Assistant Professor in the Rehabilitation Science Department, and the Program Director for the Advanced Graduate Certificate Program in Assistive & Rehabilitation Technology. Dr. Lenker earned his PhD in Industrial Engineering, with an emphasis in the area of Human Factors. The title of his dissertation was: Functional and Psychosocial Impact of Computer-Based Assistive Technology Devices for Adults with Disabilities. His research includes collaboration with University at Buffalo faculty in the Departments of Industrial Engineering, Architecture, and Communicative Disorders & Sciences, as well as the Center for Assistive Technology. In addition, his active research includes several funded projects:
- Co-Investigator, Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Universal Design, a 5-year grant awarded (November 2005 - October 2010) to the University at Buffalo (Dr. Edward Steinfeld, PI) by the National Institute on Disability & Rehabilitation Research.
- Co-Investigator, Consortium of Assistive Technology Outcomes Researchers, a 3-year grant (January 2007 - December 2009) awarded to Duke University (Dr. Frank DeRuyter, PI) by the National Institute on Disability & Rehabilitation Research.
- Consultant, Vortant Technologies (Weaverville, NC), on a 2-year Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grant to develop a new computer-based assistive technology device.
Research Interests:
Dr. Lenker's research interests concentrate on three areas: (a) outcomes research that demonstrates the effectiveness of assistive technology devices and environmental interventions for people with disabilities; (b) usability testing of consumer products, including assistive technology devices; and (c) occupational ergonomics.
His clinical interests include four areas: (a) computer accommodation for people with disability, including those with functional deficits in movement, learning, cognition, and/or vision; (b) mobility, seating, and postural interventions for wheelchair users; (c) environmental assessment and recommendation of strategies to facilitate independent living and community participation for elders and those with disability; (d)occupational ergonomics assessment and recommendations to improve worker productivity and minimize risk for worker injury in both office and industrial settings.
Selected Publications:
- Hsieh, Y.J., & Lenker, J.A. (2006). The Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS): Translation and psychometric evaluation of a Chinese (Taiwanese) version. Disability & Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 1 (1-2), 49-57
- .Lenker, J.A., Scherer, M.J., Fuhrer, M.J., Jutai, J.W., & DeRuyter, F. (2005). Psychometric and administrative properties of measures used in assistive technology device outcomes research. Assistive Technology, 17, 7-22.
- Lenker, J.A. (2005). AT outcomes research: Important considerations for conducting clinically relevant studies. Occupational Therapy Now, 7 (1)
- .Lenker, J.A ., & Paquet, V.L. A new conceptual model for assistive technology outcomes research and practice. Assistive Technology, 16, 1-10, 2004.
- Lenker, J.A ., & Paquet, V.L. A review of conceptual models for assistive technology outcomes research and practice. Assistive Technology, 15, 1-15, 2003.
- Lenker, J.A . Certification in assistive technology. OT Practice, 5, 16, 12-15, 2000.
- Lenker, J.A ., Oddo, C., Beaver, K., Jana, S., & Duval, J. Assistive technology service delivery in a vocational rehabilitation model. Technology Special Interest Section Quarterly, 9(1), American Occupational Therapy Association, 1-4, 1999
- Lenker, J.A . Professional education programs in rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology. Technology and Disability, 9, 37-48 1998.
Professional Affiliations:
Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society
of North America (RESNA), American Occupational Therapy Association
(AOTA), Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) |
