Planning Committee

Gemma Jiang

Gemma Jiang PhD is senior team scientist at the Institute for Research in the Social Sciences (IRISS) of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. She applies complexity leadership theory, social network analysis, and a suite of facilitation and coaching methods to enable cross-disciplinary science teams to converge upon solutions for challenges of societal importance. She is experienced with NSF funded science projects and has worked with multiple teams across several NSF directories. 

Ian Burkhart

Ian is a C5 complete tetraplegic from a diving accident in 2010. He is the Vice President of the North American Spinal Cord Injury Consortium. After participating in a few clinical trials, he understood the need for engagement of individuals with lived experience from the start. Ian also is the president of the Ian Burkhart Foundation, which raises funds for medical equipment for other individuals living with paralysis. His research focuses on amplifying the lived experience of people with disabilities.

Cameron LaMack

Cameron LaMack is a lover of learning for learning's sake. He is a PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering with the Center for Human-Machine Systems (CHMS) at Cleveland State University. His research centers on improving machine learning models of the human arm to help restore arm function high spinal cord injury. LaMack has also worked with physical and occupational therapists, phenomenologists, urbanists, team scientists, lived experience consultants, and engineers to create new transdisciplinary programs at Cleveland State University. 

Beth Glas

Beth Glas is the Executive Vice President of MaxHousing (formerly Maximum Accessible Housing of Ohio).  As the Director of MaxHousing's Anderson Center for Accessible Living program, Beth develops and delivers accessibility and aging-in-place workshops, tours of a fully accessible Demonstration Unit, and extensive community outreach. Beth is an expert in accessibility, both in homes and in public spaces, and has shared her expertise with hundreds of people.

Jamie Ballard

Jamie Ballard joined CSU in July 2022 as Special Programs Coordinator. She supports the Center for Human-Machine Systems graduate program and summer undergraduate research program in rehabilitation engineering. She builds and maintains professional relationships with various organizations to help cultivate a learning environment between students and the community.

Eric Schearer

Eric Schearer is Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Director of the Center for Human-Machine Systems at Cleveland State University and Staff Scientist in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the MetroHealth System.  Dr. Schearer's research focuses on restoring arm and hand function to people with cervical spinal cord injuries via functional electrical stimulation neuroprostheses, wearable robotics, and personal assistance robots.  He works to partner with the spinal cord injury community in research and education via the Spinal Cord Injury Volunteer Corps and the Disability, Empathy, and Technology course.