Anne Silverman
American biomechanical engineer
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Anne Katherine Silverman is an American biomechanical engineer whose research focuses on the mechanics of walking, and the design and analysis of prosthetics for prosthetics for amputees. She is Rowlinson Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines, where she heads the Functional Biomechanics Laboratory,[1] and is a co-PI of the NSF Integrative Movement Sciences Institute.[2]
Education and career
Silverman is originally from Des Moines, Iowa, but moved to Ahwatukee, Arizona as a child, and graduated from Mountain Pointe High School in Ahwatukee in 2001.[3] She majored in mechanical engineering as an undergraduate at Arizona State University,[1] graduating summa cum laude in 2005.[3] She continued her studies at the University of Texas at Austin, earning a master's degree in 2007 before completing her Ph.D. there.[1][3] Her 2010 doctoral dissertation, Compensatory Mechanisms in Below-Knee Amputee Walking and Their Effects on Knee Joint Loading, Metabolic Cost and Angular Momentum, was supervised by Rick Neptune.[3]
She joined the Colorado School of Mines in 2011.[1]
Research
Silverman studies the mechanics of walking and movements using advanced technology[4], and during her labs she capture motion of force plates and muscle activity sensors to measure how people will move. These models help researchers understand injuries occurrences and the treatments and devices that could improve mobility, while allowing Silverman to analyze muscles, joints and running with how the bones interact during walking. Her work is primarily focused on individuals who have lower-limb amputations and uses devices that wont cause strain on other body parts. This study was based on how amputee walk, and Silverman designs prosthetics devices to reduce strain and provide comfort.
Silverman's research is the initiative of movement in science and the prevention of injury. Her prosthetic research has been worked out with the military and examining how soilders carry heavy loads during marches that could lead to affecting their bodies and cause muscle strain and joint muscles. The research concludes military training programs and helps ensures injuries amoung service members and by the understandment of muscle strength and body mechanics could influence injury risk.
Silverman's most important research goal is to improve the mobility and quality of life for people with disabilities.
Teaching Recognition
Silverman has been recognized as a exceptional mentor and educator at the Colorado School of Mines, where she teaches mechanical engineering and supervises graduate students on research in biomechanics. Many of Silverman's students have gone out their way to publish scientific papers and pursuing careers in various fields of work, such as, engineering, medicine and research. Most of her students have had the chance to be guided and mentored through difficult research projects based on collaboration, critical thinking and real world problem solving. Her students have received prestigious fellowship awards for their own research.
Her dedication and effort to mentoring her students have led her to being recognized with awards for excellence in mentorship. These honors highlights her commitment to supporting the next generation of engineers and researchers, but not only limited to her own scientific discoveries.
Recognition
Silverman was named an ASME Fellow in 2020.[5]