James A. Lenker

PhD, OT/L, FAOTA, RESNA Fellow

James A. Lenker.

James A. Lenker

PhD, OT/L, FAOTA, RESNA Fellow

James A. Lenker

PhD, OT/L, FAOTA, RESNA Fellow

Associate Professor
Director, Advanced Graduate Certificate in Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology Program
Department of Rehabilitation Science
School of Public Health and Health Professions

Research Topics

Community-based outcomes research in the areas of: computer-based assistive technology; wheeled mobility and seating; office ergonomics interventions; work conditioning programs; home modifications; complete streets. Evaluation of accessible public transportation systems. Usability testing to support development of new assistive technology device products.

Overview Scholarship

Summary

James A. Lenker, PhD, OT/L, FAOTA, RESNA Fellow, is an associate professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Science and program director for the Advanced Graduate Certificate Program in Assistive & Rehabilitation Technology. Lenker earned his PhD in industrial engineering, with an emphasis in the area of Human Factors.

Over the course of his career, Lenker’s research has included collaborations with University at Buffalo faculty in the departments of Industrial & Systems Engineering, Architecture, Urban & Regional Planning, Communicative Disorders & Sciences, and the Center for Assistive Technology in topic areas ranging from accessible transportation, usability of urban streetscapes, universal design of products, anthropometry of people with physical disability, and assistive technology outcomes research.

Lenker was a co-Investigator with researchers at Duke University, the University of Western Ontario, the University of Montreal, and the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, on multiple federally-funded projects related to assistive technology outcomes research. Lenker has also consulted with several small business developers on federally-funded projects to evaluate product usability for persons having vision impairment and physical disability.

For many years, Lenker has held active leadership roles for RESNA, the Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America, for which he has served on the board of directors (14 years), executive committee (eight years), treasurer (four years) and president-elect (two years). Lenker is currently serving a two-year term as RESNA’s President (2024-2026).

Education

  • PhD, industrial engineering, University at Buffalo (2005)
  • BS, occupational therapy, University at Buffalo (1997)
  • MS, mechanical engineering, University of California-Davis (1987)
  • BS, mechanical engineering, University of California-Davis (1984)

Professional Affiliations

  • American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
  • Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), President