James A. Lenker
PhD, OTR/L, ATP, RESNA Fellow
Associate Professor
Director, Advanced Graduate Certificate in Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology Program
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.
Summary
James A. Lenker, PhD, OTR/L, ATP 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.
The title of Lenker's 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 & Systems Engineering, Architecture, Urban & Regional Planning, and Communicative Disorders & Sciences, as well as the Center for Assistive Technology:
- Co-Investigator, Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Accessible Transportation (November 2013 - October 2018) to the University at Buffalo (Dr. Edward Steinfeld, PI) by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living & Rehabilitation Research in collaboration with Carnegie-Mellon University.
- Co-Investigator, Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Universal Design, a 5-year grant (November 2008 - October 2013) to the University at Buffalo (Dr. Edward Steinfeld, PI) by NIDRR in collaboration with the University of Toronto.
- Consultant, Invotek, Inc. (Alma, AR), on a 1-year Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grant to develop and test a software-hardware interface to support independent phone access and usage by people with physical disabilities.
- Consultant, Vortant Technologies (Weaverville, NC), on a two-year Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grant to develop and evaluate software to support web usage by adults with vision impairment.
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)
- Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES)
- Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), Board of Directors