Ryan T. Schroeder

Assistant Professor, Engineering

Office: MCD 419
Phone: 905-688-5550 x3502
rschroeder@brocku.ca

LinkedIn
ResearchGate

Research Interests

Dr. Schroeder’s research employs a diverse set of tools and methods to investigate the mechanics and energetics of human locomotion and other biomechanical activities. For example, dynamic optimization models are used to predict movement patterns based on empirical data obtained from experiments in order to uncover fundamental determinants of tasks such as walking and running. Insights from these studies are then used to drive the development of novel rehabilitation strategies and gait-assistive technologies (e.g., exoskeletons) aimed at improving mobility in both impaired and unimpaired populations.

Education

2020-2023, Postdoctoral researcher, University of Calgary in Calgary, Canada

2015-2020, PhD in Biomedical Engineering, University of Calgary in Calgary, Canada & Edith Cowan University in Perth, Australia (cotutelle program). Thesis: “Gait entrainment in coupled oscillator systems: Clarifying the role of energy optimization in human walking.”

2013-2014, MS in Mechanical Engineering, University of Nevada, Las Vegas in Las Vegas, USA. Thesis: “Designing a biomimetic testing platform for actuators in a series-elastic co-contraction system.”

2010-2013, BS in Mechanical Engineering, University of Nevada, Las Vegas in Las Vegas, USA.

Publications

Google Scholar:

Selected publications:

  • Schroeder RT and Kuo AD (2021). Elastic energy savings and active energy cost in a simple model of running. PLoS Computational Biology. 17(11): e1009608. doi: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009608

 

  • Schroeder RT, Croft JL and Bertram JEA. (2021). Evaluating the energetics of entrainment in a human-machine coupled oscillator system. Scientific Reports. 11(15804), doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-95047-x

 

  • Schroeder RT, Bertram JEA, Nguyen VS, Hac VV and Croft JL. (2019). Load carrying with flexible bamboo poles: Optimization of a coupled oscillator system. Journal of Experimental Biology. 222(23), jeb203760. doi: 10.1242/jeb.203760.

 

  • Croft JL, Schroeder RT and Bertram JEA. (2019). The landscape of movement control in locomotion: Cost, strategy, and solution. Frontiers in Psychology. 10(716). doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00716.

 

  • Croft JL, Schroeder RT and Bertram JEA. (2018). Determinants of optimal leg use strategy: Horizontal to vertical transition in the parkour wall climb. Journal of Experimental Biology. Jeb.190983. doi: 10.1242/jeb.190983.

 

  • Schroeder RT and Bertram JEA. (2018). Minimally actuated walking: Identifying core challenges to economical legged locomotion reveals novel solutions. Frontiers in Robotics and AI. 5(58). doi: 10.3389/frobt.2018.00058.

 

  • Schroeder RT and Bertram JEA. (2018). Properties of traditional bamboo carrying poles have implications for user interactions. PLoS ONE. 13(5). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196208.

 

  • Polet DT, Schroeder RT and Bertram JEA. (2017). Reducing gravity takes the bounce out of running. Journal of Experimental Biology. 221(3). doi: 10.1242/jeb.162024.

 

  • Croft JL, Schroeder RT and Bertram JEA. (2017). The goal of locomotion: Separating the fundamental task from the mechanisms that accomplish it. Psychonomic Bulletin and Review. 24(6), 1675-1685. doi:10.3758/s13423-016-1222-3.

Awards and Honours

 

  • Eyes High International Doctoral Scholarship, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Calgary, 2019
  • Teaching Excellence Nomination, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, 2019
  • Biomedical Engineering Research Award, University of Calgary, 2019
  • Eyes High Doctoral Recruitment Scholarship, University of Calgary, 2015-2018
  • “Best Highlight Video” Award, Dynamic Walking Conference, 2018
  • Endeavour Research Fellowship, Edith Cowan University, Australian Department of Education, 2017
  • “Best PhD Podium Presentation,” Northwestern Biomechanics Symposium, 2016
  • Exchange Grant for Research Abroad, University of Calgary, 2016
  • Biomedical Engineering Equipment Grant, University of Calgary, 2015
  • “Most Creative Poster,” Southern Alberta Biomedical Engineering Conference, 2015
  • Biomedical Engineering Recruitment Prize, University of Calgary, 2015
  • Nevada NASA Consortium Fellowship, 2013-2014
  • “Teaching Assistant of the Year” award in Mechanical Engineering, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 2013-2014
  • NSF-EPSCoR Undergraduate Research Scholarship, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 2013
  • Graduated Magna Cum Laude for BS in Mechanical Engineering, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 2013
  • Dean’s List for High Class Standings for BS in Mechanical Engineering, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 2010-2013