Media releases

• For Polar Bear swims or just surviving the cold, top expert ‘Dr. Freeze’ is available for interviews

  Tuesday, January 02, 2018 | By Brock University

  MEDIA ADVISORY: R00238 – 29 December 2017

  Even as most of Canada endures a bitter cold snap, Jan. 1 will mean ‘Polar Bear swims’ in many communities, as brave revelers ring in 2018 by taking a dip in icy lakes or rivers.

  Journalists can get some colourful health and science facts into their coverage by interviewing Stephen Cheung — a.k.a. “Dr. Freeze” — the renowned Brock University kinesiologist and Canada Research Chair.

  Cheung’s cutting-edge research on human physiology and performance in extreme environments has been used to inform the development of everything from survival suits for offshore oil workers to Olympic athletic wear.

  Cheung is available this weekend for phone interviews. He can be reached at (289) 968-5139 or scheung@brocku.ca

  Or for assistance contact Brock Media Relations staff Dan Dakin (905) 347-1970 ddakin@brocku.ca or Kevin Cavanagh (905) 321-4310 kcavanagh@brocku.ca

  Background:

  https://brocku.ca/brock-news/2017/10/dr-freeze-receives-award-for-distinguished-research-and-creative-activity/

  https://brocku.ca/brock-news/2017/07/brock-researcher-company-to-develop-smart-personal-cooling-system-for-miners/

  Categories: Media releases

• Brock ergonomics lab partners with American virtual human simulation company

  Friday, December 22, 2017 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 21 December 2017 – R00237

  Brock University students studying the relationship between workplace injuries, ergonomics and fatigue are set to benefit from a $1.9-million contribution of related software from a U.S.-based company.

  Brock University Assistant Professor of Kinesiology Michael Holmes has partnered with SantosHuman Inc. through the Santos University Program to enable Brock’s Neuromuscular Mechanics and Ergonomics Lab access to the company’s predictive virtual human modelling and simulation software for research and study purposes.

  “SantosHuman has emerged as a world leader in digital human modelling and the power of this technology is an innovative step forward for the ergonomics profession,” Holmes said. “This software allows us to evaluate, in detail, the physical demands of a user while interacting with various workplace and tool designs. This approach can lead to improved worker safety.”

  A Canada Research Chair in Neuromuscular Mechanics and Ergonomics, Holmes’ research examines how the brain and nervous system interact with the mechanics of hand, arm, shoulder and neck muscles as a variety of tasks are performed.

  His lab integrates motion capture, robotics and neurophysiology to understand muscle recruitment, fatigue and injury. The Santos University Program will provide an additional virtual human resource to enhance and expand the University’s high-fidelity workplace simulations.

  “The Santos Institute is excited to be a part of Brock University’s research on upper extremity pain and injury, including carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injury,” said Tim Marler, Chief Research Officer and Director of the Santos Institute, who called it an important area of research.

  The partnership will also provide Brock students access to SantosHuman’s unique predictive human simulation software.

  “Our undergraduate and graduate courses in ergonomics will use the software for unique applied and practical learning opportunities,” Holmes said. “This sets our students up for success in a competitive work environment.”

  SantosHuman provides virtual human simulation solutions to some of the most recognizable companies in the world. The software offers a comprehensive approach to predicting human physical behaviour and performance that can consider human strength, fatigue, flexibility, balance, vision, body-borne equipment, external forces and environmental conditions.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

  Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.

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  Categories: Media releases