James Yang, Ph.D.

Biography

Dr. James Yang is a professor and director for Human-Centric Design Research Lab at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University. He is SAE and ASME Fellow and IEEE Senior Member. His research focuses on developing human simulation models to address issues in engineering, sports, medicine, and among other fields. In the mean time, his lab is also conducting experimental work to validate the developed simulation models. His awards and recognitions include the US Fulbright Scholarship, the Arch T. Colwell Merit Award (SAE), the Ralph R. Teetor Educational Award (SAE), three Best Paper Awards from ASME, the Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship, the Chancellor's Council Distinguished Research Award (TTU), Whitacre Excellence in Research Award (TTU), Ed and Linda Whitacre Faculty Fellowship (TTU), and TTU Alumni Association New Faculty Award. His research has been funded by the US Army, DOE, DOD (DHA, USARIEM, USAMRDC), NSF, NIST, NPSF, NIOSH, and Honda R&D North Americas. He is associate editor for several international journals (IEEE Transactions on Human-Machine Systems, ASME Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics, Ergonomics in Design, Journal of Mechanics in Medicine and Biology, International Journal of Human Factors Modelling and Simulation, International Journal of Robotics and Automation, Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing and Service Industries) and editorial board member (International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Automotive Innovation). He also serves in technical committees for SAE and ASME. He was Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University.

Research Interests

• Biomechanics and bio-inspired systems
• Robotics and multibody dynamic systems
• Human modeling and simulation
• Human locomotion
• Slips and falls
• Spine biomechanics
• Human-centric design
• Healthcare engineering

Personal Information

Curriculum Vitae

Education

• Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Iowa, (2003)
• M.S., Automobile Engineering, Jilin University, China, (1992)
• B.S., Vehicle Engineering, Jilin University, China, (1989)