BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
NAME: Seo, Na Jin
EDUCATION/TRAINING
INSTITUTION AND LOCATION
Pohang Univ. of Science and Technology
(POSTECH), Korea
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago &
Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
POSITION TITLE: Assistant Professor
DEGREE
MM/YY
FIELD OF STUDY
BS
08/2002
Mechanical Engineering
MSE
PhD
12/2005
08/2007
Industrial Engineering
Ergonomics/Biomechanics
Postdoc
07/2009
Neuro-rehabilitation
A. Positions and Honors
Positions and Employment
2001-2002
Research Assistant, Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park
2002-2003
Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Design Dept, Samsung Electronics Ltd.
2003-2007
Research Assistant, Center for Ergonomics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
2004-2005
Teaching Assistant, Industrial and Operations Engineering, University of Michigan
2006-2006
Instructor, Industrial and Operations Engineering, University of Michigan
2007-2007
Research Fellow, Center for Ergonomics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
2007-2009
Research Associate, Sensory Motor Performance Program, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
2008-2010
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology
2009-2013
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Feinberg School of
Medicine, Northwestern University
2009-Present Assistant Professor, Industrial Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
2010-Present Assistant Adjunct Professor, the Clinical & Translational Science Institute, Medical College of
Wisconsin
2011-Present Assistant Professor, Occupational Science & Technology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
2013-Present Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Other Experience and Professional Memberships
Professional memberships:
2006-Present
Society for Neuroscience
2007-Present
American Society of Biomechanics (reviewer)
2009-2011
American Society for Engineering Education
Editorial board members: Journal of Aging and Gerontology, Chinese Journal of Biology, International
Journal of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation
Peer reviewer for journals (32 different journals, 2007-Present):
Journal of Neurophysiology; Brain: a journal of neurology; Experimental Brain Research; Journal of
Biomechanics; (103) Frontiers in Human Neuroscience; Journal of Neuroscience Methods; Muscle and
Nerve; Journal of Biomechanical Engineering; Ergonomics; Human Factors; Journal of Applied
Ergonomics; Medical Engineering & Physics; Journal of Hand Therapy; Skin Pharmacology & Physiology,
Journal of Pharmacological & Biophysical Research; Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment; Vascular
Health and Risk Management; PLoS ONE; Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical
Engineering; IIE Transactions on Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors; Physical Therapy;
International Journal of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation; International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics;
Annals of Biomedical Engineering; American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; Journal of
Occupational Rehabilitation; SpringerPlus; Automation in Construction; International Journal of Advanced
Robotic Systems; BMC Medical Physics; Journal of Aging and Gerontology; Journal of Engineering
Tribology
Grant reviewer (3 funding agencies): NSF Review Panel for Research to Aid People with Disability (NSF
RAPD); Clinical & Translational Science Institute of Southeastern Wisconsin, Pilot and Collaborative
Clinical and Translational Research Grants; Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, New
Zealand, The science investment round
Books:
1) Seo, N.J., 2008. Biomechanical Models of Hand Coupling for Axial Torque and Push Exertions. VDM
Verlag Dr. Müller. ISBN: 978-3-8364-6431-4.
2) Garg, A., Campbell- Kyureghyan, N., Seo, N.J., Yalla, S.V., Kapellusch, J.M., 2011, Chapter 32 Upper
Extremities, in ed: Anna, D.H., The Occupational Environment: Its Evaluation, Control, and
Management, 3rd edition (Vol 2). The American Industrial Hygiene Association® (AIHA), Fairfax, VA.
Honors and Awards
1998
Silver medal, National Invention Competition, “User-friendly one-size-fits-all battery socket,” Korea
2000
2nd place, International Intelligent Robot Contest, “Development of an intelligent robot controlled by
eye and facial movements,” South Korea
2001
Winner, Research Competition, “Mechanical design of an automatic toothbrush for people without
hands or people with upper limb paresis,” South Korea
2003-05 Korea Science and Engineering Foundation, 2-year graduate fellowship
2003-08 University of Michigan 5-year Graduate Fellowship
2009-10 American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship
2010
Judith Stitt Women Faculty Scholar Award by the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation
2011
Distinguished Fellowship Award, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research,
Washington D.C.
2012
Graduate School / University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Foundation Research Award
2012
University of Wisconsin Libraries Research Fellows
2013
Hugh Kelly Research Fellowship Award, South Africa
2013
Millionaires’ Club, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
B. Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications
1) Hur P, Wan Y-H, Seo NJ. Investigating the role of vibrotactile noise in early muscle reaction to
perturbation, IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 61 (6):1628-33, 2014.
2) Slota GP, Enders LR, Seo NJ. Improvement of hand function using different surfaces and identification of
difficult movement post stroke in the Box and Block Test, Applied Ergonomics, 45 (4) 833-8, 2014.
3) Hur P, Motawar BR, Seo NJ. Muscular responses to handle perturbation with different glove condition,
Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 24 (1) 159-64, 2014.
4) Park J, Seo NJ, Son J, Kim W, Cheong J. Postural variation of hand precision grips by object size, Journal
of Mechanical Science and Technology, 28 (5) 1641-51, 2014.
5) Enders LR, Hur P, Johnson MJ, and Seo NJ. Remote vibrotactile noise improves light touch sensation in
stroke survivors’ fingertips via stochastic resonance, Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation,
10:105, 2013.
6) Crocher V, Hur P, Seo NJ. Low-cost virtual rehabilitation games: House of Quality to meet patient
expectations. 2013 International Conference on Virtual Rehabilitation (ICVR), Philadelphia, PA, pp 94-100
DOI: 10.1109/ICVR.2013.6662074, 2013.
7) Seo NJ. Involuntary contralateral hand activity during unilateral grip exertion in persons with chronic
stroke. Journal of Hand Therapy, 26 (3) 272-7, 2013.
8) Park J, Seo NJ, Son J, Kim W, Cheong J, Postural variation of hand precision grips by object size, Journal
of Mechanical Science and Technology, in Press, 2013
9) Motawar BR, Hur P, Stinear JW, Seo NJ. Contribution of corticomotor inhibition in voluntary muscle
relaxation, Experimental Brain Research, 221 (3) 299-308, 2012.
10) Seo NJ, Enders LR. Hand grip function assessed by the Box and Block Test (BBT) is affected by object
surfaces, Journal of Hand Therapy, 25 (4) 397-405, 2012.
11) Hur P, Motawar BR, Seo NJ. Hand Breakaway Strength Model - Effects of glove use and handle shapes
on a person’s hand strength to hold onto handles to prevent fall from elevation, Journal of Biomechanics,
45, 958-64, 2012.
12) Shim JK, Karol S, Kim Y-S, Seo NJ, Kim YH, Kim Y, Yoon B. Tactile feedback plays a critical role in
maximum finger force production, Journal of Biomechanics, 45 (3) 415-20, 2012.
13) Seo NJ, Fischer HC, Bogey RA, Rymer WZ, Kamper DG. Effect of a serotonin antagonist on delay in grip
muscle relaxation for persons with chronic hemiparetic stroke, Clinical Neurophysiology, 122, 796-802,
2011.
14) Seo NJ, Shim JK, Engel AK, Enders LR. Grip surface affects maximum pinch force, Human Factors, 53
(6) 740-8, 2011.
15) Seo NJ, Sindhu BS, Shechtman O. Influence of pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders on grip
force timing, Journal of Hand Therapy, 24 (4) 335-43, 2011.
16) Seo NJ, Fischer HC, Bogey RA, Rymer WZ, Kamper DG. Use of visual force feedback to improve digit
force direction during pinch grip in persons with stroke - A pilot study, Archives of Physical Medicine &
Rehabilitation, 92 (1) 24-30, 2011.
17) Enders LR, Seo NJ. Phalanx force magnitude and trajectory deviation increased during power grip with an
increased coefficient of friction at the hand-object interface, Journal of Biomechanics, 44 (8) 1447-53,
2011.
18) Seo NJ, Armstrong TJ. Effect of elliptic handle shape on grasping strategies, grip force distribution, and
twisting ability, Ergonomics, 54 (10) 961-70, 2011.
19) Seo NJ, Rymer WZ, Kamper DG. Altered Digit Force Direction during Pinch Grip Following Stroke.
Experimental Brain Research, 202 (4) 891-901, 2010.
20) Seo NJ, Armstrong, T.J., Young, J.G. Effects of Handle Orientation, Gloves, Handle Friction and Elbow
Posture on Maximum Horizontal Pull and Push Forces. Ergonomics, 53 (1) 92-101, 2010.
21) Seo NJ, Rymer WZ, Kamper DG. Delays in grip initiation and termination in persons with stroke: Effects of
arm support and active muscle stretch exercise, Journal of Neurophysiology, 101, 3108-3115, 2009.
22) Seo NJ, Armstrong TJ. Friction Coefficients in a Longitudinal Direction between the Finger Pad and
Selected Materials for Different Normal Forces and Curvatures. Ergonomics, 52 (5) 609-616, 2009.
23) Seo NJ. Dependence of Safety Margins in Grip Force on Isometric Push Force Levels in Lateral Pinch.
Ergonomics, 52 (7) 840-847, 2009.
24) Seo NJ, Armstrong TJ. Biomechanical Analysis for Handle Stability during Maximum Push and Pull
Exertions. Ergonomics, 52 (12) 1568-1575, 2009.
25) Seo NJ, Armstrong TJ, Drinkaus P. A Comparison of Two Methods of Measuring Static Coefficient of
Friction at Low Normal Forces: A Pilot Study. Ergonomics, 52 (1) 121-135, 2009.
26) Seo NJ, Armstrong TJ, Chaffin DB, Ashton-Miller JA. Inward Torque and High-Friction Handles Can
Reduce Required Muscle Efforts for Torque Generation. Human Factors, 50 (1) 37-48, 2008.
27) Seo NJ, Armstrong TJ. Investigation of Grip Force, Normal Force, Contact Area, Hand Size, and Handle
Size for Cylindrical Handles. Human Factors, 50 (5) 734-744, 2008.
28) Seo NJ, Armstrong TJ, Chaffin DB, Ashton-Miller JA. The Effect of Handle Friction and Inward or Outward
Torque on Maximum Axial Push Force. Human Factors, 50 (2) 227-236, 2008.
29) Seo NJ, Armstrong TJ, Ashton-Miller JA, Chaffin DB. Wrist Strength is Dependent on Simultaneous Power
Grip Intensity. Ergonomics, 51 (10) 1594-1605, 2008.
30) Seo NJ, Kamper DG. Effect of Arm Posture, Arm Support, and Muscle Stretch on Sustained Finger Flexor
Activity Following Stroke. Proceedings of the 30th Annual International Conference of the IEEE
Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Vancouver, Canada, 2008.
31) Seo NJ, Armstrong TJ, Ashton-Miller JA, Chaffin DB. The Effect of Torque Direction and Cylindrical
Handle Diameter on the Coupling between the Hand and a Cylindrical Handle. Journal of Biomechanics,
40, 3236-3243, 2007.
D. Research Support
Ongoing Research Support
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 1R21OH010038-01A1
Title: Quantifying the recovery response and the role of hand strength during ladder falls
Role: PI (MPI with Beschorner)
2012-2014
American Heart Association (AHA) Scientist Development Grant 11SDG7270016
2011-2015
Title: Delays in muscle relaxation: novel approach to neuromechanism-based stroke rehabilitation
Goal: To identify neural mechanisms for delayed hand muscle relaxation following stroke.
Role: PI
NIH R24 subaward from Rehab. Inst. of Chicago, Rehab. Eng. Research Network Center
2012-2014
Title: Improving assistive gloves for stroke survivors using dynamic biomechanical models and optimization
Role: PI
Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation
2010-2014
Title: Development of gender-specific rehabilitation strategies for women following stroke
Goal: To determine gender-specific effects of upper limb behavioral interventions in stroke.
Role: PI
Boston Rehabilitation Outcomes Center
2013-2015
Title: Development of a low-cost computerized clinical assessment tool for movement quality
Role: PI
Clinical & Translational Science Institute of Southeastern Wisconsin (CTSI)
2012-2014
Title: Role of tactile sensation on hand motor control and functional recovery after stroke – an fMRI study
Goal: To quantify changes in cortical activation patterns associated with sensory manipulation and resulting
digit force direction during pinch in stroke survivors
Role: PI (Huddleston, Schmit, Tchekanov co-PIs)
WiSys Applied Research Grant
2013-2014
Title: Development of a wearable, portable TheraBracelet to enhance touch sensation and dexterity of the
hand of neurologic patients via vibrotactile stimulation
Role: PI (Webster Co-PI)
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Cultures & Communities
2013-2014
Title: Support the Elders' Physical Capabilities and Well-being through Robotic Development
Role: PI (Graven Co-PI)
American Heart Association
Title: Effect of enhancement of somatosensation on hand grip function post stroke
Role: Mentor (Hur Fellow)
2012-2014
Completed Research Support (in the last 3 years)
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) H133F110005
2011-2013
Title: Role of sensation and sensory stimulation to improve hand grip in persons with stroke
Goal: To develop advanced stimulation techniques to improve power grip in stroke survivors
Role: PI
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) University of Michigan ERC
Title: Development of a biomechanical hand model to predict multi-segmental grip forces
Role: PI
2012-2013
NIOSH University of Illinois-Chicago ERC
Title: Effects of glove and ladder rung design on fall from ladders
Role: PI
2010-2011
American Heart Association (AHA)
Title: Investigation of hand functional grip and release in persons with stroke
Role: PI
2009-2010
American Heart Association 12PRE9320004
Title: Role of tactile sensation in altered phalanx grip force in persons with stroke
2012-2013
Role: Mentor (Enders Fellow)
Medical College of Wisconsin
2012-2013
Title: Effect of botulinum toxin of the long finger flexor muscles on grip force control in stroke
Role: Co-PI (Tchekanov PI)
University of Wisconsin Intercampus Research Incentive Grant
Title: Development of a hand sensory prosthesis for stroke survivors
Role: PI
2012-2013
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Research Growth Initiative
Title: Ergonomic interventions for altered grip force direction in stroke survivors
Role: PI
2010-2011
University of Wisconsin System Administration
Title: Stretch-induced neurophysiologic recovery in persons with stroke
Role: PI
2009-2010
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Start-Up Funds
Role: PI
07/09-06/12
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee College of Health Sciences (Sindhu PI)
Title: Effect of fatigue on grip effort in people with musculoskeletal disorders
Role: Co-PI
2010-2011
NIOSH University of Illinois-Chicago ERC
Title: Prevention of ladder fall by improved somatosensation and optimal rung design
Role: Mentor (Hur Trainee)
2011-2012
American Heart Association Fellowship
Title: Low-cost VR rehabilitation system for individual finger movements following stroke
Role: Mentor (Brandenburg Fellow)
2012
American Heart Association
2012
Title: Low-Cost wireless virtual reality system to improve stroke survivors' upper limb function
Role: Mentor (Scott Fellow)

RECENT PUBLICATIONS BOOKS (Chinese Version) Beukelman, D

AUSSTELLUNGEN