Zachary Lerner, PhD

• Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 2015
• B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 2010

Injury to the neuromuscular system often leads to impaired walking ability across the lifespan. Existing treatment strategies have proven insufficient. Dr. Lerner is pioneering advances in robotics and control to improve mobility and neuromotor function for individuals with disabilities. Most recently, his research has focused on the use of powered orthoses to improve posture and walking efficiency in children with cerebral palsy. His research findings have demonstrated an improvement in walking posture similar to outcomes from invasive surgery, as well as reductions in the energy cost of walking well above those provided from passive orthoses. Dr. Lerner’s current research is focused on developing optimized exoskeleton control schemes, techniques to improve user-engagement during robot-assisted rehabilitation, and wearable assistance to improve mobility during variable walking tasks in real-world settings. Support for Dr. Lerner’s research includes an NIH NCMRR Early Career Research Award, and an NSF Early Career Development (CAREER) Award.