Stephen H. Sprigle Headshot

Stephen Sprigle

Professor, School of Industrial Design & School of Mechanical Engineering

Contact

Email
stephen.sprigle@design.gatech.edu
Telephone
(404) 385-4302

Stephen Sprigle

Professor, School of Industrial Design & School of Mechanical Engineering

Stephen Sprigle is a Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology with appointments in Bioengineering, Industrial Design and the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering.

A biomedical engineer with a license in physical therapy, Sprigle directs the Rehabilitation Engineering and Applied Research Lab (REARLab), which focuses on applied disability research and development. The REARLab’s research interests include the biomechanics of wheelchair seating and posture, pressure ulcer prevention, and manual wheelchair propulsion. Its development activities include standardized wheelchair and cushion testing and the design of assistive and diagnostic technologies. Sprigle teaches design-related classes in both the Schools of Industrial Design and Mechanical Engineering.

Education

  • University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, B.S. - Engineering Science & Mechanics
  • University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, M.E. - Biomedical Engineering
  • University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, Ph.D. - Biomechanics
  • Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, New York, MSPT - Physical Therapy

Experience

Georgia Institute of Technology

  • Professor, Schools of Industrial Design & Mechanical Engineering, 7/2016-present
  • Professor, Schools of Applied Physiology and Industrial Design, 3/2009-6/2016
  • Courtesy Appt: School of Mechanical Engineering, 2013- 2016
  • Associate Professor of Industrial Design, College of Design,  9/2002-3/2009
  • Associate Professor of Applied Physiology, College of Sciences, 7/2004-3/2009
  • Program Faculty: Interdisciplinary Bioengineering Graduate Program, 9/2004-present
  • Director, Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access, 9/2002-8/2008
  • Director, Graduate Program in Industrial Design, 6/2009-12/2009
  • Interim Chair, School of Industrial Design, 01/2010-08/2010

Helen Hayes Hospital, West Haverstraw, NY

  • Director, Center for Rehabilitation Technology, 2/1996-9/2002
    Academic Appointments:
    Assistant Professor of Clinical Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine,College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University
    Senior Lecturer, Graduate School of Health Sciences, New York Medical College

State University of New York at Buffalo

  • Senior Research Scientist, 8/1993‑1/1996
    Adjunct Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Occupational Therapy,

University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, 1/1987‑7/1993

  • Biomedical Engineering Department
    Research Assistant Professor, 8/1990‑7/1993
    Director, Central Virginia Assistive Technology Resource Center, 4/1992‑6/1993

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital, Allentown, PA,

  • Rehabilitation Engineer, 8/1985‑1/1987