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 *    Inter-Disciplinary Computing Seminar
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 *Title*
 
 Computational Biomechanics for Subject-specific Simulation
 
 *Time/Venue*
 
 Wednesday, October 31 at 2pm 
 ENGR 4201
 
 *Speaker*
 
 Qi Wei
 Assistant Professor
 Department of Bioengineering
 George Mason University
 
 *Host*
 
 Zoran Duric
 
 *Abstract*
 
 Subject-specific biomechanical simulation has played an important role 
 in improving our knowledge of human movement and advancing treatment 
 of movement disorders. In this talk, I will present our efforts in developing 
 novel computational models of eye movement biomechanics and 
 musculoskeletal biomechanics.
 
 Contributions of the peripheral ocular plant in accomplishing complex eye 
 movement are under debate. To understand its functions in both normal and 
 pathological conditions, a realistic computational model is needed. I will 
 describe the first three-dimensional biomechanical model of the orbit that 
 can simulate the dynamics of ocular motility interactively. We are especially 
 motivated to use this model to investigate the pulley hypotheses and the 
 mechanical factors of strabismus. I will then present our work on 
 musculoskeletal simulation. Strand-based biomechanical models have 
 been developed to simulate (1) hand movement and (2) muscle actions of 
 the rat hind limb, an important animal model for studying spinal cord injury.
 
 At the end of the talk, I will introduce several ongoing research projects 
 including biomechanical modeling of neck pain and knee kinematics and
 injuries, in collaboration with other faculty at Mason.
 
 Short bio:
 
 Qi Wei is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering. She 
 joined GMU in August 2012, after completing her postdoctoral training in 
 the Department of Physiology in the Feinberg School of Medicine at 
 Northwestern University. Qi Wei received her Ph.D. from Rutgers University 
 and M.Sc. from The University of British Columbia, both in Computer Science.