Roy Cooper

Roy A. Cooper, PhD, PLY is a pioneering researcher and innovator in rehabilitation engineering. He is the founding director of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories, a collaboration between the University of Pittsburgh and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. A VA Senior Research Career Scientist and the FISA Foundation – Paralyzed Veterans of America Distinguished Professor at Pitt, Dr. Cooper has authored over 400 peer-reviewed journal articles and holds over 30 patents awarded or pending. His research focuses on mobility and manipulation technologies, human-machine interfaces, wheelchair design and selection, robotics, and accessible autonomous systems for individuals with disabilities. His influential books include Rehabilitation Engineering Applied to Mobility and Manipulation and Wheelchair Selection and Configuration. He has also co-edited several important texts, including the award-winning Care of the Combat Amputee. Dr. Cooper is an elected Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, RESNA, IEEE, AIMBE, and BMES. In recognition of his groundbreaking contributions, he received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation and is a member of the National Inventors Hall of Fame and National Academy of Engineering. His mentorship has shaped a generation of leaders in rehabilitation and assistive technology worldwide.