Hongwei Hsiao, Texas A&M University

Robotics Track Chair

Exoskeletons Track Co-Chair

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Dr. Hongwei Hsiao is a Professor and the Rogelio Benavides Memorial Chair with Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. His research covers big data and artificial intelligence for protective gear sizing and design for diverse workforces, first responder technology, personal protective equipment 3-dimensional dynamic fitting and performance assessment, hazard investigation and control, and multi-system smart technology integration. He is retired chief of the Protective Technology Branch and coordinator of the Center for Occupational Robotics Research, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).  He received his degrees from Cornell University and the University of Michigan and has held engineering and management positions in both the manufacturing industry and the U.S. Government. He also has taught human factors engineering for 20 years before joining Texas A&M University system.  Dr. Hsiao has headed numerous programs and projects in safety research. He also coordinated development of strategic goals for the NIOSH robotics center and managed center resources and seminars. He managed several laboratories for NIOSH, including the Virtual Reality, Anthropometry Research, High Bay, Vehicle Safety, Digital Modeling, Human Factors, Robotics Research, and Sensor Development Laboratories during 1996-2021.  He now directs the Safety Evaluation and Research (SEAR) Laboratory and coordinates a smart technology advancement research (STAR) initiative for industrial innovation for Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi.  An editorial board member for eight scientific journals, Dr. Hsiao has written or contributed over 180 publications and patents in human factors and engineering innovation for injury control. He was credentialed as a Silvio O. Conte Senior Biomedical Research Service Fellow by the Government Executive Resources Board in 2003. He is an Emeritus Fellow of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (US HFES) and Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (UK CIEHF).

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Prashanth Rajivan, University of Washington

Cybersecurity Track Chair

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Chris Reid, The Boeing Company

Exoskeleton Track Chair

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Dr. Chris Reid is a Human Factors & Ergonomics (HFE) Technical Fellow for Boeing’s Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) organization in Charleston, SC where he is the company’s EHS Technology Architect, covering production safety, ergonomics, and environmental systems. Prior to Boeing, Dr. Reid worked for Lockheed Martin on astronaut spacesuit assessment as a Human Factors & Ergonomics Discipline Lead at NASA Johnson Space Center and as a Human Factors Engineer for the US Army Natick Labs, assessing Warfighter personal protective equipment. Outside of Boeing, he is the Human Factors & Ergonomics Society 2021-2022 President and member of ASTM International’s Board of Directors. He’s also an advisor on the National Safety Council’s Delegates Committee and Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Solutions Lab Advisory Council. He is a recipient of both the 2018 Rising Star Award from the National Safety Council and the 2020 Black Engineer of the Year Award for Outstanding Technical Contribution in Industry. He is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, with degrees in Electrical Engineering Technology (BS) and Industrial Engineering (MS and PhD).

 

Kay Stanney, Design Interactive

Extended Reality Track Chair