University of Utah associate professor Andrew Merryweather has received this year’s Bennion Center Distinguished Faculty Service Award, which is given to a U faculty member who “has demonstrated a commitment to the campus-community connection through a life of active, unpaid community service and the integration of service with research and teaching.”
The award comes with a $1,000 gift that will be made on Merryweather’s behalf to the non-profit or charitable organization of his choosing. He will be recognized at the 151st University of Utah Commencement on Thursday, April 30, as well as at the President’s Reception for Community Engaged Faculty on Thursday, April 23.
Merryweather was chosen for his focus on biomechanics research and community-based projects to improve the health and mobility of people with disabilities. His Ergonomics & Safety Laboratory has co-developed assistive devices for people with physical disabilities including a paraglider, skiing system (pictured, left) and sailboat for paraplegics. The lab also analyzes the stress related to human movement and occupational tasks.
Merryweather received his bachelor’s degree from Utah State University and a master’s and doctorate from the University of Utah, all in mechanical engineering. He joined the U in 2008, first as a research assistant professor. His research interests are in occupational biomechanics, 3D-musculoskeletal modeling, injury prevention, rehabilitation ergonomics, design, motion capture, rehabilitation robotics, human factors and design.