Lisa Benson, Ph.D.
Assistant Prof. of Engineering and Science Education
Assistant Professor of Bioengineering
Assistant Professor of Bioengineering
B.S.,
BioE/Mech.
Engineering, 1982 University
of Vermont
M.S. BioE with Elect. Eng. minor, 1986 Clemson University
Ph.D. Bioengineering, 2002 Clemson University
M.S. BioE with Elect. Eng. minor, 1986 Clemson University
Ph.D. Bioengineering, 2002 Clemson University
Research Interests
Engineering Education
Musculoskeletal Biomechanics
Physiological Loading of Orthopaedic Implant
Musculoskeletal Biomechanics
Physiological Loading of Orthopaedic Implant
Email:
Office: M12 Holtzendorf Hall
Phone: 864.656.0417
Office: M12 Holtzendorf Hall
Phone: 864.656.0417
Honors, Awards and Professional Activities
Society For Biomaterials; Biomaterials Education Special Interest Group officerSigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society; Clemson chapter officerMember, Tau Beta Pi, National Engineering Honor Society Research in Motion
Our research is focused on using sensors and computational methods to analyze knee joint kinetics and kinematics during activities of daily living, and to apply this information for implant testing. We also focus on translating our work into classrooms and educational materials for students from grade school to graduate school. Some of our projects are industry-driven, some are focused on answering pertinent clinical questions, and all have ties to industry and/or education, giving the students in the Biomechanics group unique opportunities in terms of internships, outreach, and professional development.
Human Motion Analysis Using Body-Fixed Inertial Sensors
Clinical Partners:
Roy Davis, Motion Analysis Lab, Shriners Childrens Hospital, Greenville, SC
Dr. Larry Bowman, Blue Ridge Orthopaedic Associates, Seneca, SC
James Stoker, Clemson Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic, Seneca, SC
Analyzing knee joint forces and moments during motion has been accomplished in a variety of ways, including the use of a camera system to measure position data and a force plate to measure ground reaction data. Recent advances in sensor technology and computational methods have led to success using body-mounted sensors that directly measure linear and angular acceleration of body segments by means of accelerometers and rate gyroscopes, without the use of a dedicated motion analysis laboratory. A pilot study was conducted at Clemson University to test a portable motion analysis system comprising accelerometers, rate gyroscopes, and a force plate. While initial results showed the system to be successful, several ways to improve the methodology are being implemented to optimize the system.
Roy Davis, Motion Analysis Lab, Shriners Childrens Hospital, Greenville, SC
Dr. Larry Bowman, Blue Ridge Orthopaedic Associates, Seneca, SC
James Stoker, Clemson Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic, Seneca, SC
Analyzing knee joint forces and moments during motion has been accomplished in a variety of ways, including the use of a camera system to measure position data and a force plate to measure ground reaction data. Recent advances in sensor technology and computational methods have led to success using body-mounted sensors that directly measure linear and angular acceleration of body segments by means of accelerometers and rate gyroscopes, without the use of a dedicated motion analysis laboratory. A pilot study was conducted at Clemson University to test a portable motion analysis system comprising accelerometers, rate gyroscopes, and a force plate. While initial results showed the system to be successful, several ways to improve the methodology are being implemented to optimize the system.
Biomechanical Analysis of Internal Fracture Fixation Devices
Co-Investigators:
Dr. Kyle Jeray , M.D., and Ms. Stephanie Tanner, Orthopaedic Surgery, Greenville Hospital
System
University Medical Center, Greenville, SC
Clinical Partners:
Dr. J. Scott Broderick, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgery, Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center, Greenville, SC
Dr. Jamey Dombrowski and Dr. David Koon, University of South Carolina Medical School,
Columbia, SC
Dr. Steve Martin, Blue Ridge Orthopaedic Associates, Seneca, SC
Dr. Michael Mendes, Columbus Regional Medical Center, Columbus, GA.
Industry Partners:
Altiva Corporation, Synthes USA
The location, proximity of vital structures, morphology, and functional demands of long bones make choosing the optimal internal fixation device challenging for optimal fracture fixation. There is little information available for clinicians to use to assess the biomechanical performance of fixation devices under physiological loading profiles. A series of studies has been conducted in collaboration with orthopaedic implant manufacturers to assess the strength and stiffness of innovative, as well as traditional, internal fracture fixation devices. Anatomical locations that have been investigated include a comminuted clavicular fracture model, which is the most common indication for surgical treatment. These applications have been tested using a biaxial mechanical testing system, which allows application of physiologically relevant loading patterns under dynamic conditions.
Bilateral Functional Bracing for Division 1 Football Players
Clinical Partners: Dr. Larry Bowman, Blue Ridge Orthopaedic Associates, Seneca, SC
Industry Partner: Breg Brace, Inc, Vista, CA
Functional knee braces typically have struts positioned both on the lateral and medial sides of the knee to provide stability and protection for healing or for chronically unstable knees. These braces are currently used only by athletes who are considered to be at the greatest risk of knee injury. So-called “skill” players do not use functional knee braces prophylactically due to concerns of performance impairment. This study will investigate whether bilateral functional knee braces impair the performance of elite Division I college football players.
Industry Partner: Breg Brace, Inc, Vista, CA
Functional knee braces typically have struts positioned both on the lateral and medial sides of the knee to provide stability and protection for healing or for chronically unstable knees. These braces are currently used only by athletes who are considered to be at the greatest risk of knee injury. So-called “skill” players do not use functional knee braces prophylactically due to concerns of performance impairment. This study will investigate whether bilateral functional knee braces impair the performance of elite Division I college football players.
Sensor Sleeve for Prosthesis Socket Fitting
Clinical Partner: Steve Hamontree, Prosthetic Care, Greenville, SC
Frequent prosthesis socket refittings are often necessary for the comfort, mobility and health of amputees. Currently, the socket fitting process relies largely on qualitative judgments about socket shape, size, and comfort. A system is proposed that will give prosthetists quantitative data on their socket-shaping methods by measuring pressure distribution within the socket. Because the system is extremely thin, it will be minimally intrusive and will not affect the fit of the socket during testing. It is hypothesized that this will lead to better socket design for the patient and a longer socket life-span.
Frequent prosthesis socket refittings are often necessary for the comfort, mobility and health of amputees. Currently, the socket fitting process relies largely on qualitative judgments about socket shape, size, and comfort. A system is proposed that will give prosthetists quantitative data on their socket-shaping methods by measuring pressure distribution within the socket. Because the system is extremely thin, it will be minimally intrusive and will not affect the fit of the socket during testing. It is hypothesized that this will lead to better socket design for the patient and a longer socket life-span.
Impact of Participating in Outreach Activities on Engineering Students
This research engages engineering students in creating physical or computer-based models and activities that demonstrate engineering concepts and technologies to middle and high school students. It is hypothesized that through the development of active learning tools, students’ comprehension of engineering concepts will increase, students’ interest in their engineering programs will be piqued, and retention in these programs will be improved. The added benefit of relating new technology and concepts to middle and high school science curricula will help provide relevance and context to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, and it will possibly recruit new students to STEM disciplines.
Secondary Education Using Bioengineering and Chemical Engineering Concepts
It has been demonstrated that science education is more effective when instruction is related to real-world problems. Bioengineering and chemical engineering have appealing applications to life in the real world, making them ideal platforms for introducing basic and advanced science topics in exciting and innovative ways in the classroom.
- "Communicating Technologies in Bioengineering" (BIOE 850): a graduate level course for education majors and secondary science teachers, offered through the SC Life program. Bioengineering concepts and innovative research are introduced in a way that teachers can use to convey science concepts to their high school students and to provide them with hands-on teaching tools and materials related to bioengineering. (Co-Investigator: Dr. Karen Burg, Bioengineering Dept, Clemson University)
- Research Experience for Teachers (RET): a summer research internship program funded by the National Science Foundation and offered through the Center for Advanced Engineering Fibers and Films (CAEFF) for high school teachers. Participants will gain an understanding of technical and scientific concepts pertaining to polymers and polymer processing and will be trained in teaching module development and basic methods used in education research. (Co-Investigators: Dr. Douglas Hirt, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Dept, Clemson University; Dr. Eric Mintz, Chemistry Dept, Clark Atlanta University)
Education in Motion
Science education is more effective when students are exposed to real-world problems and applications of technical content. The interdisciplinary nature of engineering research provides an ideal medium for the introduction of basic and advanced science topics in exciting and innovative ways.
Science as Art
Visual representations of science and technology provide a valuable connection between scientists, artists, and the general public. This campus-wide exhibit of scientifically significant and artistically appealing images is open to all Clemson students, faculty, and staff, challenging them to share the powerful and inspiring visual images produced in our laboratories and workspaces. This event is co-sponsored by all five colleges at Clemson, as well as the Clemson Chapter of Sigma Xi and the Center for Advanced Engineering Fibers and Films.
Creative Inquiry at Clemson University
In this undergraduate research program, students work on teams to explore a research area, collect data, analyze it, evaluate it, and communicate its meaning to others. Students gain a deeper understanding of topics in their fields of interest, and they can earn academic credit. We have developed a 2-credit “Undergraduate Research Methods” course (ENGR 130) for Creative Inquiry students, or any undergraduate engaged in independent research, in the College of Engineering and Science.
Science as Art
Visual representations of science and technology provide a valuable connection between scientists, artists, and the general public. This campus-wide exhibit of scientifically significant and artistically appealing images is open to all Clemson students, faculty, and staff, challenging them to share the powerful and inspiring visual images produced in our laboratories and workspaces. This event is co-sponsored by all five colleges at Clemson, as well as the Clemson Chapter of Sigma Xi and the Center for Advanced Engineering Fibers and Films.
Creative Inquiry at Clemson University
In this undergraduate research program, students work on teams to explore a research area, collect data, analyze it, evaluate it, and communicate its meaning to others. Students gain a deeper understanding of topics in their fields of interest, and they can earn academic credit. We have developed a 2-credit “Undergraduate Research Methods” course (ENGR 130) for Creative Inquiry students, or any undergraduate engaged in independent research, in the College of Engineering and Science.
Summer Science, Engineering, and Architecture Enrichment Program at Clemson Univ.
Bioengineering: Building A Better You (Bioengineering, B.A.B.Y.!), Summer 2004-2005
This week-long camp explored bioengineering, including demonstrations of biomedical devices and implants, tours of biomedical research labs, and hands-on activities that showed some of the challenges that bioengineers face when designing materials, implants, and devices.
Engineering Fibers and Films Experience (EFF-X), Summer 2006-2007
High school students from around the country learned first-hand what polymer fibers and films are made of, and how they’re made, during this week-long camp. They took on the role of a crime scene investigator and conducted a real fiber analysis, studying how forensics experts use this information to solve crimes. Research lab tours allowed students to see state-of-the-art fiber spinning and film extrusion equipment in action, to create their own polymer films, and to talk to researchers about their cutting-edge polymer research. (Co-sponsored by the Center for Advanced Engineering Fibers and Films, an NSF Engineering Research Center.)
What in the World is Histotechnology?
An innovative outreach program has been developed with the National Society for Histotechnology to attract students, especially under-represented minorities, to the field of histotechnology. At the NSH Annual Meeting in Phoenix, AZ, September 2006, 140 high school students from five area high schools explored career and education opportunities, studied biomedical implants and materials, and actively participated in the histological analysis of a biomaterials reaction to a polymeric material. The students were led through the steps of preparing and studying tissue samples containing a resorbable suture under the guidance of volunteer histotechs and Bioengineering students. A bilingual brochure was developed describing career paths and education options for the students to share with their families. A teacher’s guide was also developed to help translate the workshop materials into classroom activities. (Co-sponsored by the Center for Advanced Engineering Fibers and Films, an NSF Engineering Research Center.)
Demos and Gizmos
Our bioengineering graduate students and engineering undergraduates from various disciplines have been developing classroom demonstrations and active learning tools to get students hooked on engineering and science. We have presented these to visiting school groups and tours and have worked with the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) programs such as Introduce a Girl to Engineering and Science Day, Sneak-A-Peek, and Project WISE. We have also taken our show on the road to different schools and meetings in South Carolina.
Some of our recent tour stops include:
Easley High School Advanced Biology class, Easley, SC, December 2006
Camp WaBak (Girl Scouts of the Old Ninety Six Council), Marietta, SC, July 2006
Tau Beta Pi Engineering Expo, Clemson University, March 2006
Anderson Montessori School, Anderson, SC, January 2006
Middle/Elementary School Academy of Science, Furman University, Greenville, SC, October 2005
Some of our recent tour stops include:
Easley High School Advanced Biology class, Easley, SC, December 2006Camp WaBak (Girl Scouts of the Old Ninety Six Council), Marietta, SC, July 2006Tau Beta Pi Engineering Expo, Clemson University, March 2006Anderson Montessori School, Anderson, SC, January 2006Middle/Elementary School Academy of Science, Furman University, Greenville, SC, October 2005Recent Publications
L.C. Benson, S.B. Biggers, W.F. Moss, M.W. Ohland, M.K. Orr, and S.D. Schiff, “Adapting and Implementing the SCALE-UP Approach in Statics, Dynamics, and Multivariable Calculus,” 2007 American Society of Engineering Education Annual Conference Proceedings
D.Switzer and L.C. Benson, “Assessing Impact of Outreach Activity on Motivation of Undergraduate Engineering Students,” 2007 American Society of Engineering Education Annual Conference Proceedings
L.C. Benson. Hooked on Histology: Using Science Education to Recruit Future Scientists, Journal of Histotechnology, 29(3):151-153.
Gustafson, L.M., J.D. DesJardins, L.C. Benson, and M. LaBerge, 2006. Quantification of Dynamic Tibiofemoral Contact in a Total Knee Replacement During Simulated Daily Activity, Medical University of South Carolina Orthopaedic Journal, Vol IX:12-19.
Koslin, A., R.B. Davis, L.C. Benson. Validation of an Inertial Sensor System for Quantifying Knee Function, Clinical Biomechanics, in preparation.
Benson, L.C., M. Zebuhr, J.S. Broderick, K. Jeray, S.L. Tanner and C.B. Kendall. Biomechanical Testing of Clavicle Fracture Fixation Devices. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, in preparation.
Benson, L.C. 2005. Engineers Communicating with the Public: Collateral Benefit of a Pre-College Program in Bioengineering. Proceedings of ASEE Southeastern Section Annual Conference. April 3-5, 2005, Chattanooga, TN.
