Eastern Kentucky University’s Manufacturing Engineering and Occupational Therapy programs collaborate on ergonomics project for Toyota
The initiative, which focuses on innovative improvements in the workplace, is partly thanks to a recent Doctor of Occupational Therapy graduate’s capstone project.
Eastern Kentucky University’s new Manufacturing Engineering program and its Occupational Therapy programs recently began a collaboration with Toyota that is seeking to implement new ways to keep workplaces safer and more efficient. The project was announced at an event at the end of August that included attendees and speakers such as Kentucky Congressman Andy Barr, Toyota employees, and members of the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers, in addition to Eastern Kentucky University faculty and staff.
According to an article on Eastern Kentucky University’s website, David McFaddin, the university’s president, underscored the ways in which a project such as this one is in aid of the university’s key efforts and initiatives. McFaddin is quoted as saying, “Innovation, one of our strategic priorities at EKU, is about solving real-world challenges and preparing our graduates to be leaders in the workforce of tomorrow. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, we’re forging solutions that directly address industry needs and foster leadership in a rapidly evolving global economy. EKU is proud to partner with Toyota to provide educational opportunities for our students while contributing to innovation in the workforce.”
The collaborative project aims to make workplaces safer and more ergonomic in the manufacturing industry. The project came about partly due to a capstone project finished by a recent Doctor of Occupational Therapy graduate, Madeline Spears. Her research into manufacturing environments and assembly lines may influence Toyota to make changes to their employee’s work spaces in the future. Spears studied the effects on an individual’s skeleton of the kinds of repetitive motions that are frequently made during assembly line work.
In aid of Spears’ capstone project, Toyota donated both engines and engine parts. Spears’ project involved both occupational therapy knowledge and engineering knowledge, and as such, she was guided by two professors: her mentor Dr. Amanda Balser, who is an assistant professor of occupational therapy, and Dr. Sergio Sgro, who is an assistant professor of engineering and technology. Both academic programs will be influenced based on Spears’ work, as her research brought up resources that will now be built into the curricula for the occupational therapy and engineering programs.
While at the announcement event, Congressman Barr noted, “I’m proud to celebrate the EKU and Toyota partnership, which is a powerful example of how education and industry can join forces to drive Kentucky’s future. With manufacturing at the core of our economy, this collaboration ensures our students are prepared to meet industry demands and lead in tomorrow's innovations. EKU and Toyota are making a vital investment in our workforce, securing Kentucky’s place as a leader in economic growth.”
For more information about Eastern Kentucky University, visit the school’s website.