Donald S. Bloswick's Bio
Work: My research and teaching interests involve ergonomics, occupational
biomechanics, industrial safety and rehabilitation engineering. I recently
co-directed a study of 700 jobs and 1000 workers at UAW-Ford plants throughout
the Midwest that has helped identify the basic workplace risk factors that
are most associated with the development of musculoskeletal disorders. My
students and I have also developed several devices to improve mobility and
enhance the activity level of senior citizens and people with disabilities.
This work has resulted in three patents and one commercially licensed product,
an exercise tricycle for children with cerebral palsy. Ongoing studies in
the Ergonomics Lab include measuring the validity of fingertip vibration
sensitivity as a marker for carpal tunnel syndrome and an investigation
into the effect of torsional stresses in the low-back during material handling.
Family: We have two daughters, one son and one grandson. My wife,
Carol, received her MSW from the University of Utah and spent several
years as the State of Utah Long Term Care Ombudsman. Both of our daughters,
Jessica (BS, JD) and Jennifer (BS), received degrees from the University
of Utah and work in the SLC area in the social services area. Our son,
Jeremy, is preparing fantastic meals at a local Tex-Mex restaurant. Our
grandson, Isaiah Ernesto Bloswick-Flores (try that on for size) turned
two in September and is a joy.
Interests: The move from Ann Arbor to the University of Utah and
Salt Lake City had nothing to do with skiing, hiking, camping, river rafting
or fly-fishing.
Since our arrival in Utah, however, I have developed into the classic beginning-intermediate
skier (with no hopes or plans of improving), hike at least 5 miles per year,
camp almost never, have river rafted once, and know several people who fly
fish. In 1994 my son and I went salmon fishing on Vancouver Island in British
Columbia. I’ve been hooked on salmon and halibut fishing ever since and
you will find me (and often Carol) in Alaska as much as work and frequent
flyer miles will allow. Other interests involve putzing around the house/yard,
keeping my wild birds happy, complaining about Utah politics, and watching
my blood pressure.
Proudest Accomplishment: Professionally I am most proud of the
accomplishments of many of the graduates of the University of Utah Ergonomics
and Safety Program and of the rehabilitative and assist devices developed
in the Ergonomics and Safety Lab. |
