 | Robert Catena, Ph.D
 E-mail: rcatena@vectorscientific.com
Biomechanist
Dr. Robert Catena joined VSI in September 2009 after his employment with Harvard University where he conducted research into the biomechanical causes and prevention of occupational injuries. His experience in biomechanics ranges from methodological comparisons to analyses of clinical populations. To date, Dr. Catena's education and professional experiences have been characterized by his drive towards the prevention of physical injuries.
Dr. Catena received a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biological Sciences from the University of Alaska. He received a Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biomechanics from the University of Oregon. His research at the University of Oregon focused on a successful return to normal functioning following brain injury, culminating in a dissertation titled, "Attention and Gait Performance Following a Concussion" which highlighted the interactions between biomechanical performance and cognitive performance following brain injuries. Making this research possible was a combination of skills and interests in anatomy, biomechanics, motor control and neuroscience developed during his training. Most recently, Dr. Catena was a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow with the Harvard School of Public Health studying occupational biomechanics and ergonomics. His research with Harvard analyzed the biomechanics of slip and fall avoidance during manual material handling tasks. This research was conducted as part of Dr. Catena's collaboration with the Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety.
During his graduate and post-graduate work, Dr. Catena's research has been uninterruptedly funded by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, American Society of Biomechanics and Liberty Mutual Insurance Agency. Simultaneously, he instructed university courses in occupational biomechanics, sport biomechanics, biomechanical methodology, systemic anatomy, musculoskeletal anatomy and human cadaver dissection. He has co-authored numerous peer-reviewed manuscripts and conference presentations. Robert is a current member of the American Society of Biomechanics (ASB), the International Society for Posture and Gait Research (ISPGR) and the Contact Group for Slips, Trips and Falls (CGSTF).
Personal
Dr. Catena was born in Ft. Wainwright, Alaska, just outside Fairbanks. He continues to have personal and professional ties to his home state and makes it back whenever he can. When temperature permitted, Dr. Catena enjoyed ultimate Frisbee, basketball, running, and golf. Now that he lives in the more temperate Los Angeles area, he continues to enjoy these activities year around.
View Dr. Catena's Curriculum Vitae
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