Dan Ding, PhD

  • Director

Dan Ding, PhD is Associate Professor and Vice Chair for Research of the Rehabilitation Science and Technology Department, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh. She is also a VA Research Biomedical Engineer at the Human Engineering Research Laboratories, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. Dr. Ding holds a secondary appointment at Pitt Bioengineering and McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine. Dr. Ding received her PhD in Mechanical and Automation Engineering with a specialization in Robotics, and had 3-year interdisciplinary postdoctoral training in rehabilitation engineering. She has extensive experience and expertise in developing and evaluating technology-based interventions including wearables, internet-of-things, and assistive robotics technologies for supporting health/wellness, independence, and participation of people with complex disabilities.  

Current Project(s):

Project Leader, Smart Home Service Delivery
Project Leader, Short Course Development

Fun Tech Fact Questions & Answers:

Q: Mainstream tech device you can’t live without? Why?

A: My iPhone. I need it for work, for fun, for communication, for learning, for planning, for so many things that I cannot list them all here.  

Q: What mainstream tech device is at the top of your wish list?

A: I am thinking of buying a smart air purifier.

Q: If you were a mainstream tech device, what would you be, and why?

A: Smartphone. Because it is versatile, its value is well-recognized, and it is constantly improving.