Professional Summary
Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering: August 2023-Present
Google Scholar Profile
Research goal: Empower independent living via assistive technology and rehabilitation robotics
Education
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering: Cleveland State University 2020
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering: University of Notre Dame 2013
Research and Practice Interests
Biomechanics
Engineering
Robotics
Assistive Technology
Rehabilitation
Positions and Work Experience
2021 -2023 Postdoctoral Scholar, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
2013 -2015 Controls Engineer, Cummins Inc, Columbus, IN
Research Support
Grant: #No. 3207 Investigators:Burdette, Aaron; Heasley, Victoria; Wolf, Derek 01-01-2025 -12-31-2026 Paralyzed Veterans of America COOPERATIVE DESIGN OF A USER-FRIENDLY FES-INTEGRATED PASSIVE EXO TO RESTORE GRASPING ABILITY IN INDIVIDUALS WITH SCI/D Role:PI 199797.00 Hold Level:Non Profit
Publications
Peer Reviewed Publications
Teater, Rachel H; Wolf, Derek N; McDonald, Kirsty A; Zelik, Karl E (2023). Unilateral transtibial prosthesis users load their intact limb more than their prosthetic limb during sit-to-stand, squatting, and lifting. Clinical biomechanics (Bristol, Avon), 108, 106041More Information
Ziemnicki, David M; McDonald, Kirsty A; Wolf, Derek N; Molitor, Stephanie L; Egolf, Jeremiah B; Gupta, Mohh; Zelik, Karl E (2023). Combining an Artificial Gastrocnemius and Powered Ankle Prosthesis: Effects on Transtibial Prosthesis User Gait. Journal of biomechanical engineering, 145 (6) More Information
Wolf, Derek N; van den Bogert, Antonie J; Schearer, Eric M (2023). Data-Driven Dynamic Motion Planning for Practical FES-Controlled Reaching Motions in Spinal Cord Injury. IEEE transactions on neural systems and rehabilitation engineering : a publication of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 31, 2246-2256More Information
Schearer, Eric M; Wolf, Derek N (2020). Predicting functional force production capabilities of upper extremity functional electrical stimulation neuroprostheses: a proof of concept study. Journal of neural engineering, 17 (1) , 016051More Information
Wolf, Derek N; Schearer, Eric M (2019). Developing a Quasi-Static Controller for a Paralyzed Human Arm: A Simulation Study. IEEE ... International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics : [proceedings], 2019, 1153-1158More Information
Wolf, Derek N; Schearer, Eric M (2018). Holding Static Arm Configurations With Functional Electrical Stimulation: A Case Study. IEEE transactions on neural systems and rehabilitation engineering : a publication of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 26 (10) , 2044-2052More Information
Wolf, Derek N; Schearer, Eric M (2017). Evaluating an open-loop functional electrical stimulation controller for holding the shoulder and elbow configuration of a paralyzed arm. IEEE ... International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics : [proceedings], 2017, 789-794More Information
Nurse, Cameron A; Wolf, Derek N; Rodzak, Katherine M; Teater, Rachel H; Ice, Chad C; Fine, Shimra J; Holtzman, Elisa C; Zelik, Karl E (2025). Evaluating the Biomechanical Effects and Real-World Usability of a Novel Ankle Exo for Runners. Journal of biomechanical engineering, 147 (3) More Information
Wolf, Derek N; Fine, Shimra J; Ice, Chad C; Slaughter, Paul R; Rodzak, Katherine M; Zelik, Karl E (2023). Integrating Exosuit Capabilities into Clothing to Make Back Relief Accessible to Workers Unserved by Existing Exoskeletons: Design and Preliminary Evaluation. IISE transactions on occupational ergonomics and human factors, 11 (3-4) , 94-107More Information