Her Story
About Susan
Susan D'Andrea, Ph.D. serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Rhode Island, where she also holds appointments in the Neuroscience Program and as a professor in Biomedical Engineering. A tenured faculty member with more than three decades of experience in biomechanics, biomedical engineering, rehabilitation, and human movement science, she is recognized for her interdisciplinary approach to advancing research, education, and clinical innovation. Since joining the University of Rhode Island in 2018, she has established a state-of-the-art biomechanics and virtual reality laboratory, teaches biomechanics and research methods, mentors undergraduate and graduate students, and leads research focused on prosthetics, stroke rehabilitation, wearable technologies, and human motion analysis.
Dr. D'Andrea began her career after earning a Master of Science in Bioengineering from Clemson University in 1990, working as an engineer in the Clinical Gait Laboratory at Miami Children's Hospital. She later earned her Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from The Ohio State University in 1998 through a joint program with The Cleveland Clinic, where her NASA-funded doctoral research examined bone loss in microgravity. Throughout her distinguished career, she has held faculty and leadership positions at Berry University, The Cleveland Clinic, Afferent Corporation, Brown University, and the Providence VA Medical Center, where she directed clinical research initiatives and established advanced motion analysis and virtual reality laboratories. Her work has consistently integrated biomechanics, neuroscience, engineering, and rehabilitation to develop innovative technologies that improve patient care and functional outcomes.
An active member of the American Society of Biomechanics, the International Society of Biomechanics, and the New England Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine, Dr. D'Andrea is committed to advancing both scientific discovery and the next generation of researchers. She attributes her professional success to persistence, particularly the determination required to secure competitive research funding and overcome challenges throughout her career. Her guiding advice is to pursue work that is both meaningful and enjoyable, remain confident in one's abilities, and never lose sight of the passion that drives innovation and lifelong achievement.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Susan
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to persistence. Throughout my career, particularly in research, I have learned that securing funding is highly competitive and often requires resilience in the face of setbacks. Rather than becoming discouraged by rejection, I view each challenge as an opportunity to learn, improve, and move forward. I remain committed to my goals, continue refining my ideas, and never give up. That determination to keep pushing forward, adapt, and find new opportunities has been the foundation of my professional growth and success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received came from my Ph.D. mentor, who encouraged me to pursue work that I genuinely enjoy. That guidance has stayed with me throughout my career and continues to shape my decisions. I believe people should seek opportunities that align with their passions rather than simply accepting a job for the sake of having one. I often share this advice with my students, encouraging them to discover what truly inspires them and pursue careers that are both meaningful and fulfilling.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women entering engineering and research to be confident in their abilities and trust the knowledge and skills they have worked hard to develop. It is important to advocate for yourself, speak up, and have confidence in your ideas, even in environments where you may be underrepresented. Most importantly, pursue a career path that genuinely interests and inspires you. When you are passionate about your work, confidence grows naturally, and you are better positioned to make meaningful contributions and achieve long-term success.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is the increasingly competitive research funding environment. Limited funding has made it more difficult for universities to support research initiatives, and in some cases, institutions have had to reduce or suspend graduate student admissions due to financial constraints. At the same time, the opportunities for innovation have never been greater. Advances in wearable sensors, motion analysis, prosthetic technology, and virtual reality are transforming the way we study human movement and deliver rehabilitation, particularly for stroke survivors and individuals with mobility impairments. These emerging technologies are creating exciting new possibilities for improving patient outcomes and advancing the future of biomechanics and rehabilitation engineering.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me, both professionally and personally, are knowledge, integrity, excellence, and respect. I strive to develop deep expertise in my field, perform my work to the highest standard, and earn the respect of others through the quality of my contributions and my commitment to excellence. Whether in my career or personal life, I believe that treating others with respect, continuously learning, and consistently doing my best are the foundations of meaningful relationships and lasting success.
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