The Swanson School of Engineering is introducing a new speaker series — “Leadership Conversations” — exploring the experiences, decisions, partnerships and challenges that shape leadership in research and academia.
On Sept. 8, Rory A. Cooper will present the inaugural conversation, “Building HERL: From an Idea to a Research Enterprise.” Cooper will share the story of developing Pitt’s Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL), along with lessons he learned while building a collaborative research enterprise with lasting impact.
Michele V. Manuel, dean of engineering, will provide opening remarks. Following Cooper’s presentation, Anne M. Robertson, distinguished service professor of mechanical engineering and materials science and associate dean for faculty development, will moderate a conversation with Cooper.
The new series is presented by the Swanson School’s Office of the Associate Dean for Faculty Development. The conversation, from noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 8 in 102 Benedum Hall, is free and open to the public. Learn more and register now.
“‘Leadership Conversations’ is an opportunity to learn from colleagues whose work demonstrates how leadership, innovation, and service can come together to create meaningful and lasting impact,” Robertson said. “Dr. Cooper is an ideal person to open the series. Throughout his career, he has translated innovative ideas into technologies that improve people’s lives while building a collaborative research enterprise grounded in service and human-centered design. His experience offers important lessons about what it takes to turn an idea into sustained impact.”
Cooper is director of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories, a Pitt institute reporting to the Senior Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences and the Senior Vice Chancellor for Research. He is the FISA & Paralyzed Veterans of America professor and distinguished professor in Pitt’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in the School of Medicine. He is also a professor of bioengineering, electrical engineering, and orthopedic surgery. Cooper is a VA senior research career scientist and serves as associate vice chancellor for research for STEM and health sciences collaboration.
Cooper founded HERL in 1994 and continues to serve as its director. He is a National Medal of Technology and Innovation laureate, National Inventors Hall of Fame member, National Academy of Engineering member, and Paralympian. Cooper will reflect on what it takes to grow a research idea into a sustained, multi-decade enterprise. He will share candid stories, hard-won lessons, and practical insights for anyone building, leading, or funding research that aims to outlast its founder.