Rory Cooper

Rory A. Cooper, PhD, PLY, is a National Medal Laureate, Paralympic medalist, and internationally recognized leader in rehabilitation engineering, human-centered design, and disability innovation. He is a Distinguished Professor and Director of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) at the University of Pittsburgh, a world-leading center advancing technologies that enhance independence, health, and participation for people with disabilities and older adults. Dr. Cooper is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a recipient of the International Paralympic Committee Science Award, recognizing his sustained scientific impact on Paralympic sport and disability research. An accomplished scholar, he has authored or coauthored more than 400 peer-reviewed publications and holds numerous patents translating research into real-world solutions. His work spans assistive robotics, mobility technologies, accessible transportation, and adaptive sports, integrating rigorous engineering with lived experience to advance inclusive, high-impact innovation.