Stefan Duma, PhD, MS Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

1. Stefan Duma, PhD, MSVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Dr. Stefan Duma earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Tennessee and an MS in Industrial Engineering at the University of Cincinnati prior to receiving a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Virginia in 2000. He is an Associate Professor at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and is Director of the Center for Injury Biomechanics, a site for interdisciplinary research between the Virginia Tech College of Engineering and the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Dr. Duma’s 2000 Young Scientist Award from the American Society of Biomechanics presaged his accomplishments as a teacher and research scientist: While conducting ground-breaking research himself – winning the Best Paper in Aviation Space and Environmental Medicine, considered the best paper published in the journal for all issues in 2002 – he has guided several students in projects resulting in major national recognition, including Best Student Paper at the 47th AAAM Conference in 2003. He has published more than 20 articles in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Duma’s research interests focus on investigating human tolerance to impact loading, with the majority of his research focusing on eye injuries and/or injuries related to airbag deployment. His SCIB-sponsored research will determine whether the oblique muscles of the eye contribute to the most severe open globe ruptures during an injury event. Previous researchers have used in vitro cadaveric eyes that did not have intact oblique muscles; Duma’s research will use in situ cadaveric eyes, so the role of oblique muscles can be observed and measured. The improved understanding of eye injury biomechanics will be used to develop and design protective measures and evaluate surgical techniques. Stefan Duma, PhD, MS Virginia Tech Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech Director, Center for Injury Biomechanics, Virginia Tech College of Engineering & Wake Forest University School of Medicine