Research Interest:
Biomechanical Modeling

Experience:
Research Engineer, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation: Summer 2005 – Spring 2006

Design testing protocols for multiple research projects funded by NASA, NIH, and private industry. Design and implement algorithms to process and analyze gait and postural control data. Collect and analyze data on normal subjects and subjects with various pathologies.

Motional Analysis Lab Engineer, Shriners Hospital – Erie: Summer 2002 – Summer 2005

Conduct age-specific patient and research data collection (Vicon 612 passive infra-red, 10 camera motion capture system, 10 Channel MA-300 EMG system, and 3 AMTI strain-gauge force plates). Reduce data to graphical and other formats appropriate for the clinical or research question being addressed. Identify new data collection and reduction techniques, and new areas of application for biomechanical analyses; assist with the development of associated new software and protocols for the laboratory. Ensure that the laboratory’s technical infrastructure (both hardware and software) remains state-of-the-art. Biomechanical modeling research.

Notable Accomplishments:
Wrote Visual Basic routines to streamline Visual3D (c-motion inc.) processing for clinical and research data reduction and analysis. Helped develop a clinically applicable, full body 6dof - least squares model. Integral part of 6dof – least squares vs. conventional gait model comparison studies: developed and executed a process for data comparisons between models for normals and patients. Developed interactive 3d demonstrations of each biomechanical model for use in tutorials and presentations. Wrote C++ dlls to add functionality to proprietary biomechanical analysis software. Mentored high school seniors for senior projects. Example: Adaptive 3D Graphics for the Tibia. Coauthored Matlab functions to read and manipulate c3d files using Motion Lab System’s C3D Server. Nominated employee of the quarter, fall 2003.

C-Motion, Inc. - 2002 to Present

Biomechanics and Motion Analysis Consultant. Provided training and support services on contract. Clients have included University and Government centers such as:

Biomechanics Consultant for Nike: June 2006
Provided onsite Visual3D training.

Smith & Nephew: April 2006

Explained theory and mathematics behind 6-DOF tracking methods used in Visual3D. Made modeling and data collection recommendations for mechanical testing of implants. Provided training for streamlined data processing in Visual3D.

National Institute on Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH): May 2005 – Present

Provided onsite tutorials for biomechanical modeling in Visual3D for both robots and humans using both optical motion capture and inertial sensors. Optimized camera placement. Corrected force plate issues. Continued collaboration validating the use of inertial sensors as a motion analysis solution.

National Institute on Aging-NIH: January 2005 – Present

Discussed likely differences between 6dof and conventional gait models. Developed pseudo-6dof full body model. Trained NIA members on signal and event processing in Visual3D. Identified issues with force plate settings and camera placement. Developed custom programs to streamline model construction, event processing, and data export. Developed streamlined processing method for the Baltimore Longitudinal Study on Aging (BLSA).

LSU Department of Kinesiology: February 2004

Provided theoretical insight into 6dof, least squares modeling methods. Provided training for the implementation and application of a marker set that allows a 6dof model to be built. Provided Visual3D training on data processing, model building, and signal creation and processing.

Internship, Shriners Hospitals – Erie, Motion Analysis Lab: Fall 2001 – Summer 2002

Data collection using a Vicon 370, 6 camera-infrared system, (EMG and force plates same as above). Worked with Move3D (NIH, T. Kepple) and early versions of Visual3D to build models and create relevant biomechanical signals. Developed a model of the forearm that prevents disarticulation due to its non-rigid body behavior i.e. pronation and supination.

Education
Pennsylvania State University, The Behrend College.
Bachelor of Science in Computational Physics, May 2004

Relevant Coursework: Optics, Solid State, Vector Calculus, Differential Equations,
Numerical Methods I & II (C++ & Matlab intensive), Electrodynamics, Mechanics,
C++, Graphics & Visualization, Thermal Physics, Technical Writing, and Research Methods.
Computer Languages: Visual Basic.NET, Matlab, C++

Publications
Buczek FL, Cooney KM, Walker MR, Rainbow MJ, Concha MC, Sanders JO. Performance of an inverted pendulum model directly applied to normal human gait. Clinical Biomechanics, March 2006; 21(3): 288-96.

Frank L Buczek, PhD; Matthew R Walker, M.Sc.; Michael J Rainbow, B.S.; Kevin M Cooney, P.T.; James O Sanders, M.D., Impact of Mediolateral Interactions on a Multi-Segment Foot Model, Gait & Posture.

Presentations
Buczek FL, Rainbow MJ, Cooney KM, Walker MR, Sanders JO. Telescoping Action Improves Fidelity of an Inverted Pendulum Model in Human Gait. Conference proceedings of the annual meeting of the International Society of Biomechanics (ISB), Cleveland OH, USA, August 1-5, 2005.

Kevin M. Cooney, Tara Keister, Eugenie Poignard, Elizabeth Ruper, Sarah Zerbe, Thomas Hudson, Michael J. Rainbow, Frank L. Buczek, Convergent Validity of Goniometric And Motion Capture Techniques Used To Measure Tibial Torsion. Conference proceedings of the annual meeting of the International Society of Biomechanics (ISB), Cleveland OH, USA, August 1-5, 2005.

Cooney KM, Buczek FL, Rainbow MJ, Walker MR, Sanders JO. Surgical Outcomes in Ambulatory Children with Cerebral Palsy, podium presentation at the 2005 annual meeting of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA), Ottawa, Ontario, CA, May 13-15, 2005.

Frank L. Buczek, Ph.D., Michael J. Rainbow, B.S., Kevin M. Cooney, P.T., Matthew R. Walker, M.Sc., James O. Sanders, M.D. Comparing Normal Gait Analyses Using Conventional And Least Squares, Six Degree-Of-Freedom Models, accepted for presentation at the annual meeting of the Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society (GCMAS), Portland OR, USA, April 6-9, 2005.

Buczek, F.L., M.J. Rainbow, K.M. Cooney, M.R. Walker, J.O. Sanders. Bringing Mathematically Optimized Biomechanics to Clinical Gait Analysis, Keynote Lecture presented by Dr. Frank Buczek: European Society of Movement Analysis for Adults and Children (ESMAC). Warsaw, Poland, September 23-25, 2004.

Michael Rainbow, Frank L. Buczek, PhD., Kevin M. Cooney, P.T., Matthew R. Walker, M.Sc., James O Sanders, M.D., Differences Between Vicon Clinical Manager And Visual3D When Performing Gait Analyses Using The Helen Hayes Model. Conference Proceedings: 27th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics. Toledo OH, USA, September 25-27, 2003.

Research / Projects
Susan E. D’Andrea, Ph.D., Brian L. Davis, Jay G. Horowitz, Ph.D., Philip A. O’Connor, MS, Michael J Rainbow, BS., A Dual Track Treadmill In A Virtual Reality Environment As A Countermeasure For Neurovestibular Adaptations In Microgravity

Anne Brummfield, MS., Anupama Maduri MS., Michael Rainbow, BS., The evaluation of inertial sensors for sourceless on-the-body sensing and biomechanical analyses.

Beta Tester for Visual3D created by C-Motion, Inc. Funded in part by STTR grant (R42 HD37286-01) from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).

Buczek, F.L., M.J. Rainbow, M.R. Walker, K.M. Cooney, and J.O. Sanders, Development of a Six-Degree-of-Freedom Normal Database.

Buczek, F.L., K.M. Cooney, M.R. Walker, M.J. Rainbow, M.C. Concha, J.O. Sanders, Inadequacy of an Inverted Pendulum Model Applied to Normal Human Gait.

Frank L. Buczek, Ph.D., Michael J. Rainbow, B.S., Kevin M. Cooney, P.T., Matthew R. Walker, M.Sc., James O. Sanders, M.D., Comparing Normal Gait Analyses Using Conventional And Least Squares, Six Degree-Of-Freedom Models. Clinical Implications and Accuracy Assessments.

Personal Interests
Coached gymnastics for 10 years.
Enjoy traveling, hiking, swimming, rollerblading, adagio, and kung fu.