Research Fields
- Neuromuscular and Orthopedic Biomechanics
- Biomechanical Models
- Neuromuscular Control of the Human Hand
- Nonlinear Dynamics
- Optimization of
Surgical Techniques
- Electromyography
- Clinical Rehabilitation
- Evolutionary Robotics
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Courses taught
- Analysis and Simulation of Mechanical Systems (MAE479/579)
- Neuromuscular Biomechanics (MAE463)
- Advanced Topics in Neural Control (MAE663)
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Projects
- Optimization of Tendon Transfers for Thumb Opposition
- Sensorimotor Integration for Dexterous Manipulation
- Stochastic Biomechanical Models
- Biomechanical Computer Model of the Hand
- Learn More...
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Sponsors
- NSF CAREER Program
- NSF ITR Program
- The Whitaker Foundation
- Weill Center for Aging and Clinical Care
- NIH R01 NIAMS
- NIH R01 NIAMS
- NIH R21 NICHD
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More Links
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Supplemental 3D java visualization for papers
- Fingertip vectors of the index finger: PDF and visualization Journal of Biomechanics 33, 1601-1609 (2000).
- Fingertip vectors of the thumb: PDF and visualization Journal of Orthopedic Research, In Press.
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Francisco
Valero-Cuevas Associate
Professor
220 Upson Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853
(607) 255-3575
FAX (607) 255-1222
E-mail: fv24 at cornell.edu
Associate
Scientist
Department of Biomechanics
and Biomaterials
Hospital for Special Surgery
New York, NY
Announcements
- Undergraduate positions available
- Undergraduate Research Experience. Contact Prof. Valero-Cuevas.
- Graduate positions available via the IGERT program:
 
and for ongoing projects. Contact Prof. Valero-Cuevas.
Research
Our laboratory is dedicated to understanding the biomechanics, neuromuscular control and clinical rehabilitation of complex neuromuscular systems such as the human hand. Towards this end, we employ a synergy of experimental and theoretical techniques. Our diverse experimental arsenal ranges from EMG recording and custom-made virtual reality modules, to human brain mapping with fMRI. These procedures in turn inform theoretical work to characterize neuromuscular function through rigorous and complete neuromuscular computer models, artificial intelligence, and nonlinear systems analysis.
Brief Bio:
I
attended Swarthmore College from 1984-88 where I obtained a BS degree
in Engineering. After spending a year in the Indian subcontinent
as a Thomas J Watson Fellow, I joined Queen's University in Ontario
and worked with Dr. Carolyn Small. The research for my Masters Degree
in Mechanical Engineering at Queen's focused on developing non-invasive
methods to estimate the kinematic integrity of the wrist joint.
In 1991 I joined the doctoral program in the Design Division of
the Mechanical Engineering Department at Stanford University. I
worked with Dr. Felix Zajac developing a realistic biomechanical
model of the human digits. This research, done at the Rehabilitation
R & D Center in Palo Alto, focused on predicting optimal coordination
patterns of finger musculature during static force production. After
completing my doctoral degree in 1997, I joined the core faculty
of the Biomechanical Engineering Division at Stanford University
as a Research Associate and Lecturer. My research then focused on
developing experimental methods to optimize
the surgical restoration of hand function following spinal cord
injury and peripheral nerve injuries. In 1999 I joined the faculty
of the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering as
an Assistant Professor. I also have close ties with the Hospital for Special Surgery in
New York City.
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