Contact Information

Biography

Dr. Simpson received a BS in Computer Science from Virginia Tech in 1992.  At the University of Michigan, he earned an MS in Bioengineering in 1994, an MS in Computer Science and Engineering in 1995, and a PhD in Bioengineering in 1997. Dr. Simpson joined Â鶹ֱ²¥ in 2017 as Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy. Dr. Simpson teaches courses on assistive technology and research methods.

Education

  • PhD, Bioengineering, University of Michigan, 1997
  • M.S., Computer Science & Engineering, University of Michigan,1995
  • M.S., Bioengineering, University of Michigan,1994
  • B.S., Computer Science, Virginia Tech, 1992

School

My teaching emphasizes a "learn by doing" approach. I rely heavily on educational technologies to create active, collaborative learning activities in the classroom.

Currently teaching:

OCCT 205 The Physics of Therapy
OCCT 417 Fabrication of Assistive Technology: Hardware
OCCT 419 Fabrication of Assistive Technology: Softw and Elec
OCCT 421 Fabrication of Assistive Technology: Studio
OCCT 532W Scholarship of Practice II
OCCT 550 Environmental Adaptations and Rehabilitation Tech

A common theme of Dr. Simpson's research is the development of algorithms to automatically adapt the behavior of assistive and educational technologies in response to changes in the needs and abilities of the user. Another consistent theme running through Dr. Simpson's research is the collection and analysis of quantitative data in real-world environments, either from sensors (in the case of smart wheelchairs) or user input (in the case of computer access and adaptive instructional tools). A third theme pervading Dr. Simpson's research is the development of tools that can be integrated into the clinical service delivery process.

 

RC Simpson. "Collecting Data Using a Ball and Cup Toy" In L Forbes and D Thomas (eds.), Professors@Play Playbook. ETC Press: Pittsburgh, PA, 2022

RC Simpson. "An Interdisciplinary Assistive Technology Minor". Proceedings of the 42nd Annual Conference on Rehabilitation Engineering (RESNA), On-line Conference, September 2020

SE Wallace, EV Donoso Brown, RC Simpson, K D'Acunto, A Kranjec, M Rodgers, C Agostino. A Comparison of Electronic and Paper Versions of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Alzheimer's Disease and Associated Disorders. 33(3): 272-278, 2019

HH Koester, RC Simpson. Effectiveness and usability of Scanning Wizard software: a tool for enhancing switch scanning. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. 14(2): 161-171, 2019.

RC Simpson, M. Maletic. "Switch-Activated MP3 Player". Proceedings of the 41st Annual Conference on Rehabilitation Engineering (RESNA), Toronto, Canada, June 2019

 

RC Simpson and R Martin. "Enhancing clinical reasoning using a collaborative case-based learning assignment within an interdisciplinary assistive technology course" American Association of Occupational Therapy Educational Summit, St Louis, MO, October 2021

RC Simpson, "Using MIT AppInventor to Prototype Assistive Technology". 42nd Annual Conference on Rehabilitation Engineering (RESNA), On-line Conference, September, 2020

V Balko, RC Simpson, L Emmrich, "Upper Limb Prosthetics: Use of Video Guides to Assist with Activities of Daily Living Performance". American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, On-line Conference, July 2020

RC Simpson, B Goldschmidt, "An Interdisciplinary Assistive Technology Minor Based on 'Making'". American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, On-line Conference, July 2020

RC Simpson, B Goldschmidt, "An Interdisciplinary Assistive Technology Minor Based on 'Making'". Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, King of Prussia, PA, October 2019

K Singleton and RC Simpson, "Teaching Cardboard Carpentry Within Higher Education Programs". Making AT for All Conference and Expo, Monroeville, PA, September 2019

RC Simpson, "Switch-Activated MP3 Player". Developer's Forum at 41st Annual Conference on Rehabilitation Engineering (RESNA), Toronto, Canada, June 2019

M Rodgers, E Donoso Brown, S Wallace, RC Simpson, A Kranjec, K D'Acunto, C Agostino, & MR Zoeckler, "A comparison of computerized and paper and pencil versions of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)". American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA., April 2019

M Rodgers, C Agostino, E Donoso Brown, S Wallace, RC Simpson, K D'Acunto, A Kranjec, M Zoekler. "A Comparison of Computerized and Paper and Pencil versions of the MoCA", Pittsburgh Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, October 2018

M Rodgers, C Agostino, E Donoso Brown, S Wallace, RC Simpson, K D'Acunto, A Kranjec, M Zoekler. "A Comparison of Computerized and Paper and Pencil versions of the MoCA", Duquesne Undergraduate Research and Scholarship Symposium, Pittsburgh, PA, March 2018

S Wallace, E Donoso Brown, RC Simpson, K D'Acunto, A Kranjec, C Agostino, M Rodgers, M Zoekler. "A Comparison of Computerized and Paper and Pencil versions of the MoCA", Pennsylvania Speech and Hearing Association Annual Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, March 2018

RC Simpson. "Mastery-Based Instruction within an Adaptive Instructional Environment", Pittsburgh Regional Faculty Symposium, Pittsburgh, PA, March, 2018

 

Richard Simpson's practice interests focus on assistive technology for people with disabilities. He is particularly interested in teaching occupational therapists to use the tools and techniques from the broader "Maker Movement" (e.g., 3D printing, affordable microprocessors) to fabricate and customize assistive technologies for their clients. His additional scholarly interests include evidence-based practice and educational technologies.