Research Interests
My research explores human movement in remote environments. I develop methods for field-based biomechanical analysis using wearable technology that incorporate musculoskeletal modeling, physics-based simulation, machine learning, and optimization. I use these techniques for both athletic performance evaluation and remote patient monitoring.
Degrees
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Vermont, 2021
M.S. in Engineering Physics, Appalachian State University, 2018
M.S. in Exercise Science, Appalachian State University, 2017
B.S. in Exercise Science, Cumberland University, 2015
Honors and Awards
2020, Graduate Student of the Year, IEEE Green Mountain Section
2020, Mechanical Engineering Graduate Research Award, University of Vermont
2019, McClure Musculoskeletal Research Award, University of Vermont
2019, Best Student Presentation, IEEE International Conference on Wearable and Implantable Body Sensor Networks
2018, Graduate Student Outstanding Thesis Award, Appalachian State University
2017, Domer Research Award, Appalachian State University
2016, Winner of the MC10 Inc. BioStamp RC Fun Run Competition
2016, First Place 3-Minute Thesis Competition, Appalachian State University
Representative Publications
Gurchiek, R.D., Donahue, N., Fiorentino, N.M., McGinnis, R.S, 2021. Wearables-only analysis of muscle and joint mechanics: An EMG-driven approach. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, In press, doi: 10.1109/TBME.2021.3102009.
Gurchiek, R.D., Ursiny, A.T., McGinnis, R.S., 2020. A Gaussian process model of muscle synergy functions for estimating unmeasured muscle excitations using a measured subset. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, 28(11):2478-87.
Gurchiek, R.D., Garabed, C.P., McGinnis, R.S., 2020. Gait event detection using a thigh-worn accelerometer. Gait and Posture, 80:214-16.
Gurchiek, R.D., Cheney, N., McGinnis, R.S., 2019. Estimating biomechanical time-series with wearable sensors: A systematic review of machine learning techniques. Sensors, 19(23):5227.
Gurchiek, R.D., Choquette, R.H., Beynnon, B.D., Slauterbeck, J.R., Tourville, T.W., Toth, M.J., McGinnis, R.S., 2019. Open-source remote gait analysis: A post-surgery patient monitoring application. Scientific Reports, 9(1):17966.
Gurchiek, R.D., McGinnis, R.S., Needle, A.R., McBride, J.M., van Werkhoven, H., 2018. An adaptive filtering algorithm to estimate sprint velocity using a single inertial sensor. Sports Engineering, 21(4): 389-99.
Gurchiek, R.D., McGinnis, R.S., Needle, A.R., McBride, J.M., van Werkhoven, H., 2017. The use of a single inertial sensor to estimate 3-dimensional ground reaction force during accelerative running tasks. Journal of Biomechanics, 61:263-68.