HOME > RESEARCH	Email to: Brian Umberger
	My primary research interests are in the mechanics and energetics of human locomotion. In my research group, we use a variety of experimental and computer modeling techniques to address specific questions that we hope will advance our fundamental knowledge of human walking. We also conduct studies that seek to inform the treatment of gait disorders, and shed light on the evolution of human bipedalism. Our current clinical application is in cerebral palsy, which is being pursued in collaboration with colleagues from the Shriners Hospital for Children. On the evolutionary side, we are studying bipedal walking in non-human primates and extinct human ancestors, as part of a project with researchers from Stony Brook University. In addition, we are working on new approaches to modeling the energetic cost of locomotion. Current research projects are funded by grants from the National Science Foundation, Kosair Charities, and the UMass Amherst Research Office. Learn more about the tools used in our research by clicking here, and read about past projects on the publications page.