Morris Huang, PhD
Assistant Research Professor - Department of Bioengineering
Bio & Research Focus
Dr. Morris Huang is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Biomedcal engineering at the University of Colorado Denver and a key contributor to the Center for Innovative Design and Engineering (CIDE). His research focuses on clinical assessment tools and standardized evaluation methods that support clinicians, manufacturers, and individuals with disabilities in the selection of assistive technology (AT). With expertise in prototyping, test method development, and human factors, Dr. Huang works to advance the design, evaluation, and prescription of AT. His research contributions include 12 peer-reviewed publications addressing clinically relevant challenges in AT and mobility assessment.​>/p>
Dr. Huang earned his Ph.D. from the Georgia Institute of Technology and his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Mexico. His doctoral research centered on developing a robotic wheelchair propulsion testbed and standardized testing methods to evaluate manual wheelchair performance across a range of maneuvers and environmental conditions. During his postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Colorado Denver with CIDE, he expanded his research to include human factors and usability testing, particularly focused on developing technology design guidelines for individuals with cognitive disabilities. Dr. Huang’s work aims to develop practical, high-usability tools and methods that enable clinicians, clients, and other stakeholders to make data-driven decisions about assistive and age technologies, ultimately improving outcomes and quality of life for users.​
Measuring AT (or medical) device performance​
Developing clinical assessment tools​
Creating data-driven practices for clinicians​
Applying User Experience (UX) research and evaluation​
Education
Postdoctoral Research, Bioengineering
University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO
2018-2021
PhD, Bioengineering
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
2017
B.S., Mechanical Engineering
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
2012
Academic Positions
Assistant Research Professor
University of Colorado Denver, Department of Bioengineering
2021 - Present
Selected Publications
- McKay, J., Huang, M., et al. (2013). A simple model of dynamic interaction forces during human-robot partnered motion. Poster presented at the 1st Annual Piper Health Workshop on Rehabilitation Robotics, Tempe, AZ
- Liles, H. J., Huang, M., Caspall, J., & Sprigle, S. (2014). Design and evaluation of an anatomical model propulsion system for wheelchair performance testing. Proceedings of the 34th Annual Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America Conference, Indianapolis, IN
- Liles, H., Huang, M., Caspall, J., & Sprigle, S. (2015). Design of a Robotic System to Measure Propulsion Work of Over-Ground Wheelchair Maneuvers. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, 23(6), 983-991. https://doi.org/10.1109/TNSRE.2014.2371339
- Lin, J., Huang, M., Sprigle, S. (2015). Evaluation of wheelchair resistive forces during straight and turning trajectories across different wheelchair configurations using free-wheeling coast-down test. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 52(7), 763. https://doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2014.10.0235
- Sprigle, S., Huang, M. (2015). Impact of Mass and Weight Distribution on Manual Wheelchair Propulsion Torque. Assistive Technology, 27(4), 226-235. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2015.1039149
- Lin, J. T., Huang, M., Sprigle, S. (2015). The mechanical impact of an instrumented push-rim on a wheelchair system. Poster presented at the 25th Annual Biomedical Engineering Society Conference, Tampa, FL.
- Huang, M., Sprigle, S. (2015). The impact of drive wheels on manual wheelchair propulsion torque. Poster presented at the 25th Annual Biomedical Engineering Society Conference, Tampa, FL.
- Huang, M., Liles, H. J., Sprigle, S. (2015). Design and evaluation of an anatomical model propulsion system for wheelchair performance testing. Poster presented at the annual Career, Research, and Innovation Development Conference, Atlanta, GA.
- Paleg, G., Huang, M., Vasquez, S. C., Sprigle, S., & Livingstone, R. (2016). Comparison of the inertial properties and forces required to initiate movement for three gait trainers. Assistive Technology, 28(3), 137-143. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2015.1123780
- Sprigle, S., Huang, M., Lin, J. (2016). Inertial and frictional influences of instrumented wheelchair wheels. Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1177/2055668316649892
- Huang, M., McGrew, G., Bodine, C. (2019). Usability testing of social media apps by individuals with brain injury: a pilot study. Poster presented at the 4th International RehabWeek Conference, Toronto, Canada.
- Sprigle, S., Huang, M. (2020). Manual wheelchair propulsion cost across different configurations during straight and turning maneuvers. Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1177/2055668320907819
- Misch, J., Huang, M., Sprigle, S. (2020). Modeling manual wheelchair propulsion cost during straight and curvilinear trajectories. PLOS ONE, 15(6): e0234742. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0234742
- Huang, M., McGrew, G., Bodine, C. (2020). Key user interface design features of social media apps and their impact on usability for individuals with cognitive disabilities. Online webinar presentation at the Annual Meeting Series of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in June 2020.
- Huang, M. (2020). Social Media Apps and their Impact on Usability for Individuals with Cognitive Disabilities. Roundtable with AAIDD Social and Sexual Concerns Interest Network in July 2022.
- Huang, M., Breaux, B. (2021). Adapted Gaming. Training and educational presentation at the Conference for Assistive Technology and Education in May 2021.
- Sprigle, S., Huang, M., Misch, J. (2022). Measurement of rolling resistance and scrub torque of manual wheelchair drive wheels and casters. Assistive Technology, 34(1), 91-103. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2019.1697907
- Dolan, T., Beals, D., Dumay, M., Huang, M., Coyle, P. (2023) Making Housing Accessible & Affordable for All - Funding Technology, Inclusive and Sustainable Design. Presentation at the Housing Colorado Annual Conference in October 2023.
- Philips, G., Huang, M., Bodine, C. (2024). Helping or hindering: Inclusive design of automated task prompting for workers with cognitive disabilities. ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing, 16(4), 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1145/3628447
- Huang, M., McGrew, G., Bodine, C. (2025). Social Media Apps: A Paradigm for Examining Usability of Mobile Apps for Working Age Adults with Mild-Moderate Cognitive Disabilities. ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing, 18(1), Article 4, 1-38. https://doi.org/10.1145/3709144