Richard Neptune

Research Interests

Biomechanics and neuromotor control of human movement; Sport biomechanics; Rehabilitation engineering; Musculoskeletal modeling, computer simulation and experimental analyses; Optimization of orthotic, exoskeleton and prosthetic designs.

Bio

Dr. Richard R. Neptune earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Davis and has served on the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering faculty at UT Austin since 2001. His research seeks to improve the quality of life for individuals with movement disabilities by integrating musculoskeletal modeling, computer simulation and experimental analyses to identify the biomechanical and neuromotor mechanisms that contribute to locomotor impairments. His research also seeks to improve the performance of orthotic, exoskeleton and prosthetic devices. He has received a number of awards for his teaching and research including the CAREER award from the National Science Foundation, the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Award for Excellence in Engineering Teaching, the Van C. Mow Medal from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the Founders Award and the Jim Hay Memorial Award from the American Society of Biomechanics. He is a fellow of both the American Society of Biomechanics and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He currently holds the William and Bettye Nowlin Chair in Engineering.

Educational Qualifications

• Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Davis, 1996
• M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Davis, 1993
• B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Davis, 1991

Selected Awards & Honors

1. Distinguished Engineering Alumni Medal, College of Engineering, University of California, Davis (2023)
2. Jim Hay Memorial Award, American Society of Biomechanics (2023)
3. Honorary Mechanical Engineer, UT Mechanical Engineering Academy of Distinguished Alumni (2020)
4. Founders Award, American Society of Biomechanics (2017)
5. Van C. Mow Medal, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (2017)
6. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Award for Excellence in Engineering Teaching, Cockrell School of Engineering (2015)
7. Provost Teaching Fellow, The University of Texas at Austin (2013)
8. Joe and Bettie Branson Ward Endowed Excellence Award, The University of Texas at Austin (2013)
9. CAREER Award, National Science Foundation (2004)
10. The da Vinci Award for Applied Research, The Engineering Society of Detroit and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter (2004)

Related Websites

https://sites.utexas.edu/neptune/

Select Publications

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