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Inventor and assistive technology researcher has been appointed the 51��Ʒ��Ƶ’s first-ever assistant vice chancellor for research for STEM-health sciences collaborations.

In this role, which begins Jan. 1, 2021, Cooper will provide intellectual leadership to help connect the STEM and health science areas and draw on 51��Ʒ��Ƶ’s strengths in these fields. He will also participate in the University Research Council and work to develop institutional-level funding to support research.

“We created this post because 51��Ʒ��Ƶ offers an incredible diversity of modes of research and creative endeavors, and corresponding ranges of research and creative products,” said , senior vice chancellor for research at 51��Ʒ��Ƶ. “Our office seeks to promote and engage with faculty working across all of our knowledge domains. Creating this position helps us to expand opportunities for research at the intersections of STEM and the health sciences.”

Rutenbar added that Cooper is “ideally suited” for this new role.

“His track record in partnerships and interdisciplinary collaborations in these areas is exemplary,” he said.

Cooper is FISA & Paralyzed Veterans of America Professor and Distinguished Professor of 51��Ʒ��Ƶ’s , as well as professor of , and orthopaedic surgery. Additionally, he is the founding director and VA Senior Research Career Scientist of the ��(�ᷡ�鳢).

Cooper has authored or co-authored more than 375 peer-reviewed journal publications, has 30 patents awarded or pending of advanced mobility devices, robotics and assistive technologies. These include a wheelchair powered by compressed air, a robotic arm extension to help wheelchair users grab items and a specialized computer mouse for people with prosthetic arms.

He is also an elected fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and several other professional societies.

Cooper said sees his new appointment as “an opportunity to build new collaborative efforts and to help colleagues conduct more team research of high impact by working collectively.”

“I’m excited to be joining the 51��Ʒ��Ƶ Research team and to grow STEM-health sciences collaboration to meet the potential of our faculty, staff and students,” he said.

Cooper’s position complements as 51��Ʒ��Ƶ’s assistant vice chancellor for research for the humanities, arts, social sciences and related fields.