General Information
Biography
Dr. Jorge M. Zuniga received Master of Science degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Currently, Dr. Zuniga is a faculty at the Department of biomechanics at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). He is the co-director of the Biomechanical Rehabilitation and Manufacturing Initiative (BRMI) at UNO, a member of The Association of Children's Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics. Dr. Zuniga main research interests include the development of low-cost 3D printed prostheses, 3D printed anatomical models for surgical planning, and development of new antimicrobial materials for 3D printing. Dr. Zuniga has been awarded several grants from NASA, The National Institute of Health (NIH), and several industry grants. Dr. Zuniga has authored and co-authored over 90 manuscripts published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Dr. Zuniga developed a 3D printed prosthetic hand for children named Cyborg Beast. The Cyborg Beast was named one of the best 5 inventions of 2014 by MSN.com. Dr. Zuniga’s active international collaboration and scholarly productivity led to his nomination as the 2018 “Runner Up” for the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education (“ASPIRE”) given by the U.S. Department of State.
Research Interests
Biomechanics, motor control, neurophysiology, sensor technology, and development and testing of 3D printed prostheses, orthotic & assistive devices.
Service Summary
Our mission is to create customized low-cost prosthetic and orthotic solutions for underserved populations and provide technical support to educational and medical institutions desiring to offer low-cost devices using 3D printing technology.Our long-term goal is to develop a line of visually appealing, easy to assemble, low-cost 3D printed prosthetic and orthotic devices for children with upper and lower limb differences. The aim is to facilitate the promotion of normal growth and development of motor skills by encouraging active participation in sports and other recreational activities.
Awards and Honors
2018 US ASPIRE Runner up, Scholarship/Research - 2019
Best inventions of 2014: Top 5, Scholarship/Research - 2014
Distinguished Promising Professional Award , Service, University - 2015
Education
Ph D, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, Kinesiology, Statistics and engineering, 2011
MS, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, 2007