Engineering clinical research to improve healthcare.

The Sonenblum Clinical Research Group is dedicated to improving healthcare and increasing the health and function of people with disabilities through applied clinical research. Our work cuts across disciplines and welcomes people from all backgrounds as we bridge the gap between researchers, engineers and clinicians.

Our research advances the detection and monitoring of pressure injuries through innovative technologies, with a particular focus on developing assessment solutions that work effectively across all skin tones – from initial early detection through post-surgical healing. At the core of our work is a commitment to prevention. We investigate the fundamental role of movement in pressure injury development and use advanced imaging techniques to study soft tissue responses to loading, translating these findings to improve clinical decision-making. In the community, we monitor activity to understand how assistive technology integrates into daily life. Through mixed-methods approaches, we explore the lived experiences of racially and ethnically diverse wheelchair users, ensuring our research serves all communities equitably.