Metzler, Sandra

Biography

Dr. Metzler is currently an Associate Professor of Practice in Mechanical Engineering. In this role, she works to help students develop into capable engineering practitioners, through integration of their of scientific and engineering knowledge into the framework of the engineering design process. In her research group, Dr. Metzler utilizes the design process as a research framework to develop new tools and devices involving embedded mechatronic and biomedical devices.

Dr. Metzler utilizes her background in industry and the academy in the practice of both mechanical and biomedical engineering. She teaches a range of courses within the Mechanical Engineering Department, all of which involve the practice of engineering design. In her research, she develops innovative electromechanical products, tools and methods. Her teaching and research utilize structured engineering design methods as a framework for the application of mechanical engineering and the medical sciences to complex problems.

Dr. Metzler actively collaborates with the researchers and clinicians in Rehabilitation Science and Technology here at Ohio State, where she and her students provide technical and engineering expertise for a range of projects. In addition, a number of her research projects are centered within the Assistive Technology (AT) Center at Ohio State. These projects involve developing tools and methods to assist clinician scientists in better understanding patient outcomes, community-based data logging, and AT service delivery models. As a result of our work, we have commercialized several devices with outside partners and investors.

Additionally, Dr. Metzler has a nationally recognized consulting practice as an expert witness in the areas of product liability, biomechanical injury causation, and human factors engineering.

Expertise

  • Doctor of Science in Mechanical & Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis
  • Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis
  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University
  • Areas of topical expertise include: 
    • Biomedical device design
    • Engineering design methods and practices
    • Product failures and liability
    • Biomechanical injury causation
    • Human factors engineering
    • Electromechanical device and system design