Thomas J. Armstrong

Professor

Location

G656 IOE

Primary Website

http://www-personal.umich.edu/~tja/

Education

• The University of Michigan
• PhD ’76
• MPH ’72
• BSE ’71

Teaching

Dr. Armstrong teaches undergraduate and graduate engineering courses in work analysis and design. Course topics include task analysis, the use of computer-aided design tools and engineering anthropometry to describe the spatial relationship between workers and work, the use of time studies and predetermined time systems to describe the temporal work patterns of work, and the use of biomechanical and ergonomic tools to study work patterns and manage work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Research Interests

• Applications
  Healthcare Operations
  Manufacturing
• Ergonomics & Human Factors
  Biomechanics
  Human Computer Interaction
  Human Motion
  Human Vibration
  Musculoskeletal Disorders
  Occupational Health & Safety
  Rehabilitation Engineering
  Work Measurement
  Work Physiology
• Industrial Operations
  Lean Manufacturing
  Material Handling

Biography

Dr. Armstrong’s current research includes 1) study of work-related musculoskeletal disorders; 2) development of biomechanical models for the study of handwork; 3) study of surgical procedures, training, and health outcomes; and 4) development computer tools for analysis and design of manual work.

Dr. Armstrong is on the editorial boards for the Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics and the Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. He is a Fellow in the American Industrial Hygiene Association, the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (USA), the Ergonomics Society (GB) and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. He is a member of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and a former member of the ACGIH Physical Agents Committee, PAC, and the American Biomechanics Society (ASB). In 2019, he received the ACGIH Wagner award for his work on the PAC Committee that included contributing to the development of the TLV® for musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limbs and collaborative work on materials handling and localized fatigue TLVs®. He is a Certified Industrial Hygienist, a Certified Professional Ergonomist and a licensed commercial pilot.

Awards

• William D. Wagner Award (2019) – American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)