Iván E. Nail-Ulloa, Ph.D.
Doctor degree discipline: Industrial and systems engineering
Awarding institution: Auburn University (2023)
Current postdoctoral position: Postdoctoral fellow, Auburn University Biomechanical Engineering (AUBE) Lab
Auburn University department: Mechanical Engineering (Samuel Ginn College of Engineering)
Postdoctoral faculty mentor: Dr. Michael Zabala
Research interests:
My research focuses on biomechanics, ergonomics, and human performance in industrial
and clinical settings. I specialize in occupational biomechanics, field-based ergonomics,
musculoskeletal disorder risk assessment, biomechanical and musculoskeletal modeling,
motion capture, and fatigue failure–based assessment methods. My work centers on
the biomechanics of simulated work, the development of data-driven risk assessment
methods, and the design of ergonomic interventions that reduce musculoskeletal disorder
risk.
I work at the intersection of laboratory research, field biomechanics, and applied engineering,
collaborating with industry, academic partners, and safety organizations. I
also teach and mentor students in biomechanical modeling, wearable technologies, motion
capture, risk-assessment software, and human-centered design, with the goal of
advancing practical ergonomic solutions that improve worker safety, productivity, and
health.
Awards/honors:
• Principal investigator of the Electrical Power Research Institute Grant,
Ergonomically Enhanced Manhole Cover Removal Tool Phase II (awarded March
2026, $160,000).
• Instruction and development of the graduate class MECH 7970: Biomechanical
Modeling in Engineering Research (2025).
• Principal investigator of the National Safety Council Research to Solutions
Grant, A Plant-Layout Organizational Tool Based on Fatigue Failure Theory
for MSD Control and Mitigation (awarded 2025, $50,000).
• Co-Principal investigator on the funded VCOM/AUBE Seed Grant, Biomechanical
Ergonomic Assessment for Injury Prevention in Healthcare Professionals
(2025, $35,000).
• Recipient of the Outstanding Undergraduate Mentor recognition from the
Auburn University Honors College (2025).
• Selected participant in the competitive WiscProf: Future Faculty in Engineering
Workshop, University of Wisconsin–Madison (2023).
• Recipient of multiple American Society of Safety Professionals Foundation
awards: Medina Family Scholarship (2023, $6,500), Board of Certified Safety Professionals
Scholarship (2022, $6,500), Liberty Mutual Scholarship (2021, $5,000), and
Diversity Committee Scholarship (2020, $1,000).
• Associate Ergonomics Professional (AEP), Board of Certification in Professional
Ergonomics.
View Dr. Nail-Ulloa's research presentation
