David M. Brienza,
PhD
Born: October 21, 1964 - New
Rochelle, NY
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Entry into the AT field:
August 1, 1987
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How I got into the
field
I did not plan to get into the
field of rehabilitation engineering. During my second semester of study in
pursuit of my Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of
Virginia I was in need of a thesis project. My advisor, Rafael Inigo, presented
me with several choices, one of which was to design and build a foam carving
machine for some folks over in the Rehabilitation Engineering Center to make
custom fitted seat cushions. That's where I met Cliff Brubaker, Colin McLaurin,
KC Chung, Stephen Sprigle, and a host of other folks working on wheelchairs. I
made that machine and never looked back.
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Important event(s) that influenced
my early decision to get into the assistive technology field
What most influenced my decision to remain in the
field were the opportunities that it held for me - opportunities to apply my
knowledge, help people, make a living, and have fun doing all of the above. The
person most responsible for giving me those opportunities and continuing to do
so is Cliff Brubaker. Cliff supported my dissertation work and hired me after
finished my PhD and supports me to this day.
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Why I chose the AT
field
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My inspiration and
mentor
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Why the field is important to me
and the central focus of my work
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My memorable successes and
greatest contributions to the field
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My most memorable
failures
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Significant changes and advances
in the field since I first entered it
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On the future of rehabilitation
engineering and assistive technology
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My role within RESNA and what it
gave back to me
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On the future of RESNA
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My suggestions for those just
entering the field
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