Rose Figueroa, Ph.D., CHFP
Practice Leader, Life Sciences
SERVICES GROUP
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Get to know the expert
Background
Dr. Rose Figueroa is a Board-Certified Human Factors Professional with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez and an M.S.E. and Ph.D. in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan, specializing in Human Factors/Ergonomics (HF/E) and Biomechanics, including a NIOSH Traineeship. Dr. Figueroa serves as a consultant/advisor, providing independent technical opinions grounded in human factors, biomechanics, and safety engineering. Her support includes litigation, arbitration, proactive safety risk management, and usability assessments across multiple domains, including sports and athletics, attractions (including amusement rides and devices), hospitality, retail and entertainment venues, medical devices, occupational and industrial settings, transportation and micromobility, railroad, maritime, and recreational boating.
She has specialized expertise in cognitive, perceptual, and physical human factors, and considers whether human capabilities, limitations, and actions contributed to incidents—particularly in complex operational environments—as people interact with specific environments, products, equipment, and technology. She often interprets industry standards, safety guidance, and regulatory frameworks, and has provided consulting services on a wide range of topics, including risk communication and safety information, warnings and safety instructions, training and behavior, visibility and conspicuity, decision-making, kinematics and human movement, accessibility, and reasonable accommodations.
Dr. Figueroa has served numerous stakeholders, including amusement and entertainment operators, hospitality groups, sports teams, leagues, governing bodies, players’ associations, manufacturers, fulfillment centers, investors, and law firms, and regularly communicates technical findings through written reports, presentations, and technical opinions for legal, professional, and industry audiences. A frequent international keynote speaker, technical speaker, and guest lecturer, she presents to professional societies, industry groups, students, and safety organizations on topics related to HF/E, biomechanics, human performance, accessibility, safety, 3D modeling, emerging technologies, and accident investigation. She currently serves as Adjunct Professor at Clemson University, President of the Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics (BCPE), on the Executive Council of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES), Chair of the University of Michigan’s Center for Ergonomics Advisory Board Task Force, and as an active member of various ASTM committees, IEEE’s P3716 Standard for sports tracking technologies, and the Sports Tech Research Network’s Quality Assessment Group.
Languages: Spanish (native), English (fluent), Brazilian Portuguese (basic).
Education and Certifications
- Industrial and Operations Engineering, Ph.D.: University of Michigan (2017)
- Human Factors/Ergonomics & Hand Biomechanics
- Industrial and Operations Engineering, M.S.E.: University of Michigan (2013)
- Occupational Safety Engineering & Ergonomics
- Industrial Engineering, B.S.: University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez (2011)
- Board Certified Human Factors Professional (CHFP) #2369: Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics (BCPE)
- Certified XL Tribometrist (CXLT)
- OSHA Qualified Power Industrial Truck Safety Trainer and Certified Operator
- OSHA Qualified Aerial Device Safety Trainer and Certified Operator
- OSHA Qualified Individual for General Industry Standards (OSHA 511)
Associations and Memberships
- Select Leadership Positions
- President, Board of Directors for BCPE
- Secretary/Treasurer (Past), Executive Council for HFES
- Chair, Advisory Board Task Force for University of Michigan’s Center for Ergonomics
- Member, Certification Subcommittee for IEA
- Former HFES’s Ethics Code Task Force Member, Liaisons/Representatives Committee member, and Founding Chair for Disability and Chronic Illness AG
- Affiliations
- Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES)
- Board of Certification for Professional Ergonomics (BCPE)
- International Ergonomics and Human Factors Association (IEA)
- International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)
- ASTM International
- American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)
- Sports Tech Research Network (STRN) Special Interest Group on Quality Assessment of Sports Technologies
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
- American Society of Biomechanics (ASB)
Publications
Sample Publications
- Figueroa Jacinto, R., Hybart, R., Zendler, J. (2025). Applications of Motion Capture in Amusement Ride and Devices Assessments: Exploring Its Role in Evaluating Rider Interaction, Comfort, and Safety. In Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting.
- Hybart, R., Carter, T., Figueroa Jacinto, R., Zendler, J. (2025). Stiff competition: assessing the relationship between mechanical properties and athlete perception of sports surfaces. American Society of Biomechanics Annual Meeting.
- Figueroa Jacinto, R., Webb J. (2024). The Role of Human Factors, Ergonomics, and 3D Modeling When Evaluating Incidents Involving Micromobility Devices: An E-Scooter Fall Case. In Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting.
- Hybart, R. L., Grieser, B., Figueroa Jacinto, R. (2024). Assessing Risk Factors for Ankle and Knee Injury: Comparison of Basketball Court Slip Resistance Measurements from Common Slip Meters. American Society of Biomechanics Annual Meeting.
- Figueroa Jacinto, R., Woodcock, K., Cargill, R. (2023). Human Factors, Ergonomics, and Biomechanical Engineering Approaches to Incidents involving Amusement Rides. In Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting.
- Kappler E., Figueroa Jacinto R., Arndt S. (2022). Evaluation of Visual Acuity and Perceptual Field of View Using the Varjo XR-3 Headset in a Virtual Environment. In Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting.
- Figueroa Jacinto R. (2017). Development of a Three-Dimensional Anthropometric Model for Simulating Hand Work. Doctoral Dissertation. University of Michigan
