Background
Dr. Rose Figueroa is a Board-Certified Human Factors Professional. She holds a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez and both an M.S.E. and Ph.D. in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan, specializing in HF/E and Biomechanics, along with a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Traineeship.
In her forensic and consulting practice, Dr. Figueroa has analyzed whether human capabilities, limitations, and actions contributed to incidents in multiple domains, such as sports and athletics, amusement rides and entertainment venues, occupational and industrial settings, transportation and micromobility, railroads, maritime, and recreational boating.
Her work spans human factors/ergonomics, biomechanics, and safety, including product safety and warnings, risk communication, training and behavior, visibility and conspicuity, decision-making, kinematics/human movement, accessibility, and reasonable accommodations. She has specialized expertise in cognitive, perceptual, and physical human factors as they relate to accidents, injuries, and usability, including how human performance, particularly in complex environments and sports, is influenced by environment, products, equipment, and technology. Dr. Figueroa has provided consulting services to many stakeholders, including amusement and entertainment operators, hospitality groups, sports teams, leagues, governing bodies, players’ associations, manufacturers, investors, and law firms.
She currently serves as Adjunct Professor at Clemson University, President of the Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics (BCPE), in the Executive Council of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) as Past Secretary/Treasurer, and an active member of ASTM committees, IEEE’s P3716 Standard for sports tracking technologies, and the Sports Tech Research Network’s Quality Assessment Group.
A frequent international keynote and technical speaker, Dr. Figueroa has published and presented on human factors, biomechanics, 3D mod sports science, and safety.
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
- Current Leadership Positions
- President, Board of Directors for BCPE
- Secretary/Treasurer (Past), Executive Council for HFES
- HFES’s Ethics Code Task Force Member, Former Liaisons/Representatives Committee member, and Former Founding Chair for Disability and Chronic Illness AG
- Affiliations
- Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES)
- American Society of Biomechanics (ASB)
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
- International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)
- ASTM International
- American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)
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