Background
Dr. Rose Figueroa is a Board-Certified Human Factors Professional. She holds a Ph.D. in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan and has expertise in cognitive, perceptual, and physical human factors relating to accidents, injuries, and usability.
Dr. Figueroa has extensive experience in a wide range of human factors/ergonomics topics, including product safety and warnings, risk communication, operator training and behavior, visibility and conspicuity, decision-making, kinematics/human movement, accessibility and reasonable accommodation, and human factors in accident investigation. Regarding forensic investigations, Dr. Figueroa has analyzed and explained if a person’s capabilities, limitations, and actions may or may not have contributed to accidents in domains such as amusement rides and devices; sports; professional/consumer products; maritime and recreational boating; industrial, occupational, and construction; premises; transportation; micromobility; and railroads.
Dr. Figueroa serves on the Board of Directors for the Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics (BCPE), in the Executive Council for the Human Factor and Ergonomics Society (HFES) as the Secretary/Treasurer Elect, and in various ASTM F24 committees. She also co-founded the American Society of Biomechanics (ASB) Diversity Task Force (now a committee). Dr. Figueroa has presented her work at human factors, biomechanics, and safety conferences throughout the U.S. She is often invited as a guest speaker to deliver Keynote, as well as technical talks and CLEs tailored to a wide range of audiences, such as experts in the field, college students, and attorneys.
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)
- ABYC Standards Certified Advisor: American Boat & Yacht Council
- Certified XL Tribometrist (CXLT)
Publications
- Figueroa Jacinto, R., Wang, M., Kappler, E., (Submitted). Equity and Inclusivity of Virtual Reality Head Mounted Displays: An In-Depth Discussion on Accessibility, Culture Design Considerations, and Health & Safety Advisories. Journal of Accessibility and Design for All.
- Figueroa-Jacinto R., Armstrong T., Zhou W. (2018). An Investigation on Normal Force Distribution and Posture of a Hand Pressing on a Flat Surface. Journal of Biomechanics (Vol. 79, pp. 164-172).
- Figueroa Jacinto R. (2017). Development of a Three-Dimensional Anthropometric Model for Simulating Hand Work. Doctoral Dissertation. University of Michigan.
Committees
- Current Leadership Positions
- Director, Board of Directors for BCPE
- Secretary/Treasurer-Elect, Executive Council for HFES
- Ethics Code Task Force Member, Former Liaisons/Representatives Committee member, and Former Founding Chair for Disability and Chronic Illness AG for HFES
- Affiliations
- Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES)
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
- International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)
- ASTM International
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
- American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)