Dr. Kociolek is an Associate Professor in Occupational Biomechanics and Ergonomics within the School of Physical and Health Education at Nipissing University (North Bay ON). Prior to his appointment, he worked as an Ergonomics Research Associate at the University of Saskatchewan from 2014 to 2016, and received his PhD in Occupational Biomechanics from McMaster University in 2015. He has conducted both laboratory- and field-based research with an interest in elucidating injury mechanisms and preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the forearm, wrist, and hand.
His laboratory at Nipissing University hosts a variety of tools to conduct research in the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, including simulation of different work conditions (e.g., environmental chamber to simulate hot and cold climates). As well, various kinesiological tools are available to measure physical exposures, including non-neutral postures, repetitive movements, and forceful efforts (e.g., three-dimensional marker-based motion capture, marker-less motion capture, inertial measurement units, accelerometry, force plates, dynamometry, and electromyography).
His current lab-based research is funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and uses motion capture, ultrasound, and electromyography to study neuromusculoskeletal interactions underlying the mechanics and control of the wrist and hand. He has also completed field-based research funded by the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba to quantify injury risk of hand-intensive work tasks inside the pork industry. More recently, his occupationally-themed research has focussed on: (1) hand transmitted vibration during vibratory tool use; (2) computer mouse design in mitigating fatigue and optimizing performance; and (3) investigating musculoskeletal disorders in home health care workers using a biopsychosocial framework.
Dr. Kociolek is passionate about musculoskeletal disorder prevention and keen to develop further collaborations through CRE-MSD.