Dr. Steven Stanhope
Biography
Dr. Stanhope is a Professor and Associate Vice President for Research at the University of Delaware. He received his Ph.D. degree in 1985 from the University of Maryland with concentrations in Biomechanics, Human Anatomy and Exercise Physiology. His primary research expertise is in the areas of biomechanics and rehabilitation sciences. During a 22 year career at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Dr. Stanhope developed modern day three-dimensional motion capture and analysis methodologies. He started C-motion, Inc., was the founding Director of the Physical Disabilities Branch at NIH and served as NIH’s international representative for rehabilitation research. In 2007 Dr. Stanhope joined the faculty at the University of Delaware (UD) to lead efforts to grow the region’s biomedical research enterprise through multi-disciplinary partnerships and the establishment of foundational research capabilities.
At UD, Dr. Stanhope holds joint academic appointments in the Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and the Biomechanics and Movement Science Interdisciplinary Graduate Program. He served as the interim Dean of the College of Health Sciences and the co-founder and chief technology officer of Intelligent Digital Manufacturing, LLC. Dr. Stanhope directed the BADER Consortium, a Department of Defense (DoD) award for the nationwide advancement of evidence-based orthopaedic rehabilitation care. In addition, he served as the Principal Investigator for Delaware INBRE grant that directly engaged 869 undergraduate students in mentored research experiences, supported 79 graduate students, provided research funds for 95 junior faculty, research support for over 1000 Delaware investigators, and generated over $455M in down-stream awards. Dr. Stanhope established and directed Delaware’s STRiDE (Supporting Translational Research in Delaware) initiative and established the BADER Prosthetics and Orthotics Clinic in partnership with regional care providers. Dr. Stanhope served as the principal investigator of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Army RDECOM, Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC), Advanced Design and Manufacturing (ADM) division to explore the use of 3D printing technologies and advanced materials science for the development of custom dynamic lower leg braces. He also spearheaded a partnership with Delaware’s VA hospital.
On July 1, 2023, Dr. Stanhope will retire from a 43-year scientific career. During this period, Dr. Stanhope served as the principal investigator on over $90M in sponsored research funds.
Notes on a Scienteriffic Journey