Photo By Lt. Col. Cara Reinhart | May 5, 2023. Dr. Cooper visit with CECOM Det 7 Soldiers. Photo taken by Lt. Col. Cara...... read more read more
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World-renowned biomedical engineer speaks to CECOM Det 7 Soldiers
By Lt. Col. Cara J. Reinhart, U.S. Army Reserves public affairs officer
May 6, 2023
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. – Dr. Rory Cooper, a world-renowned biomedical engineer and a U.S. Army veteran appointed as a Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army for Pennsylvania, visited the Soldiers of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Detachment 7.
In 1980, Cooper was injured in an accident riding his bicycle in Germany that left him paralyzed from the waist down. However, his injuries did not stop his passion for the Army and education. His ambition to finish school led him to become a world-renowned biomedical engineer known for his development and innovations in wheelchair technology.
Cooper is the founder of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories at the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Cooper holds 25 U.S. patents in wheelchair technology. Cooper’s well-known ergonomic design, the “Ergonomic Dual Surface Wheelchair Pushrim,” improves mobility and lessens secondary injuries of the hands and wrists.
“Cooper’s examples of the power of perspective are apparent,” says Cpt. Travis Maurer, administrative and civil law attorney with CECOM Det 7, “he looks at his circumstances in his life through the lens of opportunity.”
During his visit, he observed the CECOM Det 7 Soldiers during the Army’s Combat Fitness Test. Cooper commented on the ACFT, and the quality of the ACFT was an inspiration. Cooper mentioned it was his first time seeing the ACFT being conducted.
“Cooper was impressed on the Army's ability to incorporate a core strength exercise such as ‘the plank’ into the ACFT,” said Col. Syd Shinn, CECOM Det 7 Commander.
Cooper continues his work in human engineering research involving new technologies to promote employment and the quality of life by preventing secondary injuries. He works with wounded warriors, scientists, and engineers to help all people with disabilities.
Cooper’s latest innovation involves assisting in Military funeral honors with a new device that acts as pallbearers to assist in carrying and lowering the casket. The Veterans Affairs Cemetery Administration contacted him for help with this technology.
“It was an emotional moment when I found out that the first lift device would be at the same location where my best friend is buried,” Cooper explained with emotions.
Coopers captured the Soldier's attention with his inspirational words and life experiences and how he continued looking for opportunities to help military veterans and people with disabilities.
“Listening to his stories, not only for our community and humankind in general, filled me with great happiness and newfound motivation,” said Staff Sgt. James Galarza, a signals collection analyst.
Copper highlighted the importance of serving in today’s Army.
“You think your service goes unnoticed, but it doesn’t,” said Cooper as he addressed the Soldiers. He stated that less than one-half percent of the U.S. population serves in the military today.
During his visit with the Det 7 Soldiers, he also highlighted the importance of education and to keep learning, being positive, and continuing to accomplish and set daily goals. In addition, Cooper stressed the importance of family, having a support network, mental health, and fitness.
“If you do one thing a day, such as make your bed, you know by the end of the day, you have accomplished something,” Cooper said.
Cooper commented on his future goals. Cooper’s interests include promoting disability employment, community engagement and the prevention of secondary injuries.
Cooper’s team of scientists and engineers are working on future improvements for people with disabilities to integrate more into society.
“Traveling by air has gotten the attention of the government and now the public and how hard it is for people with disabilities,” said Cooper.
Cooper commented on the importance of Soldier care and lifetime commitment.
“If you take care of people, they will take care of you,” Cooper said.
Cooper continues to partake in hand-cycling marathons internationally and nationwide. May 7, 2023, he competed in the hand-cycling marathon in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
Cooper was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame this year. His innovations, patents, and technology are displayed at the National Inventors Hall of Fame on the United States Patent and Trademark Office campus in Alexandria, Virginia.
The NIHF is open to the public, and Cooper’s work will be displayed for a year. After that, his display will be moved to the National Museum of the United States Army in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. His display at the NIHF includes an interactive wheelchair, open to the public to try out his inventions and technology.
Many soldiers for CECOM Det 7 said they found Cooper’s story inspiring. “I am so proud the Army seal is on the back of the interactive wheelchair,” Cooper said.
“His life story is a template for all of us to aspire to work hard, even if it’s just at a fraction of what he had done, will make this world a much better place,” Galarza said.
“Hearing his accomplishments in innovation builds inspiration and the will for me to continue serving our men and women in uniform,” said Lt. Col. Willie McCallister, CECOM Det 7, Signal Officer.
“On a personal level, Dr. Cooper has shown me that is it possible to combine your passions outside of the military, education and military service, and turn it into a way to give back to help others,” Staff Sgt. Jennifer Rivera, an intelligence analyst, said.
| Date Taken: | 05.08.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 05.25.2023 08:44 |
| Story ID: | 444851 |
| Location: | ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MD, US |
| Web Views: | 176 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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