Brian J. Hafner, PhD
| Title: | Director of Research, Division of Prosthetics & Orthotics, Professor |
|---|---|
| Division: | Prosthetics & Orthotics |
Brian Hafner is a bioengineer and professor in the University of Washington (UW) Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, adjunct professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and a principal investigator at the University of Washington Center on Outcomes Research in Rehabilitation (UWCORR). His research focuses on the development, evaluation, and application of state-of-the-art outcome measures for measuring constructs such as mobility and fall-related health in people with limb loss/difference and other disabling neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions.
Education and Training
- Oklahoma State University, BS Mechanical Engineering, 1993
- University of Washington, PhD Bioengineering, 2003
- Northwestern University, Prosthetics Certificate, 2009
Notable Awards
- 2022 and 2008: Research Award, American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists
- 2014: Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Performance and Lasting Contributions to O&P, American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists
- 2013 and 2006: Thranhardt Lecture Award, American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists
- 2013: Thranhardt Award, American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association, 2013
- 2011: Honorary Membership, American Academy of Orthostists and Prosthetists
Teaching Interests
Dr. Hafner's teaching responsibilities within the Master in Prosthetics & Orthotics (MPO) Program include primary responsibility for RHB PO 581, Outcome Measures for the Prosthetics and Orthotics Clinic. This course is intended to help students develop the knowledge and skills required to select, administer, score, and interpret information derived from health outcomes measures in clinical practice.
Research Interests
Dr. Hafner’s primary research interests include development of tools to improve measurement of health outcomes in lower limb prosthesis users and evaluation of advanced prosthetic technologies intended to improve performance, function, and quality-of-life in people with lower limb amputation. He has served as principal investigator on projects funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), Orthotics & Prosthetics Education and Research Foundation (OPERF), and American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP). Dr. Hafner’s current research is aimed at enhancing the impact of health status instruments through rigorous development, psychometric evaluation, translation, and integration into electronic health record systems.
Labs/Centers
University of Washington Center on Outcomes Research in Rehabilitation (UWCORR)