![]() |
Jill Higginson |
DEGREES
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, 2005
M.S., Bioengineering, Penn State University, 1998
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Cornell University, 1996
SERVICE
Assistant Professor, University of Delaware, 9/2004-present
Director, Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, 7/2008-present
OTHER RELATED EXPERIENCE
Biomedical Engineer, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 2000-2003
Biomechanical Engineer, University of Kansas Medical Center, Center on Aging, 1998-2000
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Book Chapters
- Cavanagh, P.R. & Higginson, J.S. (2002). "What is the Role of Vision During Stair Descent?" In J. Andre, D.A. Owens, & L.O. Harvey (Eds.), Visual perception: the influence of H. W. Leibowitz.
Journal Articles & Proceedings
- Kesar, T.M., Perumal, R., Reisman, D.S., Rudolph, K.S., Higginson, J.S. and Binder-Macleod, S.A. “Functional electrical stimulation of ankle plantar- and dorsi-flexor muscles: effects on post-stroke gait. Stroke. (In Press)
- Kesar, T.M., Perumal, R., Reisman, D.S., Rudolph, K.S., Higginson, J.S. and Binder-Macleod, S.A. “Effects of dorsiflexor muscle functional electrical stimulation on post-stroke gait: comparison of traditional and novel stimulation patterns.” Physical Therapy. (In Press)
- George-Reichley, D.G. and Higginson, J.S. “Potential muscle function during the swing phase of stroke gait.” Journal of Applied Biomechanics. (In Press)
- Xiao, M. and Higginson, J. “Sensitivity of predicted muscle force in forward simulation of normal walking.” Journal of Applied Biomechanics. (In Press)
- Barrios, J.A., Davis, I.S., Higginson, J.S. and Royer, T.D. “Lower extremity walking mechanics of young individuals with asymptomatic varus knee alignment.” Journal of Orthopaedic Research. April 2009. (In Press)
- Zeni, Jr., J.A. and Higginson, J.S. “Differences in gait parameters between healthy subjects and persons with moderate and severe knee osteoarthritis: a result of altered walking speed?” Clinical Biomechanics 24: 372-378, 2009.
- Zeni, Jr., J.A. and Higginson, J.S. “Dynamic knee joint stiffness in subjects with a progressive increase in severity of knee osteoarthritis”. Clinical Biomechanics 24: 366-371, 2009.
- Zeni, Jr., J.A., Rudolph, K.S. and Higginson, J.S. “Alterations of quadriceps and hamstring coordination in persons with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis”. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. (In Press)

- Xiao, M. and Higginson, J. “Muscle function may depend on model selection in forward simulation of normal walking.” J Biomech 41: 3236-3242, 2008.
- Zifchock, R.A., Davis, I., Higginson, J., Royer, R. “Side-to-side differences in overuse running injury susceptibility: a retrospective study.” Human Movement Science 27: 888-902, 2008.
- Crabtree, C.A. and Higginson, J.S. “Modeling neuromuscular effects of ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) in computer simulations of gait.” Gait and Posture 29(1): 65-70, 2009.
- Zifchock, R.A., Davis, I., Higginson, J., Royer, R. “The Symmetry Angle: A Novel, Robust Method of Quantifying Asymmetry.” Gait and Posture 27(4): 622-627, 2008.
- Zeni Jr., J.A., Richards, J.G. and Higginson, J.S. “Two simple methods for determining gait events during treadmill and overground walking using kinematic data.” Gait and Posture 27(4): 710-714, 2008.
- Higginson, J.S., Zajac, F.E., Neptune, R.R., Kautz, S.A. & Delp, S.L. “Muscle contributions to support during gait in an individual with post-stroke hemiparesis.” J Biomech 39: 1769-1777, 2006.
- Higginson, J.S., Zajac, F.E., Kautz, S.A., Neptune, R.R., Burgar, C.G. & Delp, S.L. “Effect of equinus foot placement and intrinsic muscle response on knee extension during stance.” Gait and Posture 23:32-36, 2006.
- Higginson, J.S., Anderson, F.C. & Neptune, R.R. “Simulated parallel annealing within a neighborhood (SPAN) for optimization of biomechanical systems.” J Biomech 38: 1938-1942, 2005.
- Hamel, K.A., Okita, N., Higginson, J.S. & Cavanagh, P.R. “Foot clearance during stair descent: effects of age and illumination.” Gait and Posture 21:135-140, 2005.
- Pohl, P.S., Startzell, J.K., Duncan, P.W. & Wallace, D. "Reliability of lower extremity isokinetic strength testing in adults with stroke." Clinical Rehabilitation 14(6): 601-607, 2000.
- Startzell, J.K., Owens, D.A., Mulfinger, L.M., & Cavanagh, P.R. "Stair Negotiation in Older People: A Review". Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 48:567-580, 2000.
- Startzell, J.K. & Cavanagh, P.R. “A three-dimensional approach to the calculation of foot clearance during locomotion.” Human Movement Science 18: 603-611, 1999.
- Mazzeo, R.S., Cavanagh, P.R., Evans, W.J., Fiatarone, M., Hagberg, J., McAuley, E. & Startzell, J.K. “Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults.” (Position Statement for the American College of Sports Medicine) Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 30(6): 992-1008, 1998.
SOCIETIES
American Society of Biomechanics
American Society of Engineering Education
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society
HONORS & AWARDS
Predoctoral Fellow, National Institute on General Medical Science, 2003-2004
Travel Grant, Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society, 2003
COURSES TAUGHT
EGGG 101: Introduction to Engineering
MEEG 301: Machine Design - Kinematics and Kinetics
MEEG 485 / 685: Control of Human Movement



