Ghaith Androwis, PhD

Head shot of Ghaith Androwis

Research Scientist, Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research

Department
Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research
Phone
973-243-6816
Email
gandrowis@kesslerfoundation.org

Ghaith J Androwis, Ph.D. is Research Scientist in the Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research (CMRER) at Kessler Foundation (KF), and Clinical Research Scientist at Children’s Specialized Hospital. Dr. Androwis also holds appointments as Assistant Research Professor at New Jersey Institute of Technology (BME department) and Rutgers University (PM&R department). Dr. Androwis’s background is in biomedical engineering with a Doctor of Philosophy focused on rehabilitation engineering and two postdoctoral fellowships in wearable robotics, biomechanics and rehabilitation engineering. Dr. Androwis joined the HPER at KF in 2015, as a Postdoctoral fellow, to work on robotic exoskeleton for gait rehabilitation in persons after brain injury (children with TBI or CP). Currently, his role as Research Scientist in the CMRER focuses on developing deeper understanding of the usefulness of wearable robots and orthoses in persons with mobility disability (e.g. multiple sclerosis (MS), and upper extremity for persons with SCI). He has recently been funded from the department of defense (DOD) of the Orthotics and Prosthetics Outcomes Research Program division (2018-2021) to determine the efficacy of upper extremity wearable robotic orthosis on improving motor function and activities of daily living in persons with SCI. He is also the PI of a research project funded through the KF-Collaborative National Multiple Sclerosis Society, investigating the mobility and cognitive effectiveness of a commercially available lower extremity robotic exoskeleton (EKSO-GT) in rehabilitating persons with MS. Further, Dr. Androwis, at NJIT, is leading the research and development of the NJIT-KF lower extremity robotic exoskeletons (the NJ Trekker), which presents a new generation of robotic exoskeleton for over ground walking in individuals with mobility disorders. This project has won the best project presented at the 2017 International Symposium on Wearable and Rehabilitation Robotics held in Houston, TX, (November 2017). Dr. Androwis serves as a reviewer for Engineering in Medicine and Biology Conference, and has served as a reviewer for the journal of IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems and the IEEE Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics (ICORR). Dr. Androwis is also a member of the IEEE society and is a member of the exoskeleton technical interchange group organized by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). 

Expertise
Wearable robotics and control
Rehabilitation robotics and therapy based on theories of neuroplasticity and motor control
Rapid fabrication and engineering design
Vestibular stimulation and non-invasive forms of reduction of spasticity and dystonia in persons with CP
Gait training and biomechanical evaluation
Education
PhD - Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology and Rutgers University
MS - Biomedical Engineering (Biomechanics) , New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark NJ
BA - Biomedical Engineering (Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering) , New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark NJ
Research Interests

Dr. Androwis’s research interest focuses on the research & development and evaluation of wearable robotics and control for improving rehabilitation and mobility in persons with disability, through the utilization of cutting-edge technologies and innovations. 

Publications

View a more comprehensive listing of publications for Dr. Androwis on Research Gate

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS 

  • Bayram H, PhD, Bentley K, MD, Androwis G J., PhD, Higgins L, Nolan K, (2018), “The Effects of Serial Casting on Gait in Children with Cerebral Palsy and Spasticity Without BTX-A Treatment”, submitted to Clinical Rehabilitation Journal (December-2018), (Under review).
  • Androwis. G.J, Karunakaran, K, Naphtaly Ehrenberg, Karen J. Nolan (2018), “Changes in Knee Joint Muscle Tone after Utilization of a Foot Drop Stimulator in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Case Study” (In Progress).
  • Androwis G J., Pilkar R, Ramanujam A, Nolan K J., Electromyography Assessment During Gait in a Robotic Exoskeleton for Acute Stroke, Frontiers in Neurology, VOL. 9, 2018, URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fneur.2018.00630, DOI=10.3389/fneur.2018.00630, ISSN=1664-2295   
  • Allexandre, D., G. J. Androwis, S. Saleh, B. Benony, and G. H. Yue. "Design of a low-cost MRI compatible plantarflexion force measurement device." In Conference proceedings:... Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual Conference, vol. 2018, p. 3950. 2018..
  • Androwis. G. J., Karunakaran, K, Nunez, E, Michael, M, Yue, G, Foulds. R. A., (2017), “Research and Development of New Generation Robotic Exoskeleton for Over Ground Walking in Individuals with Mobility Disorders (Novel Design and Control)” Proceedings from IEEE on Wearable and Rehabilitation Robotics 2017, DOI: 10.1109/WEROB.2017.8383864.
  • Androwis, G. J., & Nolan, K. J. (2017). Evaluation of a Robotic Exoskeleton for Gait Training in Acute Stroke: A Case Study. In Wearable Robotics: Challenges and Trends (pp. 9-13). Springer International Publishing (Book section: DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-46532-6_2; Series ISSN: 2195-3562; Series Vol:16)
  • Karunakaran, K., Androwis, G., & Foulds, R. (2016). Natural User-Controlled Ambulation of Lower Extremity Exoskeletons for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury. In Wearable Robotics: Challenges and Trends (pp. 121-125). Springer International Publishing, (Book section: DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-46532-6_2; Series ISSN: 2195-3562; Series Volume:16)
  • Michael, P. A., Androwis, G. J., & Foulds, R. A. (2016). Modulation of Knee Range of Motion and Time to Rest in Cerebral Palsy Using Two Forms of Mechanical Stimulation. In Wearable Robotics: Challenges and Trends (pp. 355-359). Springer International Publishing, (Book section: DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-46532-6_2; Series ISSN: 2195-3562; Series Volume:16)
  • Androwis, G J.; Michael, Peter A.; Jewaid, Darine; Nolan, Karen J; Strongwater, Allan; Foulds, Richard A. (2015, August). Motor Control Investigation of Dystonic Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study of Passive Knee Trajectory. In Engineering in Medicine and Biology, DOI: 10.1109/EMBC.2015.7319409.
  • Androwis, G. J., Michael, P. A., Nolan, K. J., Strongwater, A., & Foulds, R. A. (2015, April). The effect of vestibular stimulation on knee angular trajectory and velocity in children with cerebral palsy. In Biomedical Engineering Conference (NEBEC), 2015 41st Annual Northeast (pp. 1-2). IEEE, DOI: 10.1109/NEBEC.2015.7117079.
  • Androwis, G. J., Michael, P. A., Strongwater, A., & Foulds, R. (2014, August). Estimation of intrinsic joint impedance using quasi-static passive and dynamic methods in individuals with and without Cerebral Palsy. In Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC), 2014 36th Annual International Conference of the IEEE (pp. 4403-4406). PMID: 25570968 DOI: 10.1109/EMBC.2014.6944600.
  • Androwis. G. J., Strongwater. A., Foulds. R. A., (2014), “Spasticity and Dystonia Differentiated Via the Equilibrium Point Hypothesis” Proceedings from NEBEC 2014: The IEEE 40th Annual Northeast BME.
  • Androwis. G. J., Strongwater. A., Foulds. R. A., (2014), “Vestibular Stimulation Frequency for Altering Spasticity in Individuals with Cerebral Palsy” Proceedings from NEBEC 2014: The IEEE 40th Annual Northeast Bioengineering Conference. Electronic ISBN: 978-1-4799-3728-8, DOI: 10.1109/NEBEC.2014.6972714.
  • Androwis. G. J., Michael. P. A., Strongwater. A., Foulds. R. A. (2013), “Alterations of Neuromuscular Signals as a Result of Vestibular Stimulation,” Proceedings from NER 2013: The 6th international IEEE EMBS Neural Engineering Conference, DOI: 10.1109/NER.2013.6696164.

REFEREED ABSTRACTS 

  • Mejia, M., Androwis, G., Chervin, K., Cording, C., Kesten, A., Perret, M., ... & Nolan, K. (2017). Changes in Temporal-Spatial Parameters after Six Sessions of Robotic Exoskeleton Gait Training in Acute Stroke. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 98(10), e41, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2017.08.127.
  • Androwis, G., Ehrenberg, N., Karunakaran, K., Bentley, K., Cheng, J., & Nolan, K. (2017). Secondary Benefits of a Foot Drop Stimulator on Spasticity and Motor Control for Cerebral Palsy. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 98(10), e16, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2017.08.049.
  • Ehrenberg, N., Androwis, G., & Nolan, K. (2017). Robotic Exoskeleton Gait Training in Young Adult Acute TBI. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 98(10), e105-e106, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2017.08.340.
  • Androwis, G. J; Nolan, K. J.  (2016). Evaluation of a Robotic Exoskeleton for Gait Training in Acute Stroke. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - ACRM Annual Conference, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2016.08.360.
  • Androwis, G. J; Nolan, K. J.  (2016). Changes in Knee Joint Mechanics after Utilization of a Foot Drop Stimulator in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Case Study. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - ACRM Annual Conference, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2016.08.367.
  • G. J. Androwis; N. Ehrenberg;  K. J. Nolan" Secondary Benefits of a Foot Drop Stimulator in Pediatric Cerebral Palsy: A Case Study" Engineering in Medicine and Biology, 2016.
  • Michael, P; Androwis, G. J.; Foulds, R. A; "Non-Invasive Mechanical Stimulation for Reduction of Dystonia and Spasticity in Cerebral Palsy: A Case Study", Engineering in Medicine and Biology, 2016.
  • Androwis, G. J., K., Pilkar & Nolan, K. J. Muscle Activation Assessment during Robotic Exoskeleton Gait Training for Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation. International Brain Injury Association (IBIA 2016).
  • Nolan, K. J. , Oh-Park, M., Chervin, K., Pilkar, R, Ramanujam, A., & Androwis, G. J.  (2015). EMG activation during a single session of inpatient stroke gait training in a robotic exoskeleton: A case study. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - ACRM Annual Conference 2015, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2015.08.282.
  • Androwis. G. J., Foulds. R. A., Strongwater. A., Stone. D. (2013), “Quantifying the Effect of Mechanical Vestibular Stimulation on Muscle Tone and Spasticity” Proceedings from NEBEC 2013: The IEEE 39th Annual Northeast Bioengineering Conference. Print ISBN: 978-1-4673-4928-4, DOI: 10.1109/NEBEC.2013.131

LECTURER / SPEAKER AND INVITED PRESENTATIONS
Scientific (Basic Science):

  • The 95th ACRM. Presentation titled: Powered Exoskeleton-Assisted Walking for Persons With Neurological Conditions, Dallas, TX, October/2018
  • RBE Colloquium: Advances in Wearable Robotics and Technologies for Mobility and Neurorehabilitation Research, February 09, 2018 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
  • The 3rd International Symposium on Wearable and Rehabilitation Robotics, Houston, TX, (November 2017), “Research and Development of New Generation Robotic Exoskeleton for Over Ground Walking in Individuals with Mobility Disorders (Novel Design and Control)”, 11/05/2017.
  • The 94th ACRM. Presentation titled: Secondary Benefits of a Foot Drop Stimulator on Spasticity and Motor Control for Cerebral Palsy, Atlanta, Georgia, October/2017
  • 43rd Northeast Bioengineering Conference, Newark NJ. Invited talk titled: (“Alterations to EMG Onset After Utilization of Foot Drop Stimulator (FDS)), 04/21/2017.
  • The 2nd International Symposium on Wearable Robotics in 'La Granja de San Ildefonso' (Segovia), invited talk titled: (“Evaluation of a Robotic Exoskeleton for Gait Training in Acute Stroke: A Case Study”) 10/18/2016.
  • The 2016 Cornerstone Society Recognition Brunch, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark NJ. (Invited talk), 05/20/2016.
  • NJIT Alumni weekend 2015, New Jersey Institute of Technology Newark NJ 05/19/2015. (Distinguished invited talk).

Engineering meetings:

  • 37th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology, Milan, Italy 2015 (Presentation) 08/26/2015.
  • The Neural Engineering Conference – “Alterations of Neuromuscular Signals as a Result of Vestibular Stimulation,” 2013
  • The Northeast Bioengineering Conference with the following papers:

I. Quantifying the Effect of Mechanical Vestibular Stimulation on Muscle Tone and Spasticity, 2013
II. The Neural Contribution to Passive Joint Movement in Individuals with CP, 2013
III. Assessment of Passive Knee Stiffness and Set Point, 2012
IV. Equilibrium Point Model of Knee Joint Spasticity, 2011
V. Artificial Limb for Treadmill Locomotor Training with Partial Body Weight Support, 2009

  • Biomechanics and Neural Engineering Seminar, BME Department, NJIT, 2012
  • Seminar/Presentation at Six Flags Corporation, 2012
  • Dona Knox Research Seminar, NJIT, 2011
  • Biomedical Engineering Seminar, NJIT – Hands Up! An Adaptable Video Gaming System to Enhance Therapeutic and Educational Goals, 2010

 

Memberships

IEEE Society

Collaborating Studies

ONGOING/ACTIVE RESEARCH STUDIES

  • Project Title: The efficacy of upper extremity wearable robotic orthosis on improving upper extremity motor function and activities of daily living in persons with spinal cord injury. 

Funded by: The department of defense DoD/CDMRP on the Orthotics and Prosthetics Outcomes Research Program 
Duration: (September 2018 to September 2021).
Project PI: Androwis

 

  • Project Title: The Utilization Effects of Wearable Robotic Exoskeleton in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis 

Funded by: The Avidan Foundation
Duration: (January 2019 to December 2021).
Project PI: Androwis

  • Project Title: The Effects of Robotic Exoskeleton Therapy on Mobility in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis. 

Funded by: The KF collaborative MS Research Center Award from National MS Society (MSCNNJ)
Duration: June 2017 to March 2019
Project PI: Androwis

  • Project Title: Development of an Independent User Control for a Lower Extremity Exoskeleton.        

Funded by: NIDILRR, Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) on Wearable Robots, National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research. 
Duration: October 2015 to September 2020
Project-D1_PI: Androwis (Center PI: Adamovich)

Studies