On the Front Lines Combatting Disease
Scientific breakthroughs and cutting-edge discoveries by CSU faculty researchers are helping cure disease, improve quality of life and even save lives.
Helping Children Walk Again
Cerebral palsy afflicts 17 million people worldwide. This includes approximately one in every 300 children, roughly one-third of whom have limited or no walking ability.
To help restore their mobility, CSU engineers are developing a device known as an orthosis or exoskeleton.
Professor Jerzy Sawicki, CSU’s vice president of research, is working with Parker Hannifin to develop, design and commercialize a pediatric exoskeleton for children ages 6 to 11, which could assist those suffering from cerebral palsy as well as paralysis and diseases such as spina bifida, myopathy and neuropathy.
The device would be the first powered, lower-limb orthotic specifically designed for children. In addition to helping them learn to walk, it would provide essential data that could improve future treatment for children and adults with mobility issues.
Dr. Sawicki, the Donald E. Bently and Agnes Muszynska Endowed Chair, professor of mechanical engineering, and director of CSU’s Center for Rotating Machinery Dynamics and Control, is an expert in mechanical systems design. He developed a novel, patented actuator for the hips and knees that is quiet yet powerful enough to enable children who are paralyzed to walk again.
Electrical engineering and computer science professor Dan Simon is using his expertise in computer intelligence to tune the orthosis so the child’s gait is both safe and natural. The orthosis controller will be optimized with particle swarm optimization, an intelligent system based on the flocking behavior of birds and insects.
Cleveland State is partnering with Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital and the Parker Hannifin Corporation to commercialize the device.
Improving Balance in MS Patients
A new CSU study has identified a potential link between lower levels of vitamin D and a higher risk for falls in patients with multiple sclerosis. The research was presented at the Conference of Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis in Amsterdam.
Alumna Megan Landean, who conducted the research as part of her master’s thesis in exercise science, has been interested in MS since elementary school when her aunt was diagnosed. “I was saddened with how the disease took its course,” she says.
“MS patients suffer from impaired balance and muscle control which makes walking, standing and even sitting difficult and leads to increased risk of falls and related injuries,” she adds. “Lower vitamin D levels are common in MS patients so we wanted to assess how this could be impacting balance control. The results suggest a substantial link between the two and could lead to better treatment and a better quality of life for these individuals.”
Landean, in collaboration with her faculty advisor Douglas Wajda, visiting assistant professor of health and human performance, studied 18 MS patients and compared their physiological profile assessment, which measures fall risk, and vitamin D levels. Moving forward, they hope to conduct additional studies with larger patient groups and variable testing times that could account for seasonal changes in vitamin D levels. They also hope to disseminate the results to other researchers who could use the data to assist in the development of treatments designed to address vitamin D deficiency in MS patients.
They conducted their research through CSU’s Human Performance Laboratory in partnership with Case Western Reserve University, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the Buckeye Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Landean, MEd ’17, is now an adjunct professor in CSU’s College of Education and Human Services and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in exercise science with a focus on multiple sclerosis.
Aiding Alzheimer’s Patients
The Alzheimer’s Association awarded Linda Francis, associate professor of sociology, a 2018 New to the Field Research Grant. The funding will support the development of new computer technology to reduce distress among persons with Alzheimer’s disease by improving their interactions with professional care providers.
Research has shown that persons with Alzheimer’s still feel like the same person they have always been and expect others to treat them accordingly. If care providers treat them merely as patients, cognitive impairment can make it difficult for them to express their frustration, which can lead to agitation or depression. The virtual interaction computer guide Dr. Francis and her team are creating will train professional care providers to better interact with patients as individuals, based on their affective, rather than cognitive, memory.
Dr. Francis presented preliminary results from her research at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference.
Also in This Issue...
Harlan Sands
President Harlan M. Sands rose from humble beginnings through the Navy, law, and higher-ed leadership. Now at CSU, he champions urban education and community-focused student success.
CSU Moving Forward Together
Noting that he has “always liked challenges with big opportunities attached,” Harlan M. Sands officially took on the greatest challenge and opportunity of his academic career – serving as president of Cleveland State University.
Film and Media Arts Students Take Center Stage
The Forest City. Home of rock and roll. Hollywood of the Midwest? Cleveland may soon have a new nickname, thanks to CSU’s new School of Film & Media Arts.
A Message from the President
President Sands celebrates presiding over CSU’s commencement, honors student success, and highlights the university’s growth and community impact in urban research.
Green Power
CSU is one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges, according to the 2018 edition of The Princeton Review’s Guide to 399 Green Colleges.
Enrollment Grows Again!
Marking its 11th straight year of enrollment growth, CSU welcomed more than 1,950 first-year students to campus fall semester, as well as 30 new faculty members.
Treating Diabetes
A team of researchers led by CSU received a $1.69 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to improve treatment of type-2 diabetes.
Law Hall of Fame
Twenty-six leaders — including judges, alumni & public servants — were inducted into CSU's C|M|LAW Hall of Fame. A new legal tech lab also opened to prepare students for practice with hands-on tools.
C|M|LAW Tops Bar Exam
CSU’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law had the highest passage rate for first-time takers of the July Ohio Bar Exam. The school’s 93 percent passage rate was well above the state average of 79 percent.
In Tribute to the Public Service
David Abbott, executive director of the George Gund Foundation, was honored with the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs 2018 In Tribute to the Public Service Award.
MakerSpace Fuels Creativity
CSU’s Dan T. Moore MakerSpace is officially open for business, enhancing Engaged Learning opportunities and helping produce “Ready-to-Go” engineers to meet industry needs.
Master of Influence
The Bernie Moreno Center for Sales Excellence at Cleveland State University launched with an inaugural event featuring Robert Cialdini, widely regarded as the worldwide expert on influence and persuasion.
A Tip of the Viking Helmet
Roland V. Anglin, dean of the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs, was elected to the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA).
Record $1.7-plus Million Raised for Scholarships
Radiance, CSU’s annual fundraising event to support student scholarships, raised a record $1.7-plus million in 2018, bringing its seven-year total to over $7.8 million to help students who are a few dollars short graduate on time.
Why I Say “Yes” to Radiance
Mark Ross, managing partner at PwC, shares his thoughts on Radiance.
Homecoming
Were you one of the many alumni who came home to CSU for Homecoming 2018? For those that came from near and far, thank you. We enjoyed talking with you, sharing memories and showing you all that CSU has become.
Distinguished Alumni Awards
From a law man to a scientist and a hoops star to a poetess, CSU’s 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients represent the wide-ranging power of a CSU education.
Alumna Helps Free Innocent Man From Prison
A CSU alumna helped to secure the release of a wrongfully convicted man, highlighting her dedication to justice and impactful advocacy in the fight against wrongful imprisonment.
Second Act
Thinking of a new career, starting a business, or finding that meaningful volunteer role? Second Act, a new educational series explores lifestyle, health, finance and volunteerism issues to help you find your place in the changing seasons of life.
On the Road Again
The CSU Alumni Association is on the road again, reconnecting with graduates near and far.
Class Notes – Winter 2019
Harlan Sands
President Harlan M. Sands rose from humble beginnings through the Navy, law, and higher-ed leadership. Now at CSU, he champions urban education and community-focused student success.
Film and Media Arts Students Take Center Stage
The Forest City. Home of rock and roll. Hollywood of the Midwest? Cleveland may soon have a new nickname, thanks to CSU’s new School of Film & Media Arts.
Green Power
CSU is one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges, according to the 2018 edition of The Princeton Review’s Guide to 399 Green Colleges.
Treating Diabetes
A team of researchers led by CSU received a $1.69 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to improve treatment of type-2 diabetes.
C|M|LAW Tops Bar Exam
CSU’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law had the highest passage rate for first-time takers of the July Ohio Bar Exam. The school’s 93 percent passage rate was well above the state average of 79 percent.
MakerSpace Fuels Creativity
CSU’s Dan T. Moore MakerSpace is officially open for business, enhancing Engaged Learning opportunities and helping produce “Ready-to-Go” engineers to meet industry needs.
A Tip of the Viking Helmet
Roland V. Anglin, dean of the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs, was elected to the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA).
Why I Say “Yes” to Radiance
Mark Ross, managing partner at PwC, shares his thoughts on Radiance.
Distinguished Alumni Awards
From a law man to a scientist and a hoops star to a poetess, CSU’s 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients represent the wide-ranging power of a CSU education.
Second Act
Thinking of a new career, starting a business, or finding that meaningful volunteer role? Second Act, a new educational series explores lifestyle, health, finance and volunteerism issues to help you find your place in the changing seasons of life.
Class Notes – Winter 2019
CSU Moving Forward Together
Noting that he has “always liked challenges with big opportunities attached,” Harlan M. Sands officially took on the greatest challenge and opportunity of his academic career – serving as president of Cleveland State University.
A Message from the President
President Sands celebrates presiding over CSU’s commencement, honors student success, and highlights the university’s growth and community impact in urban research.
Enrollment Grows Again!
Marking its 11th straight year of enrollment growth, CSU welcomed more than 1,950 first-year students to campus fall semester, as well as 30 new faculty members.
Law Hall of Fame
Twenty-six leaders — including judges, alumni & public servants — were inducted into CSU's C|M|LAW Hall of Fame. A new legal tech lab also opened to prepare students for practice with hands-on tools.
In Tribute to the Public Service
David Abbott, executive director of the George Gund Foundation, was honored with the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs 2018 In Tribute to the Public Service Award.
Master of Influence
The Bernie Moreno Center for Sales Excellence at Cleveland State University launched with an inaugural event featuring Robert Cialdini, widely regarded as the worldwide expert on influence and persuasion.
Record $1.7-plus Million Raised for Scholarships
Radiance, CSU’s annual fundraising event to support student scholarships, raised a record $1.7-plus million in 2018, bringing its seven-year total to over $7.8 million to help students who are a few dollars short graduate on time.
Homecoming
Were you one of the many alumni who came home to CSU for Homecoming 2018? For those that came from near and far, thank you. We enjoyed talking with you, sharing memories and showing you all that CSU has become.
Alumna Helps Free Innocent Man From Prison
A CSU alumna helped to secure the release of a wrongfully convicted man, highlighting her dedication to justice and impactful advocacy in the fight against wrongful imprisonment.
On the Road Again
The CSU Alumni Association is on the road again, reconnecting with graduates near and far.
Harlan Sands
President Harlan M. Sands rose from humble beginnings through the Navy, law, and higher-ed leadership. Now at CSU, he champions urban education and community-focused student success.
A Message from the President
President Sands celebrates presiding over CSU’s commencement, honors student success, and highlights the university’s growth and community impact in urban research.
Treating Diabetes
A team of researchers led by CSU received a $1.69 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to improve treatment of type-2 diabetes.
In Tribute to the Public Service
David Abbott, executive director of the George Gund Foundation, was honored with the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs 2018 In Tribute to the Public Service Award.
A Tip of the Viking Helmet
Roland V. Anglin, dean of the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs, was elected to the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA).
Homecoming
Were you one of the many alumni who came home to CSU for Homecoming 2018? For those that came from near and far, thank you. We enjoyed talking with you, sharing memories and showing you all that CSU has become.
Second Act
Thinking of a new career, starting a business, or finding that meaningful volunteer role? Second Act, a new educational series explores lifestyle, health, finance and volunteerism issues to help you find your place in the changing seasons of life.
CSU Moving Forward Together
Noting that he has “always liked challenges with big opportunities attached,” Harlan M. Sands officially took on the greatest challenge and opportunity of his academic career – serving as president of Cleveland State University.
Green Power
CSU is one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges, according to the 2018 edition of The Princeton Review’s Guide to 399 Green Colleges.
Law Hall of Fame
Twenty-six leaders — including judges, alumni & public servants — were inducted into CSU's C|M|LAW Hall of Fame. A new legal tech lab also opened to prepare students for practice with hands-on tools.
MakerSpace Fuels Creativity
CSU’s Dan T. Moore MakerSpace is officially open for business, enhancing Engaged Learning opportunities and helping produce “Ready-to-Go” engineers to meet industry needs.
Record $1.7-plus Million Raised for Scholarships
Radiance, CSU’s annual fundraising event to support student scholarships, raised a record $1.7-plus million in 2018, bringing its seven-year total to over $7.8 million to help students who are a few dollars short graduate on time.
Distinguished Alumni Awards
From a law man to a scientist and a hoops star to a poetess, CSU’s 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients represent the wide-ranging power of a CSU education.
On the Road Again
The CSU Alumni Association is on the road again, reconnecting with graduates near and far.
Film and Media Arts Students Take Center Stage
The Forest City. Home of rock and roll. Hollywood of the Midwest? Cleveland may soon have a new nickname, thanks to CSU’s new School of Film & Media Arts.
Enrollment Grows Again!
Marking its 11th straight year of enrollment growth, CSU welcomed more than 1,950 first-year students to campus fall semester, as well as 30 new faculty members.
C|M|LAW Tops Bar Exam
CSU’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law had the highest passage rate for first-time takers of the July Ohio Bar Exam. The school’s 93 percent passage rate was well above the state average of 79 percent.
Master of Influence
The Bernie Moreno Center for Sales Excellence at Cleveland State University launched with an inaugural event featuring Robert Cialdini, widely regarded as the worldwide expert on influence and persuasion.
Why I Say “Yes” to Radiance
Mark Ross, managing partner at PwC, shares his thoughts on Radiance.
Alumna Helps Free Innocent Man From Prison
A CSU alumna helped to secure the release of a wrongfully convicted man, highlighting her dedication to justice and impactful advocacy in the fight against wrongful imprisonment.