Core Overview

Administrative Core (ADMIN)

The ADMIN Core consists of the PI, the COBRE Coordinator, faculty recruits, and the pilot project mechanism. This Core is designed not only as a support system and oversight for the Research Projects but to grow the research of the Center by funding pilot projects.

The overall cohesiveness of individual projects and core resources is reinforced by a combination of experienced scientists, both internal and external, who inform decisions spanning the range from scientific rigor to administrative operations. This approach provides multiple avenues for regular evaluation and a clear framework for responding to feedback.

Research Cores

The Phase I COBRE consists of research projects, the Administrative Core, and pilot projects. During Phase II, three research cores will be implemented.

Phase II Research Cores:

• Movement Analysis Core (MOVAN)
  • To provide biomechanical testing and support for research within the center and the community
• Qualitative Analysis Research Core (QuARC)
  • To provide analysis and interpretation of data in addition to instruction of nonlinear methods
• Machining and Prototyping Core (MAPRO)
  • To provide design, consultation, manufacturing, and prototyping services to the center and the community

Master's Student, Tyler Hamer demonstrates an assistive device

Movement Analysis Core

Overall Goal

To establish a unique resource that will enhance the effectiveness of research in the MOVCENTR.

Aims

1. to enable measurement of behavioral function and movement analysis
2. provide centralized clinical measurement and training, along with support for subject recruitment and research compliance
3. to mentor MOVCENTR investigators in the assessment and interpretation of behavioral function and movement analysis data
4. and to build MOVAN as a leading resource to the institution, the state, and the region for assessment of behavioral function and movement analysis, specifically for use in human movement variability research to treat and prevent motor related disorders.

Quantitative Analysis Research Core

Overall Goal

To establish a unique resource that will enhance the effectiveness of research in the MOVCENTR.

Aims

1. to enable MOVCENTR investigators to examine human movement variability data
2. to mentor all MOVCENTR investigators in the examination of human movement data
3. and to build NONAN as the leading resource for the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the state of Nebraska, the Great Plains IDEA-CTR network, and beyond, specifically for use in human movement variability research to treat and prevent motor related disorders.

Machining and Prototyping Core

Overall Goal

Will provide access to state of the art manufacturing equipment and highly skilled personnel for the design, fabrication, and maintenance of cutting-edge research devices to support human movement related research. Additionally, MAPRO will provide mentorship and device design consulting to all investigators, especially for investigators who do not have specific expertise in physical manufacturing or software development for custom devices used in human subject research.

Aims

1. to provide centralized resources for the design and fabrication of custom research devices and
   instrumentation
2. to provide mentorship and training on cutting-edge manufacturing equipment, techniques, and software that can be used to create new and innovative research devices and clinically translatable products
3. and to establish MAPRO as a leading resource for the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Nebraska, the Great Plains, and beyond for the development of new and innovative devices to treat and prevent movement related disorders.