Occupational Ergonomics and Safety
Program overview
In this program, students learn the fundamentals of occupational ergonomics and safety through individualized curricula designed to meet their career goals. The program focus incorporates academic coursework with hands-on field experiences in industries such as brewing, food processing, manufacturing, construction, and agriculture. Students have opportunities to present their research at regional, national, and international conferences, participate in international exchange programs, and access technological tools for their research, such as electromyography, 3-D motion analysis, and physiologic monitoring equipment.
The Occupational Ergonomics Program is located at Colorado State University. The Mountain & Plains Education and Research Center (MAP ERC) financially supports qualified students in the program. The MAP ERC is one of 18 National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) Education and Research Centers in the country. Students supported by the center collaborate with trainees in industrial hygiene, occupational and environmental medicine, occupational health psychology, and ergonomics programs on interdisciplinary research, scholarly projects, and in-depth field assessments at local industry sites.
Program director
Student & alumni spotlights
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ColoradoSPH professor looks at shared leadership in the workplace, uncovering the factors that create organizational changeOpens in a new window
Apr 26, 2022Most of us are familiar with the concept of micro ergonomics – where machines, the environment, software, and work activities interact with humans. But Natalie Schwatka, PhD, prefers to zoom out a bit further. In her research and graduate instruction, she explores macro ergonomics – specifically how leadership impacts the workplace.Opens in a new window Full story -
/chwe-newsroom/janalee.jpg?sfvrsn=eae829bb_0 "Janalee Thompson")
Alumni Spotlight: Janalee McKnightOpens in a new window
Jun 7, 2023In our Alumni Spotlight series highlighting our graduated MAP ERC trainees, we interviewed Janalee McKnight, an ergonomics and safety graduate working as the Senior Manager, Global Health and Safety Training Programs at VF Corporation.Opens in a new window Full story -
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Ergonomic design for every body: A fashion professional’s journey into occupational healthOpens in a new window
Aug 20, 2020Design and merchandising student enters public health to design ergonomic clothes, including face masks, that fit every body.Opens in a new window Full story