Two people wearing masks and talking in a lab

Health Innovation & Technology Research

Leveraging Lehigh’s traditional technology strengths, our Health Innovation & Technology research aims to develop diagnostics, devices, and data analytics to improve health outcomes. Members of our faculty are working on projects that span from assistance in health-related decision making using data to evaluating human-computer interactions. Through their work, our faculty are combining the areas of information science, perception and cognition, biomechanics, and computer science to effectively promote healthy lifestyles and improve quality of life. 

Our faculty use simulations, metacognitive tools, digital health wearables, and AR/VR to develop a range of innovative technologies aimed at improving health outcomes and accessibility. In addition to wayfinding tools, they create advanced health intervention and medical education technologies that address challenges faced by diverse populations. By examining human-computer interactions in real-life contexts, our researchers drive advancements in accessible health solutions and real-time behavioral intervention tools, enhancing both individual and community health.

Faculty who work in this area at Lehigh has led to the development of groundbreaking software such as The Open Dynamic Interaction Network (ODIN) platform, a remarkable interface tool that diminishes limitations in study methodology to contextually assess human behaviors that are often unobservable or unquantifiable by researchers. MABLE, another example of a faculty-led project in this area, uses an integration of Artificial Intelligence, building modeling, and consumer electronics, such as cell phones, to create an indoor mapping interface for those with visual or mobility impairments. 

Research Areas

  • Assistive Technologies applied to health, quality of life, and independent living
  • Medical Training and Simulation through Digital Technology
  • Accessible Wayfinding and Navigation Technology
  • Health-Related Decision Support Systems
  • Real-Time Behavioral Intervention and Assessment Technologies

Health Data Warehouse (HDW)

A cornerstone of the College of Health’s research strategy is the service center-based Health Data Warehouse (HDW). The Health Data Warehouse is a secure, closed environment designed for collecting, curating, storing, and analyzing health data exclusively for faculty research. This facility operates independently of the Internet, ensuring the highest data security and privacy level.

The Health Data Warehouse functions similarly to a highly specialized library, where vast amounts of health-related data are stored (instead of books). This data is meticulously gathered from diverse sources, validated for accuracy, and securely stored within the facility. Access to the Health Data Warehouse is strictly controlled, with only authorized faculty and researchers permitted entry.

Within this secure environment, researchers have access to advanced tools and resources for analyzing the data, including trained data scientists. These tools enable faculty at Lehigh University to uncover significant patterns and insights, driving forward health research and contributing to the development of innovative solutions to health challenges.

The Health Data Warehouse is essential for facilitating high-quality research, offering a robust and secure platform for Lehigh University faculty members to conduct health research. By providing a safe and controlled space for health data, the HDW supports researchers in making impactful discoveries that can enhance public health outcomes.

Contact Us

Connect with Us for Future Collaborations – Partner Inquiries Welcome!