Susan Kotowski Elected President of HFES for 2023-2024

WASHINGTON - Nov. 7, 2023 - PRLog -- The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES (https://www.hfes.org/)) has elected Susan E. Kotowski, Ph.D., CPE, of the University of Cincinnati, to preside the organization through October 2024. In her new role, Kotowski will apply her knowledge and capabilities as an expert in human factors, ergonomics and biomechanics. HFES advances the science and practice of designing systems, products, tools, and environments for people – from students to researchers and industry practitioners.

"I am very humbled and ecstatic to have the opportunity to serve as President of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society – the world's largest scientific association for human factors and ergonomics professionals," said Dr. Kotowski. "I look forward to working with our members as we continue to advance the science and practice of human factors and ergonomics. Human factors play a significant role in every aspect of people's lives, which is why I am committed to HFES' mission of promoting the exchange of knowledge, advancing human factors education and programs and strengthening relationships among members and supporters. We have much to look forward to this next year, and I am grateful and enthusiastic to help drive the field forward."

Dr. Kotowski is a Professor at the College of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati. Her instructional areas include biomechanics, kinesiology, ergonomics, interprofessional education and applied research. Dr. Kotowski's research primarily focuses on healthcare ergonomics, where she is particularly interested in the interactions between care providers, patients, and products, and intervention effectiveness. In addition to her work in healthcare, Dr. Kotowski also conducts research in the area of worker/office ergonomics in relation to remote and hybrid work productivity and effectiveness.

In 2022, she was elected to serve as HFES President-Elect and will serve her Presidential term from October 2023 to October 2024. Dr. Kotowski's first order of business was working with the Executive Council to re-imagine and re-brand the organization's premier educational event, the International Annual Meeting. During the 67th International Annual Meeting in October, Kotowski announced ASPIRE, which stands for Advancing Systems and Practice through Innovation, Research and Education. ASPIRE 2024 will first convene in Phoenix, AZ, from September 9-13, 2024, with several new and engaging session types designed to complement the classic sessions already a part of the conference.

Dr. Kotowski has a BS degree from the University of Dayton School of Engineering and two MS degrees from the University of Cincinnati's College of Engineering and College of Medicine. Additionally, she received a Ph.D. from the University of Cincinnati's College of Medicine with a concentration in Occupational Safety and Ergonomics. She is also a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE).