Professor, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Program Chair, Biomedical Engineering

Office: 325 Kennedy Hall of Engineering
Phone: (616) 331-6753
Email: [email protected]

Education: 

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Utah State University
M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University

Research Interests:

Dr. Ashby's scholarship focuses on the modeling and analysis of human body movement and in engineering education. He conducts experimental investigations of jumping, walking, and running using the high-speed motion capture system in the Biomechanics and Motor Performance Laboratory at Grand Valley State University. He also develops computer simulations of human movement to explore questions that cannot be addressed with experimental techniques alone.

Biography:

Dr. Ashby has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in mechanical and biomedical engineering since joining the School of Engineering at Grand Valley State University in 2010. He is currently serving as chair of the Biomedical Engineering Program. He was honored with the Pew Teaching Excellence Award by GVSU in 2023. His areas of interest, expertise, and research include the biomechanics of human movement, dynamics, kinematics, and solid mechanics. Prior to joining GVSU, he worked for several years as a consulting expert in the field of injury biomechanics and accident reconstruction with Woolley Engineering Research Corporation in Provo, Utah, and Exponent Failure Analysis Associates in Phoenix, Arizona.

Courses Taught: 

Analytical Dynamics
Dynamics
Dynamic Systems Modeling and Control
Engineering Decision-Making in Society
Engineering Mechanics of Human Movement
Experimental Investigations in Biomechanics
Fluid Mechanics Laboratory
Kinematics and Dynamics of Machinery
Mechanics and Machines
Mechatronic Systems Dynamics and Control
Senior Capstone Design

Publications and Presentations:

G.J. Alderink and B.M. Ashby, Clinical Kinesiology and Biomechanics - A Problem-Based

Learning Approach, Springer, 2023. 

K. Joshi and B.M. Ashby, “Methods of Estimating Foot Power and Work in Standing Vertical

Jump,” Journal of Applied Biomechanics, Vol. 38, pp. 293–300, 2022.

B.M. Ashby, “Theoretical Justification for Distal Foot Power Equation,” Journal of

Biomechanics, Vol. 109, 109964, 2020.

B.M. Ashby, A.A. Sohel, and G.J. Alderink, “Effect of Arm Motion on Standing Lateral

Jumps,” Journal of Biomechanics, Vol. 96, 109339, 2019.

J. Beasley, L. Kenyon, A. Midena, J. Chartier, K. Meyers, B. Ashby, K. Anderson, “Cane

Handle Designs – Pressure and Preference: A Pilot Study,” Journal of Acute Care Physical

Therapy, Vol. 8, pp. 58-64, 2017.

L.J. Hickox, B.M. Ashby, and G.J. Alderink, “Exploration of the Validity of the Two-

Dimensional Sagittal Plane Assumption in Modeling the Standing Long Jump,” Journal of

Biomechanics, Vol. 49, pp. 1085–1093, 2016.

J. Pocratsky, B. Ashby, and J. Beasley, “Upper Extremity Kinematics in Sonographers during

Kidney Scanning,” Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Vol. 30, pp. 67–76, 2014.

L. Vetter, J. Beasley, B. Ashby, H. Bullock, C. Conroy, and J. Pocratsky, “Variation of Pinch

and Grip Force Between Different Size Transducers: A Preliminary Study,” Journal of

Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Vol. 29, pp. 245–252, 2013.

B.M. Ashby and S.L. Delp, “Optimal Control Simulations Reveal Mechanisms by which Arm

Movement Improves Standing Long Jump Performance,” Journal of Biomechanics, Vol. 39, pp.

1726–1734, 2006 (James Hay Memorial Award paper).

B.M. Ashby and J.H. Heegaard, “Role of Arms in the Standing Long Jump,” Journal of

Biomechanics, Vol. 35, pp. 1631–1637, 2002.

R.E. Spall and B.M. Ashby, “A Numerical Study of Vortex Breakdown in Turbulent Swirling

Flows,” Journal of Fluids Engineering, Vol. 122, pp. 179–183, 2000.

B. Ashby and A. Douglas, “Effect of Arm Movement on Lower Body Muscle Contributions in

the Standing Long Jump,” Proceedings of the ASME 2026 International Mechanical

Engineering Congress and Exposition, 2026 (submitted).

B.M. Ashby and W.S. Reffeor, “Using Stress Shielding in Hip Implants as a Case Study to

Teach Loading of Composite Beams,” 123rd ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, 2016.

B.M. Ashby and A.F. Asay, “Reconstruction of an Actual Vehicle Rollover as a Special Project

in an Undergraduate Dynamics Course,” 118th ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition,

Vancouver, Canada, 2011.

B.M. Ashby, W. Lai, M.R. Carhart, W. Newberry, B. Weaver, and C.F. Corrigan,

“Compressive Neck Preloading During the Airborne Phase of Vehicle Rollover,” SAE 2007-01-

0377, SAE 2007 World Congress, Detroit, MI, 2007.

G.T. Yamaguchi, B.M. Ashby, P. Luepke, T. Moore, R. Bove, and C.F. Corrigan, “Theoretical

Analysis of a Method for Computing Dynamic Roof Crush During Rollovers,” SAE 2007-01-

0366, SAE 2007 World Congress, Detroit, MI, 2007.

G.T. Yamaguchi, B.M. Ashby, W. Lai, M.R. Carhart, D. Richards, and C.F. Corrigan,

“Occupant Mechanics in Rollover Simulations of High and Low Aspect Ratio Vehicles,” SAE

2006-01-0451, SAE 2006 World Congress, Detroit, MI, 2006.

B. Ashby and A. Douglas, “Swinging Arms Helps Gluteus Maximus Generate More Work in the

Standing Long Jump,” 10th World Congress of Biomechanics, Vancouver, Canada, July 11–15,

2026 (accepted).

B.M. Ashby, “Internal Segment Work and Power in the Standing Long Jump,” Biomedical

Engineering Society Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD, October 23–26, 2024.

K. Joshi and B.M. Ashby, “Methods of Estimating Foot Power in Takeoff Phase of Standing

Vertical Jump,” Virtual 44th Meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics, August 4–7,

2020.

L. Halling, B. Morrison, M. Jones, H. Linebaugh, J. Beasley, R. Gootzeit, and B. Ashby,

“Occupational Therapy Interventions to Improve Scar Mobility and Hand Function” 2020

American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference & Expo, Boston, MA, March

26–29, 2020 (Conference canceled).

B.M. Ashby and G.J. Alderink, “Internal Foot Power in the Standing Long Jump: Comparison

of Distal Foot Power and Foot Power Imbalance,” XXVII Congress of the International Society

of Biomechanics and 43rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics, Calgary,

Canada, July 31–August 4, 2019.

B.M. Ashby and G.J. Alderink, “Comparison of 3DOF and 6DOF Work and Power for

Standing Long Jump,” 42nd Meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics, Rochester,

MN, August 8–11, 2018.

B.M. Ashby, A.A. Sohel, and G.J. Alderink, “Effect of Arm Motion on Standing Lateral Jump

Performance,” 42nd Meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics, Rochester, MN,

August 8–11, 2018.

L.J. Hickox, B.M. Ashby, and G.J. Alderink, “Effect of Kinematic Symmetry on Standing Long

Jump Performance,” 40th Meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics, Raleigh, NC,

August 2–5, 2016.

J. Chartier, A. Mistopoulos, J. Beasley, L.K. Kenyon, B. Ashby, and K. Anderson,

“Determining the Grip Pressure and Preference of Cane Handle Designs,” American Society of

Hand Therapists 38th Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, October 8–11, 2015.

L.J. Hickox, B.M. Ashby, and G.J. Alderink, “Analyzing Joint Work Symmetry in the Standing

Long Jump with a 3D Full-Body Model,” Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting,

Tampa, FL, October 7–10, 2015.

B.M. Ashby, N. Vlietstra, L.J. Hickox, and G.J. Alderink, “Methods for Full Body Inverse

Dynamics Analysis of Standing Long Jump,” 39th Meeting of the American Society of

Biomechanics, Columbus, OH, August 5–8, 2015.

L.J. Hickox, B.M. Ashby, and G.J. Alderink, “Validity of the Two-Dimensional Sagittal Plane

Assumption in Modeling the Standing Long Jump,” 39th Meeting of the American Society of

Biomechanics, Columbus, OH, August 5–8, 2015.

K. Nottelmann, F. Woods, M. Pittsley, J. Beasley, B. Ashby, and K. Anderson, “How Can Joint

Protection Apply to Grocery Shopping? An Evaluation to Determine the Optimal Handle

Diameter of Shopping Carts,” American Society of Hand Therapists 37th Annual Meeting,

Boston, MA, September 18–20, 2014.

B.M. Ashby, J.M. Bjorum, and M. Gates, “Quantifying Gait and Balance Pathologies of

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Patients using the Gait Deviation Index and Limits of Stability Test,”

World Congress of Biomechanics, Boston, MA, July 6–11, 2014.

H. Bullock, L. Vetter, B. Ashby, C. Conroy, J. Pocratsky, and J. Beasley, “Variation of Pinch

and Grip Force Between Different Size Transducers and the Related Perception of Pain

Experienced by Sonographers,” American Society of Hand Therapists 36th Annual Meeting,

Chicago, IL, October 24–27, 2013.

A. Vander Moren, H. Hotaling, B.O. Williams, B. Ashby, and T.A. Burgers,

“Mechanotransduction in Mouse Models – The Effect of Mechanical Loading on the Ulna,”

Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA, September 25–28, 2013.

A. Vander Moren, H. Hotaling, B.O. Williams, B. Ashby, and T.A. Burgers,

“Mechanotransduction in Mouse Models – The Effect of Mechanical Loading on the Ulna,”

Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners Research Day, Grand Rapids, MI. April 25, 2013.

J.M. Bjorum, B. Ashby, and M. Gates, “Evaluation of Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

using the Gait Deviation Index and Limits of Stability Test,” Midwest Biomedical Engineering

Career Conference, Chicago, IL, April 19, 2013.

L.K. Kenyon, S. Brooks, K. Rustem, A. Semelbauer, B. Baker, and B. Ashby, “The Impact of a

Visual Target on Children’s Limits of Stability in Sitting: A Pilot Study,” American Physical

Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, San Diego, CA, January 21–24, 2013.

J.E. Edwards and B.M. Ashby,

“Upper Extremity Kinematics in Sonographers during Kidney

Scanning,” Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA, October 24–27, 2012.

A. Filush and B.M. Ashby,

“Effect of Using Hand Weights on Performance in the Standing

Long Jump,” Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA, October 24–27, 2012.

B. Baker, N. Durga, N. Ryan, J. Shaughnessy, L. Kenyon, and B. Ashby, “The Effect of Visual

Feedback on the Assessment of Limits of Stability in Sitting Using the Neurocom Balance

Master System,” Michigan Physical Therapy Association Fall Conference, Mackinaw Island,

MI, September 21–22, 2012.

L.K. Kenyon, S. Brooks, K. Rustem, A. Semelbauer, B. Baker, and B. Ashby, “The Impact of a

Visual Target on Children’s Limits of Stability in Sitting: A Pilot Study,” Michigan Physical

Therapy Association Fall Conference, Mackinaw Island, MI, September 21–22, 2012.

R.L. Woolley and B.M. Ashby,

“Crash Pulse Modeling of Force Limiting Structures,” SAE

2008 World Congress, Detroit, MI, April 14–17, 2008.

R.L. Woolley and B.M. Ashby,

“Crash Pulse Scaling Applied to Accident Reconstruction,”

SAE 2008 World Congress, Detroit, MI, April 14–17, 2008.

B.M. Ashby, “Optimal Control Simulations Demonstrate How Halteres (Hand-Held Weights)

Increase Standing Long Jump Performance,” XXth Congress of the International Society of

Biomechanics and 29th Meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics, Cleveland, OH, July

31–August 5, 2005.

B.M. Ashby and S.L. Delp, “Optimal Control Simulations of Standing Long Jumps with Free

and Restricted Arm Movement,” 28th Meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics,

Portland, OR, September 8–11, 2004.

J.H. Heegaard and B.M. Ashby, “Fast and Robust Optimal Control Algorithms for

Musculoskeletal Dynamics,” ECCOMAS Multibody Dynamics Conference, Lisbon, Portugal,

July 1–4, 2003.

R.E. Spall and B.M. Ashby, “Buoyant, Pulsating Exchange Flows Through Vented Horizontal

Partitions,” 33rd National Heat Transfer Conference, Albuquerque, NM, August 15–17, 1999.

B.M. Ashby, S.S. Rhodes, Y. Lee, J.P. Farris, “Innovate, Educate, Elevate: Shaping

Tomorrow’s Biomedical Engineers,” Reach Higher Showcase 2024, Grand Valley State

University, Grand Rapids, MI, April 12, 2024.

J. Beasley, L. Halling, B. Morrison, M. Jones, H. Linebaugh, R. Gootzeit, B. Ashby,

“Scar Adherence Following Tendon Repair: Techniques to Maximize Gliding and Function”

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee College of Health Sciences: 2020 Wisconsin Hand

Experience, Milwaukee, WI, May 8, 2020 (Conference canceled).

B.M. Ashby, “Forensic Engineering: Case Studies in Accident Reconstruction and Injury

Biomechanics,” Joint Meeting for West Michigan Chapters of ASM International and Society

of Automotive Engineers, Grand Rapids, MI, April 24, 2017.

B.M. Ashby, “Forensic Engineering: Case Studies in Accident Reconstruction and Injury

Biomechanics,” School of Engineering Seminar at Grand Valley State University, March 14, 2017

B.M. Ashby, “Case Studies in Accident Reconstruction and Injury Biomechanics,” ASME

Student Section meeting at Grand Valley State University, November 10, 2016.

“Tenure-Track Faculty at Teaching Focused Institute,” panelist at American Society of

Biomechanics Student Career Roundtable, Columbus, OH, August 6, 2015.

B.M. Ashby, “Academia to Injury Biomechanics Consulting and Back Again,” 2014 Midwest

Biomedical Engineering Career Conference, Biomedical Engineering Society, Detroit, MI,

November 7, 2014.

“Research Mentors and Student Investigators” panelist at Open Dialogue: Students as Principle

Investigators, Grand Valley State University Center for Scholarly and Creative Excellence, May

20, 2014.

J. Beasley and B. Ashby, “Collaborative Research,” Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

Boot Camp, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI, February 22, 2014.

B.M. Ashby, “Reconstruction of a Vehicle Rollover,”

Forest Hills Central High School, Grand Rapids, MI, May 2, 2012.

Forest Hills Eastern High School, Ada, MI, February 16, 2012.

K. Saul, J. Reinbolt, S. Blemker, B. Ashby, S. Delp, S. Goldberg, R. Siston, D. Thelen, and J.

Webb, “Teaching Human Movement to Engineers: Experiences from Nine Institutions,”

Teaching Biomechanics Symposium at 35th Annual Meeting of the American Society of

Biomechanics, Long Beach, CA, August 10–13, 2011.

B.M. Ashby, “Stress Shielding in Total Hip Replacements,” BioE/ME C 117: Structural Aspects

of Biomaterials, University of California, Berkeley, February 5, 2004.

B.M. Ashby, “Integrating Equations of Motion with Exact Inequality Constraints,”

Neuromuscular Biomechanics Laboratory Meeting, Stanford, CA, August 22, 2003.

B.M. Ashby, “Optimal Control Strategies for Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Problems,” Honda

Fundamental Research Laboratory, Mountain View, CA, September 9, 2002.