Rafael Casas
About Rafael Casas
Rafael Casas is a Biomedical Research Scientist with extensive experience in rehabilitation engineering and patient recruitment. He has worked at the National Institutes of Health since 2013 and has contributed to various projects, including the design of exoskeletons for stroke rehabilitation.
Work at National Institutes of Health
Rafael Casas has been employed at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a Biomedical Research Scientist since 2013. His role is based in the NIH Clinical Center, specifically within the Radiology and Imaging Sciences department located in Bethesda, Maryland. Over the course of his tenure, he has contributed to various research initiatives, including leading longitudinal imaging and behavior studies in HIV research. His work at NIH focuses on advancing biomedical science and improving rehabilitation techniques.
Education and Expertise
Rafael Casas holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from The Catholic University of America, which he completed between 2017 and 2021. Prior to this, he earned a Master of Science (MS) and a Bachelor of Science from New Mexico State University, with his undergraduate studies spanning from 2004 to 2010 and his master's studies from 2010 to 2012. His educational background equips him with a strong foundation in biomedical research, engineering, and rehabilitation science.
Background in Biomedical Engineering
Before joining NIH, Rafael Casas worked in various engineering and research roles. He served as a Research Engineer and Marketing Director at BioMat Sciences for nine months in 2012-2013, where he was involved in bilingual patient recruitment for studies. He also worked as a Project Engineer at Harbor Designs & Manufacturing, LLC for three months in 2013 and as an Engineering Assessment Evaluator at New Mexico State University from 2010 to 2012. His diverse background enhances his capabilities in biomedical engineering and research.
Research Contributions and Projects
Rafael Casas has designed and developed several significant projects in the field of rehabilitation. He created the HandSOME II passive hand exoskeleton for stroke rehabilitation, which was evaluated in a clinical study. Additionally, he re-designed and assembled an actuated 5-DOF Whole Arm Exoskeleton compatible with HandSOME II for clinical applications. His research also includes programming a novel data tracking system for home rehabilitation and providing direct rehabilitation training to stroke subjects using the clinical-based 'Hexorr' Robot.
Involvement with NASA
Rafael Casas contributed research to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, focusing on long-term space missions. This involvement highlights his expertise in applying biomedical engineering principles to unique challenges, such as those encountered in space environments. His work supports the understanding of human health and rehabilitation in extreme conditions, further emphasizing the relevance of his research in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial contexts.