This month we have a rare opportunity to interview Dr. Rory Cooper, the Director of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL), Pittsburgh, PA).

We do not have the space to list credentials. Cooper has authored or co-authored over 400 peer-review journal publications, 30 patents awarded or pending, and authored two books In October 2023,

President Biden awarded him the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, and the National Inventors Hall of Fame inducted him into their 50^th class.Cooper shares his journey from the U.S. Army to the HERL and the obstacles overcame along the way. 

1. What was your motivation to join the U.S. Army?

I joined the Army like most people for many reasons. I earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts, with many of the scouting leaders being veterans influencing me.

My father served in the Army, as did other members of my family.

Besides my desire to serve a cause greater than myself and to make a difference in the world, I wished to see a bit of the world, explore options for my future, to learn more about myself, and to gain skills and resources for my future.

2. How long did you serve and your specialty?

I served for about 37 months before I was severely injured and then had to leave the Army and find a new way forward.

I began my Army service as a Unit Armorer in the 32^nd Air Defense Artillery Command and later underwent retraining as Civil Affairs.

I then worked for the US Army Europe Headquarters on the staffs of 5^th Signal Command and, for a while, with 21^st Theater Support Command.

I also had the opportunity to represent my Army unit and USAREUR in several running competitions, instilling in me a lifelong love of the sport.

3. What impact did the military have on you?

The military had a profound impact on me. I met my wife, Rosemarie, learned a second language, experienced different cultures, developed leadership skills, and made friendships lasting decades.

I developed a deep respect for service-members, veterans, and their families. My understanding of the importance of service was deepened and as was my sense of sacrifice. 

4. What would you tell a younger Rory about the military? 

The military is an excellent place to start your adult life, and it will change you. The people that you meet will become a second family and their impression of you will be lasting. You will form bonds that are everlasting.

6. What changed in your life to transition you in a different direction?

I became severely injured while doing physical training riding my bicycle. The result of which was a spinal cord injury and permanent paralysis of my legs.

My friends and military unit and leadership were very supportive and encouraging.

With help from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, I was able to pursue an engineering degree at California Polytechnic State University, where I had outstanding support from professors and fellow students.

7. What is the moving force in your life to keep moving forward?

Service to others–especially those who have sacrificed on behalf of the USA.

I am driven to strive to make a difference in people’s lives and to improve the world by creating technologies and opportunities for empowering veterans and people with disabilities to achieve their goals.

8. What is that one accomplishment that stands out for you?

I consider creating, growing and sustaining the Human Engineering Research Labs to be my greatest professional accomplishment; especially the research and development it and continues to lead, the people that it has educated and trained, and the lives that it has affected.

My great personal accomplishment is a successful, loving marriage to Rosemarie, and the life that we have built together. My proudest athletic accomplishment was representing Team USA is world and Paralympic competitions and earning a bronze medal in the Paralympics.

9. What can you say to those you are facing physical challenges?

Stay focused on the future and what you can accomplish–pursue your dreams and don’t let other define you or what you can achieve.

10. You are an accomplished athlete, and how do you balance the training?

It is very difficult with my work obligations, but I try to workout 6-days a week.

Mostly in the morning before work. I make it part of y daily routine, and try to take a high-intensity-training approach to maximize results for time available.

I enjoy training and it is part of my lifestyle.

11. When you are on a starting line, what are the final thoughts?

I’ve accomplished nearly all my athletic goals, now I tell myself to be safe, enjoy the experience, and when the opportunity presents itself, help someone less experienced.

I really enjoy helping people who have become newly wounded, injured or ill, sharing my knowledge and experience to achieve their goals.

12. What is the importance of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories University

HERL provides opportunities through research, development and education that help veterans and people with disabilities empower and improve their lives.

13. How do you process setbacks where the results are less than desirable?

Through teamwork and by being tenacious, goal oriented and learning from errors. Inventions inevitably fall short early on, but I take that as part of the learning and discovery process. 

14. What do you want the reader to know about Rory Cooper?

Beyond his research, development and education contributions, Cooper is an advocate for disability rights and inclusion. He has worked to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and to promote policies and technologies that enhance their quality of life.

The Human Engineering Research Laboratories are a part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as the Center for Wheelchairs and Assistive Robotics Engineering.

President Joseph Biden awards the National Medal of Technology and Innovation to Dr. Rory Cooper at the White House in Washington, D.C., Oct. 24, 2023 (U.S. Army photo by Christopher Kaufmann)of Pittsburgh and the US Department of Veterans Affairs

*Read More from George Banker HERE!

*Read more about Dr. Rory Cooper at Human Engineering