Meet the team
James Bassitt, Senior Experimental Officer
In his role as Research Director and Facility Manager for at the University of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, James Bassitt is responsible for implementing the ideas of academic researchers and commercial partners for using the facility. His current role entails maintenance of the platform, developing software for researchers to create bespoke motion environments, supporting grant applications for non-engineering areas, pilot data tests, managing the servers and VR equipment, and running and designing experiments for students.
James helped design the VSimulators facility and the building in which it is housed, getting involved in the initial concept, final commissioning and site acceptance testing of the equipment and building. This entailed complicated design of high-precision equipment and facility installation requiring a high degree of project management and liaison with multiple suppliers.
Garry Massey, Technical Development Officer, Biomedical Research Centre
Following his PhD at Loughborough University, Garry joined the University of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's Technical Services, bringing his knowledge and skills from working in neuromuscular function and biomechanics research laboratories to the Sport and Health Sciences department based at the St Luke’s campus, where for the previous five years, he provided assistance to the teaching and research, specialising in biomechanics.
Now the Technical Development Officer for the NIHR 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Garry supports the work of the Human Movement Science group at the University’s VSimulators research facility, and manages the BRC Rehabilitation theme’s use of Faculty of Health and Life Sciences biomechanics equipment and laboratories.
In his work, Garry is involved in research protocol development, data collection and processing, as well as training staff and research students regarding the use of specialist equipment and software (3D motion capture, force platforms, inertial measurement units, electromyography).
James Brownjohn, original Principal Investigator of the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ VSimulator
James Brownjohn, the original Principal Investigator of the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ VSimulator, is a world-renowned professor within the Vibration Engineering Section at the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy at the University of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. He has an international reputation in structural health monitoring, with application to real world problems. He is an expert at dynamic analysis, testing and monitoring of large scale civil engineering structures including bridges, buildings, grandstands and staircases.
James helped design the VSimulators facility and the building in which it is housed, getting involved in the initial concept, final commissioning and site acceptance testing of the equipment and building. This entailed complicated design of high-precision equipment and facility installation requiring a high degree of project management and liaison with multiple suppliers.
Ben Boswell
Ben joined the University of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ in February this year, where his focus is on commercialising key facilities, specifically the VSimulators and Dynamometer, which are based at the University’s Engineering Research Centre at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Science Park.
Ben’s career began in the British Army, where he was commissioned from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He served in the Royal Artillery, specialising in the coordination of Unmanned Air Systems. As a Captain, he led a troop of 45 men and women, managing operations across the globe, including a seven-month tour in Afghanistan.
Katy Manning, Administrator
In her role as administrator for the VSimulators facility, Katy provides administrative, financial and marketing support to the team. Her duties include promoting the facility’s activities through organising promotional visits, managing the websites and social media sites, writing blogs, and supporting the creation and distribution of press releases. Katy also manages the facility’s budgets, organises meetings, events, and provides logistical, purchasing and travel support.
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