Workplace safety insights
MEMIC Safety Research Center
2026 grant awarded to San José State University
Their project, "Physical AI for Musculoskeletal Disorder Risk Reduction in Office Work: Smart Sensing and Adaptive Ergonomic Interventions," will develop a smart workstation system that uses artificial intelligence and sensors to identify potential ergonomic risks and encourage healthier work habits.
About the center
Research that helps prevent workplace injuries
The MEMIC Safety Research Center serves as a bridge between our policyholders, business partners, academia, and state entities to transform ideas into real-life safety solutions.
- Supports applied workplace safety research
- Connects industry experience with academic expertise
- Translates research into practical solutions
- Advances safer workplaces
Research opportunities
2026 recipients
San José State University
Portland, ME – The MEMIC Safety Research Center has awarded its 2026 Safety Research Grant to Dr. Gaojian Huang, Dr. Yue Luo, and Dr. Guannan Liu of San José State University. The team will receive $30,000 to study how new technology can help reduce musculoskeletal injuries, such as back, neck, shoulder, and wrist pain, that are common among people who spend long hours working at computers.
Their project, "Physical AI for Musculoskeletal Disorder Risk Reduction in Office Work: Smart Sensing and Adaptive Ergonomic Interventions," will develop a smart workstation system that uses artificial intelligence and sensors to identify potential ergonomic risks and encourage healthier work habits. The goal is to help employees avoid injury while improving comfort and productivity.
Research impact
We are grateful for this grant and for this partnership with MEMIC. With the availability of wearable technology... there is a sizeable potential for cost-savings, increased productivity, and overall improved worker health we hope to be able to uncover and detail.
James R. Jones, Executive Director, Katie School of Insurance and Risk Management, Illinois State University
Meet the research center
- Learn more about Anna
Anna Hooper, CSP, WCP®
Safety Management Consultant, MEMIC Safety Research Center
Anna joined MEMIC in 2022 as a Safety Management Consultant. Prior to joining MEMIC, she was an Environmental Health and Safety Manager within the wood products manufacturing and cement manufacturing industries. Anna has been responsible for designing and maintaining compliance assurance programs from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations, developing written safety protocols and procedures, and providing safety training for industrial safety topics.
- Learn more about Clayton
Clayton Cartwright, PT, DPT, ASP, WCP®
Safety Management Consultant, MEMIC Safety Research Center
Clayton Cartwright joined MEMIC in 2020 with 12 years of clinical experience in physical therapy, working mostly in the orthopedic outpatient setting with workers injured in healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, hospitality, and education settings. He uses ergonomics and body mechanics as insight into mechanism of injury and to better understand and apply principles of workplace injury prevention, with the knowledge that “every business has nuances.”
Dr. Luis F. Pieretti, CIH, CSP, WCP®
Founder, MEMIC Safety Research Center
When we started the MEMIC Safety Research Center, we did it from a position of strength. That is to say: We were already engaging in best workplace safety practices with our policyholders, backed by our Loss Control Department’s knowledge and experience.
By pairing that experience with academic institutions, we want to expand the current state of knowledge in pursuit of solutions to workplace injury. Field experience is irreplaceable, but knowledge gathered from sound research will provide business owners, their employees, and related stakeholders additional tools for the prevention of occupational injuries and illnesses.
Interested in funding workplace safety research?
Learn about proposal requirements and upcoming funding opportunities.