Shihab S. Asfour

Biography

Dr. Shihab Asfour has served as associate dean of the College of Engineering since August 2007. In addition, he has served as chair of the Department of Industrial Engineering since June 1999. He also holds the position of professor in the biomedical engineering and the orthopedics and rehabilitation departments. Asfour received his doctorate in industrial engineering from Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas. He pioneered the application of ergonomics and biomechanics in the electric utility industry, developing and implementing a large-scale ergonomics program for reduction of musculoskeletal injuries at Florida Power & Light Co. This led to a major reduction in back injuries and contributed to FPL being the first U.S. company to win the Deming Prize of Quality. He has published more than 280 articles in national and international journals, proceedings and books. His work has appeared in Ergonomics, Human Factors, Spine and IIE. He has also edited a two-volume book titled Trends in Ergonomics/Human Factors IV and Computer Aided Ergonomics. He has published more than 280 articles in national and international journals, proceedings and books. His work has appeared in Ergonomics, Human Factors, Spine, and IIE. He has also edited a two-volume book titled “Trends in Ergonomics/Human Factors IV” and “Computer Aided Ergonomics.” Asfour is director of the University of Miami Industrial Assessment Center. The center, which has received close to $5 million from the U.S. Department of Energy, was established in 2000 and is currently funded until 2021. Asfour has served as a consultant to industrial, service and educational organizations for more than 40 years. In 2004 he received the Fellow Award of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the institute on a member. He is also a member of the Iron Arrow Honor Society, the highest honor given at the University of Miami. Asfour is the parent of three Miami Hurricanes. His older daughter graduated from UM with a bachelor’s in psychology, master’s in liberal arts, and master’s in industrial engineering and is working on her doctorate in epidemiology and public health. His younger daughter graduated with a bachelor’s in industrial engineering, while his son graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in industrial engineering.

Research Interest

Industrial Ergonomics, Work Physiology, Biomechanics, Rehabilitation Engineering, Safety Engineering, Work Measurement, Systems Design, Energy Management and Quality Engineering.