Advancing Research and Innovation for Aging and Disability (ARIAD)

A CU Denver Research and
Creative Work Grand Challenge

The Goal

The ARIAD team aims to cultivate a powerful collaborative network of academic experts, community stakeholders, and local, national, and international industry advisors and partners to address the grand challenge of aging and aging into disability facing our world today. Funding and research support is provided by CU Denver in order to lay the foundation for building CU Denver’s reputation as a leader in research and creative work. 

The Challenge

Public speaker in wheelchair in group with other adult lecturers.

One Billion

People live with disabilities worldwide.

Society is Aging

By 2030, one out of every five Americans will be at or above retirement age

Demand Fuels Innovation

One in two older adults will experience disability as they age.

Team Members

Headshot of Dana Carpenter in business suit smiling

Dana Carpenter PhD

Associate Professor Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering (CEAS)

Email Address:dana.carpenter@ucdenver.edu

Primary Phone:3035568348

Mailing Address:
  • CU Denver

North Classroom

1200 Larimer Street

2024M

Denver, CO 80204

Dr. Carpenter is an Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering at CU Denver. His research combines medical imaging, computational modeling, and mechanical testing to investigate the effects of aging, diseases, pharmaceuticals, and implanted devices on the human skeleton. He has over 20 years of experience in performing mechanical testing, image-based biomechanical analysis, volumetric bone mineral density (BMD) analysis, biomechanical strength analysis, and finite element analysis of bones and medical devices. He has used image-based mechanical analysis to investigate knee mechanics, the skeletal effects of the microgravitational environment aboard the International Space Station, and the effects of age, race, and sex on bone mineral density and bone structure. For the ARIAD project, he will work to bridge the fields of medical imaging, mechanical engineering, and design to help develop new strategies for improving the health and safety of our aging population.

Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering (CIDE)

CU Denver

The Hub, Bioengineering

1224 5th Street

Suite 130

Denver, CO 80204


303-315-1280

CMS Login