Inaugural Thomas R. Waters MSD Memorial Scholarship Recipient Shares His Experience
Inaugural Thomas R. Waters MSD Memorial Scholarship Recipient Shares His Experience
The CDC Foundation is thrilled to share the experiences of Rahul Narasimhan, the first recipient of the Thomas R. Waters MSD Memorial Scholarship Award. This prestigious award, established in memory of Dr. Thomas R. Waters, continues his legacy of dedication to ergonomics and occupational safety.
About the Thomas R. Waters MSD Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Thomas R. Waters was a distinguished researcher at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), known for his groundbreaking work on the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation. Following his unexpected passing in 2014, his family and colleagues established this scholarship fund to support graduate students in ergonomics and human factors, with a focus on occupational safety and health. The Thomas R. Waters MSD Memorial Scholarship Award is intended to increase scientific understanding about how the human system's interaction (physical and/or cognitive) with physical manipulation tasks could influence the risk to the human musculoskeletal system.
A steadfast advocate for education, Dr. Waters frequently hosted numerous visiting scientists and international collaborators, as well as teaching individuals, academics, government organizations and worker groups about his research both domestically and internationally. Throughout his career, Dr. Waters attracted many recent graduates and new researchers into his program at CDC—mentoring and encouraging them to become life-long advocates for occupational safety and health.
Rahul Narasimhan's Journey
Rahul Narasimhan, a graduate student in Industrial Engineering at Clemson University, was selected as the inaugural recipient of this esteemed award. The reviewers of Rahul’s application agreed that he and his work in occupational ergonomics were highly deserving of the honor. Rahul credits the invaluable guidance from his PhD advisor, Dr. Divya Srinivasan at Clemson University, as instrumental in helping him achieve this award.
Rahul wrote, “As a dedicated researcher in the field of occupational ergonomics, I have been actively involved in evaluating interventions aimed at reducing the risk of low-back disorders due to manual material handling. My commitment to this area is not only driven by academic curiosity but also by a personal goal to reduce workplace injuries and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).”
This scholarship enabled Rahul to attend the triennial congress of the International Ergonomics Association in South Korea, marking a significant milestone in his academic journey.
Rahul described the conference as an "extraordinary experience," highlighting it as his first fully international event. He was immersed in a diverse array of scientific lectures, thought-provoking panels and engaging poster sessions. The opportunity allowed him to connect with students and professors from various disciplines, each contributing unique insights through their research.
Beyond the academic aspects, Rahul's time in Jeju and Seoul proved to be remarkable. He was captivated by the warmth and hospitality he encountered, as well as the rich cultural heritage of Korea. From exploring vintage markets to appreciating the country's profound respect for art and indulging in its incredible cuisine, every moment left a lasting impression.
Reflecting on his experience, Rahul expressed profound gratitude, stating, "Receiving the award has only motivated me more to work towards reducing workplace MSDs." This sentiment perfectly aligns with the scholarship's goal of inspiring the next generation of researchers in ergonomics and occupational safety.
Looking Forward
The success of the inaugural Thomas R. Waters MSD Memorial Scholarship award is a testament to the lasting impact of Dr. Waters' work and the importance of supporting emerging researchers in the field. As we celebrate Rahul's experience, we look forward to future recipients carrying forward Dr. Waters' legacy of improving workplace safety and health.
The CDC Foundation continues to welcome contributions to this important scholarship fund, ensuring that Dr. Waters' passion for education and workplace safety lives on through the next generation of researchers.
