P. Hunter Peckham PhD, founder and inaugural executive director of the Cleveland FES Center, was awarded an honorary doctor of science degree from Clarkson University, Potsdam, N.Y., at the university’s spring commencement on May 11.
Peckham, a Clarkson alumnus, was honored for his lifelong commitment to innovative rehabilitation research benefitting civilians and veterans with spinal cord injuries, for his significant contributions to national rehabilitation research policy, and for his exceptional leadership of the biomedical and rehabilitation engineering community.
Accepting the award, Peckham spoke about his time at Clarkson, the challenges he overcame, and the power of embracing uncertainty: “Think back to when you first arrived at Clarkson—has every semester panned out precisely as planned? Or did you find yourself someplace entirely unexpected? Do you find yourself grateful for the experiences—good and bad—that brought you to this arena? Rest assured, you will encounter uncertainty again and again throughout your lives. As uncomfortable as they may be in the moment, I have found that surprises often lead to the greatest gifts.”
Peckham is Distinguished University Professor Emeritus, Donnell Institute Professor Emeritus and Professor of Biomedical Engineering Emeritus at Case Western Reserve University.
Peckham is also founder of the Institute for Functional Restoration at Case Western Reserve University and co-director of the MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute at MetroHealth System in Cleveland. He has contributed to the development of implantable neural prostheses using electrical stimulation to reactivate neuromuscular function.
Currently, Peckham is leading a NIH-supported feasibility study of a clinical trial to implement a new networked neuroprosthesis technology to restore hand function after spinal cord injury.
