Good Shepherd Rehabilitation and Lehigh University have launched a long-term partnership to advance rehabilitation care through joint research.

Leaders from both institutions announced the collaboration Sept. 19 at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital in Center Valley, coinciding with National Rehabilitation Awareness Week.

The alliance combines Lehigh’s expertise in engineering, neuroscience, and data science with Good Shepherd’s century-long track record of clinical innovation. Early projects include:

• Developing a wayfinding app using robotic mapping for digital indoor accessibility.

• Studying wearable technology to assist people with dysphagia, a swallowing disorder affecting 9 million adults annually.

• Assessing community needs of children and adults with autism and other neurodivergent conditions.

• Re-engineering a recreational therapy gaming system for residents at Good Shepherd Home-Bethlehem.

• Identifying barriers that limit access to communication devices for adolescents transitioning out of high school.

As part of the partnership, Lehigh faculty members Dr. Juan Carlos Aceros and Dr. Shirin Madarshahian have been jointly appointed as Good Shepherd research scientists.

Their work focuses on technology to support mobility and communication, and on movement and coordination in people with neurological conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and Parkinson’s disease.

“This partnership is so exciting because it deeply integrates Lehigh’s expertise directly into Good Shepherd’s programs and services,” said Michael Spigel, president & CEO of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation. “Together, we can turn research into practical solutions that make a real difference in our patients’ lives.”

The collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding in August 2024, lays out a 10-year vision for interdisciplinary research, joint faculty appointments, and seed funding for new projects.

It is led by Lehigh’s College of Health with participation across the university’s five colleges and nearly 20 students already involved.

“Partnerships like this are critical as we look to advance technologies that support individuals with disabilities and the health of our communities,” said Nathan Urban, Lehigh provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

“These joint positions give our faculty direct connections with clinicians and patients, ensuring that our research addresses real-world needs,” Urban said.

Beth Dolan, dean of the College of Health, said, “By joining forces with Good Shepherd, we’re able to recruit outstanding faculty, offer students meaningful experiences, and deliver innovations that improve lives across the Lehigh Valley and beyond.”