Leah O'Shea, MS

Leah is a Biomedical Engineer II at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and a native Chicagoan dedicated to advancing rehabilitation technology and clinical research. Since joining the organization in 2021, she has contributed to the design, development, and implementation of rehabilitation devices, robotic therapy systems, and research infrastructure that support both clinical care and scientific discovery.

Leah’s work spans medical device development, biomechanics, robotics, and clinical research. She is co-inventor of a patented clinical hand grip system, “Systems and Methods for Quantifying Hypertonus” (US20240374192A1), and led the design and development of a prototype passive lower-limb exoskeleton for rehabilitation and therapy applications. Her research has explored novel rehabilitation approaches, including the use of hypoxia as a therapeutic intervention to enhance recovery and functional outcomes in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and stroke. Her work combines engineering, clinical research, and technology development, with a focus on creating innovative solutions that advance rehabilitation science and improve the delivery of research and patient-centered interventions.

Leah holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration and is passionate about translating engineering innovation into practical solutions that enhance rehabilitation and improve quality of life for patients.