Jesse Leaman Ph.D

Dr. Jesse Leaman is a scientist, inventor, and speaker whose life story includes a transition from collegiate athletics to a career in astrophysics and assistive technology following a spinal cord injury resulting in quadriplegia. Leaman earned a Ph.D. in astrophysics and has contributed to advancements in assistive technology for power wheelchair users.

Leaman began his work in adaptive technology during an internship at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. This experience led to the invention of the Gryphon Shield, an information technology upgrade package for motorized wheelchairs, developed through his company, Gryphon Industries. The Gryphon Shield received national recognition, being named among the top 25 inventions of the year by History Channel and the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Leaman continued his research at the University of Nevada, Reno Advanced Robotics and Automation Laboratory, where he developed the iChair, an intelligent power wheelchair that incorporates Mac technology, precision sensors, and a 3D-printed enclosure. The iChair enables users with severe physical disabilities to control their wheelchair through subtle head movements. This research earned Leaman a Best Paper Award at the International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics and was featured in a TEDx Talk at TEDxDavidsonAcademy.

Leaman is also active as a public speaker and advocate, addressing audiences at educational institutions, government laboratories, corporations, and the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. His published research covers topics such as supernova rates from the Lick Observatory Supernova Search and reviews of smart wheelchair technology. Leaman's work integrates scientific research, adaptive technology, and advocacy for accessibility and inclusion.