Education

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Environment and Technology
University of the West of England, Bristol, UK., 2012

Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
University of the West of England, Bristol , UK., 2003

Metropolitan University, UK., 1991

Bachelor of Engineering (Hons): Mechanical Engineering
Oxford Brookes University, UK., 1997

Diploma of the College of Occupational Therapy (D/358/89)
University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK., 1989

Biography

Dr. Jenkins has worked as an Occupational Therapist in the National Health Service (UK) within various specialities: orthopaedics, elderly rehabilitation, neurology and the management of severe physical disability. In addition he was employed as a Senior Occupational Therapist (paediatrics) at the Dubai Centre for Special Needs, in the United Arab Emirates. Following, Dr. Jenkins returned to the UK, where he was employed as a Clinical Specialist in Assistive Technology; a consultant position within a National Centre, focused on the use of technology to support people with disabilities. In 1998, he moved to Mississippi State University the USA, as a Rehabilitation Engineer at the T.K. Martin Center for Disability and Technology, Mississippi State University. In 2002, he was awarded the Industrial Designers Society of America IDEA Gold Award for Research. Later that year he entered academia as a Senior Lecturer with the University of the West of England, Bristol, UK. In January 2008, he joined the faculty at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, teaching foundational sciences, theoretical approaches, assistive technology and supporting other courses. Dr. Jenkins earned his PhD in the Environment and Technology. The title of his dissertation was: Effects of multisensory environments on blind and visually impaired people’s experience of public spaces

Research Interests

Dr. Jenkins’ research interests focus on three areas: (a) The influence of the natural (green spaces) and built environment on occupational participation by people of all ages and functional profiles. (b) Use of assistive technology (AT) across all age groups and disabilities. (c) Pedagogical affect, student interest, and learning performance.

His clinical interests include: (a) assistive technology for people with disabilities, including those with functional limitations in movement, learning, cognition and vision; (b) mobility, seating and postural interventions for people with disabilities; (c) environmental assessment and recommendation of strategies for facilitate occupational participation for those with disabilities; (d) occupational ergonomics assessment and recommendations to improve worker productivity and minimize risk.