Matthew Parkinson is the Director of The Learning Factory and Professor at Penn State, where he leads transformative work at the intersection of engineering, design, and human-centered innovation.

With appointments across several departments—including Mechanical Engineering, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, and the School of Engineering Design and Innovation—his interdisciplinary approach fuels both education and applied research.

Matthew’s expertise lies in designing products and systems that truly work for people. His research spans biomechanics, ergonomics, rehabilitation engineering, and global product development, with a particular focus on design for human variability. Whether optimizing motion models or enhancing biomedical devices, his work is grounded in real-world impact and the belief that engineering design must adapt to the diversity of human needs.

Passionate about mentoring the next generation of innovators, Matthew directs The Learning Factory, a hands-on hub where students tackle complex challenges and develop solutions that blend technical rigor with user-centered thinking.