Dr. Rajat Emmanuel Singh is the new assistant professor of kinesiology at Northwestern College. Dr. Singh loves the Christian atmosphere of this college and enjoys encouraging students to see God in the world of exercise science, kinesiology and biomedical engineering.
Dr. Singh specializes in biomechanics, specifically synergy analysis of amputees with the goal of quantifying muscle coordination strategies with assistive technologies. He has had many works published, including in the Journal of Applied Bionics and Biomechanics.
Dr. Singh became interested in biomedical engineering because of people.
“Humans. They are very interesting,” Dr. Singh said. “The human physiology and neurology remind me that God can be amazing.”
Because of his specialty in biomechanics, he teaches the biomechanics class. Other classes Dr. Singh teaches are a physiology class, anatomical kinesiology, motor learning and body stewardship.
This new position is not without challenges for Dr. Singh.
“I am still learning,” Dr. Singh said. “The position is like juggling; it’s a position with a lot of responsibilities.”
Dr. Singh is adapting well to his new position despite the juggling, with help from students and faculty. “At this point, even when juggling, I’m doing well,” Dr. Singh stated. “It is a very supportive environment. My students and my advisor, Ross Bouma, have helped me adjust.”
Department Chair of Exercise Science Ross Bouma applauds the amazing job Dr. Singh has put in to teaching his students.
“Eventually he may advise some of the exercise science students and possibly oversee some of the directed field experience classes and internships for exercise science students as well,” Bouma said.
One of Dr. Singh’s goals for his class is to challenge them to learn from their mistakes and to try again.
“I hope to teach students what they should be representing,” Dr. Singh said. “It’s better to try and fail rather than to quit. Solve rather than runaway.”
Bouma has observed Dr. Singh stick to his statement.
“I have seen Dr. Singh working with students individually and in small groups in his office and the RSC hallway,” Bouma said. “I also know in class that he takes the time to make sure all students are understanding a problem or concept.”
The Christian values at NW attracted Dr. Singh to his current position. He enjoys the peace that surrounds the campus.
“God brought me here because I wanted peace in my life,” Dr Singh stated. “Northwestern’s community is a stronghold community. It is like a family.”
Dr. Singh is an Indian citizen, who is working at NW on a work visa. He received his undergraduate degree in electronics and communication engineering at Punjab University in India. Dr. Singh first came to the United States to receive his masters and doctorate at the University of Arkansas.
“This country is a hot spot for research, has many opportunities and, on a personal note, I see God working in this country,” Dr. Singh stated.
Dr. Singh continued his education and career in the States. Before working at NW, Dr. Singh was working as a post-doctoral research fellow at the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Dr. Singh also worked for a short period at the University of Minnesota.
