Karl Zelik is the CSO and Co-Founder of HeroWear. An accomplished scientist in the fields of engineering and biomechanics, Karl pioneers research, development, and technology that augments human performance and health.
A mechanical engineering professor at Vanderbilt University since 2014, Karl holds secondary appointments in the departments of Biomedical Engineering and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. He also co-directs the Center for Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology (CREATE) at Vanderbilt University, which aims to improve health, mobility, and independence for individuals with disabilities and to enhance human capabilities beyond biological limits.
Karl received the International Society of Biomechanics Promising Scientist Award (2017), the American Society of Biomechanics Young Scientist Award (2017), and a Nashville Emerging Leader Award (2018). He has published more than 30 peer-reviewed journal papers on biomechanics and assistive technology.
Karl received his B.S. and M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, then his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan. He also conducted postdoctoral research as a Whitaker International Scholar at the Santa Lucia Foundation Rehabilitation Hospital in Rome, Italy.
