Rate My Professor James Furmato

James A. Furmato is an Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Department of Bioengineering at Temple University College of Engineering. He holds a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, earned in 1995, and a PhD from Drexel University, defended in 2008. Prior to his current appointment, Furmato served as Assistant Professor and Chief Engineer at the Gait Study Center within Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. His professional career bridges podiatric medicine and bioengineering, with expertise demonstrated through his academic positions and contributions to student projects inspired by his doctoral research.

In his teaching role, Furmato delivers undergraduate courses including BIOE 0856: Ethical Issues in Biomedical Science, Engineering and Technology; BIOE 2101: Engineering Principles of Physiological Systems; BIOE 3001: Research Design and Methods in Bioengineering; and ENGR 1101: Introduction to Engineering and Engineering Technology. He advises senior bioengineering capstone design teams, notably guiding a project that advanced his PhD thesis work into the Portable System for Dynamic Assessment of Microvascular Function (NIRVA Device). This student-developed iteration improved upon his original Laser Doppler velocimetry prototype by utilizing near-infrared spectroscopy for greater portability and affordability. Furmato's scholarly output includes peer-reviewed publications focused on gait analysis and foot biomechanics: 'Effects of Weight Loss on Foot Structure and Function in Obese Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial' (Gait & Posture, 2014); 'Effect of Shoe Flexibility on Plantar Loading in Children Learning to Walk' (Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 2013); 'Effects of weight loss on foot structure in obese adults: a pilot study' (Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 2012); and 'Accessory Plantar Arterial Pressure Due to Limb Swing' (Journal of Biomechanics, 2007). He also serves as Faculty Advisor for the Temple Main Campus Pre-Health Professions Student Association and contributes to bioengineering education initiatives, such as moderating sessions at the Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting.