Dr. James D. McGlothlin – Qualifications & Publications

Dr. James D. McGlothlin, MPH, PhD, CPE, FAIHA, is a Certified Professional Ergonomist and internationally recognized expert in occupational safety and health. As Professor Emeritus in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Purdue University, he directed the Graduate Program in Occupational and Environmental Sciences and founded the university’s Ergonomics and Exposure Assessment Research Laboratory (PEARL).

He is best known for developing Ergonomics Programs and Video Exposure Monitoring (VEM), a breakthrough technology in real-time exposure assessment, for which he holds multiple patents. He has authored over 250 scientific publications and is co-editor of Occupational Ergonomics: Theory and Applications, now in its second edition.

His 22-year career as a commissioned officer at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) focused on engineering controls and exposure prevention. His work has earned national recognition, including the Surgeon General’s Exemplary Service Medal and the ASSP Safety Professional of the Year award.

Dr. McGlothlin continues to shape the field as an adjunct professor at Western Michigan University and as founder of McGlothlin Ergonomics, LLC, and Video Plus Sensors, Inc. (VPSi). His expertise is trusted by organizations of all sizes—from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses around the world. Renowned as a captivating speaker, he shares vital insights on ergonomics and exposure monitoring and serves as an expert witness in litigation cases.

Academic & Professional Background

• Ph.D. in Industrial Health and Ergonomics – University of Michigan

• Master of Public Health (MPH) – University of Michigan

• Bachelor of Science – Indiana University

• Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE)

• Fellow, American Industrial Hygiene Association (FAIHA)

• Director, Graduate Program in Occupational and Environmental Sciences, Purdue University

• Founder, Purdue Ergonomics and Exposure Assessment Research Lab (PEARL)

• Adjunct Professor, Western Michigan University

Awards & Recognitions

• Surgeon General’s Exemplary Service Medal

• Safety Professional of the Year – American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)

• 22 years as commissioned officer – NIOSH / CDC / USPHS

• Global recognition for education and innovation in ergonomics

Key Innovations

Dr. McGlothlin is the lead developer of Video Exposure Monitoring (VEM), a patented system that synchronizes environmental exposure data with video footage. His innovation has advanced workplace safety in manufacturing, healthcare, education, and public safety environments.

Consulting Services

• Ergonomic program design and assessment

• Injury prevention and workflow optimization

• Real-time exposure monitoring and evaluation

• On-site training and workshops

• Expert witness and litigation support

Additional Publications

Books

• Video Exposure Monitoring: Exposure Assessment Tools and Techniques – Forthcoming

Book Chapters

• "Video Exposure Monitoring" in Patty’s Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology (2021, Wiley)

• "Ergonomics" in The Occupational Environment (2011)

• "Waste Anesthetic Gases" in Advanced Practice and Leadership in Radiology Nursing (2020, Springer)

Peer-Reviewed Articles

• Sommerich, C., McGlothlin, J. D., Marras, W. (1993). “Risk Factors for Shoulder Disorders.” Ergonomics, 36(6), 697–717.

• Dunston, P., McGlothlin, J. D., et al. (2011). “Virtual Reality Mock-Up for Patient Room Design.” In Collaborative Design in Virtual Environments, Springer.

• McGlothlin, J. D., Moenning, J. E., et al. (2014). “Waste Anesthetic Gas Control in PACUs.” Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing.

Patents

• US Patent 7,205,891 – Real-time Wireless Video Exposure Monitoring System

Creative Works

In addition to his academic and technical publications, Dr. McGlothlin has authored several children’s books that blend storytelling with educational themes.
View Children’s Books »