Natthasit Wongsirikul worked as a research associate at the Human Engineering Research Laboratories from 2012 to 2014 under the supervision of Dan Ding. As a research associate, Natthasit was organized, efficient, and competent with excellent communication skills. He served as the project coordinator for a research project developing wearable monitors and mobile apps for wheelchair users, keeping the project on track and collaborating well with others. Natthasit also conducted a successful field evaluation study with end users that involved extensive testing, protocol development, participant recruitment, and data analysis. Ding believes Natthasit has the potential for success in his future career choices.

1. Feb 17, 2015
To Whom It May Concern:
I was Natthasit Wongsirikul’s supervisor during his employment as a research associate at the Human Engineering
Research Laboratories (HERL), VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, from Sep 2012 to Dec 2014. I am a research scientist
at HERL and an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh.
Natthasit is an organized, efficient, competent research associate with excellent communication skills. He also has the
analytical skills to diagnose problems and devise viable solutions. He works well under pressure and is able to deliver
progress on a timely manner. Natthasit worked on a research project that involved the development of wearable monitors
and mobile applications for individuals who use wheelchairs for mobility. He served as the project coordinator and was
able to keep the project on track and get along well with other team members. He was proficient in Matlab programming
and devised algorithms that converted the raw data from the wearable monitors into meaningful activity information for
the users. He was also able to use SolidWorks for prototype design, and created a mounting mechanism for attaching one
of the monitors to wheelchairs. It is also worth of mentioning that he also successfully conducted a field evaluation study
with end-users (i.e., individuals with spinal cord injuries). This process involves substantial benchtop testing on hardware
and software systems, developing human subject testing protocols, submitting the protocols to the Institutional Review
Board, recruiting participants, preparing testing materials including instructional videos and device packaging etc.,
conducting the evaluation in both laboratory and residences of the participants, interviewing the participants, analyzing
data from the evaluations, and drafting evaluation reports.
Natthasit is always optimistic and has positive attitudes towards work and life. I believe that he has the potential to
succeed in a career he will choose. I am happy to answer any questions regarding his qualification.
Sincerely,
Dan Ding, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
dad5@pitt.edu
(412) 822-3684