Irving S. Scher, Ph.D., P.E.

Principal Biomechanical Engineer

Dr. Irving Scher is a Principal and Biomechanical Engineer at Guidance Engineering and Applied Research, specializing in mechanical and biomechanical engineering analyses. Dr. Scher has extensive experience with testing, design, and analysis related to human motion, forces, and injury potential. Dr. Scher works with public, private, and industry organizations to improve safety and conduct research on equipment and procedures related to recreational sports, personal protective equipment, and injury reduction devices.

Dr. Scher’s analyses are conducted proactively (in the design, development, and reassessment phases) or in response to an accident. In the forensic environment, Dr. Scher specializes in biomechanical engineering and accident reconstruction. He investigates human injuries in accidents and product failures related to transportation, consumer product use, industrial equipment, and recreational activities (such as skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, rock climbing, and using amusement park rides).

Dr. Scher serves on the Board of Directors for the Safety Equipment Institute and the Board of the International Society for Snowsports Safety. He is the Head of Delegation representing the USA on the International Standards Organization committee TC83/SC4 on Snowsports Equipment; Scientific Chair for the International Society for Snowsports Safety; the chair of ASTM F27 on Snow and Water Sports; and, the chair for ASTM F27.60 for Research and Statistics.

Dr. Scher was the president of the International Society for Snowsports Safety (2017 to 2024); served on the ASTM International Board of Directors (2016 to 2019); was chair (2014 to 2019) and vice-chair (2020 to 2021) of ASTM F27; held the position of Adjunct Associate Professor of Clinical Physical Therapy in the Department of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California (2004 to 2009); was an Affiliate Biomechanical Engineer in the Applied Biomechanics Laboratory at the University of Washington (2011 to 2019); and, held the position of Affiliate Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Washington (2019 to 2024).