The Team

Jeffrey S. Augenstein, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.S., Dr. Jeffrey S. Augenstein has been a trauma surgeon at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center for 21 years and currently directs Ryder Trauma Center Surgical Intensive Care Unit. He is a professor of surgery, the director of the William Lehman Injury Research Center, and the Director of the Medical Computer Systems Laboratory at the University of Miami School of Medicine. Dr. Augenstein has created a national model for research on the prevention and treatment of automobile-related death and injury. He has led in the development of the state-of-the-art Ryder Trauma Center and created a computerized information system that addresses the clinical, research, administrative and educational components of trauma. This information system is the backbone of a multidisciplinary research effort addressing the epidemiology and biomechanics of automobile-related injury.

Kennerly Digges, Ph.D., Dr. Digges is the research director for the William Lehman Injury Research Center. He leads the investigation of "real-world" motor vehicle crashes and conducts research to identify injury causation and mechanisms and to improve injury recognition. Dr. Digges is also the director of biomechanics and automotive safety research at the FHWA/NHTSA National Crash Analysis Center, George Washington University. Dr. Digges' research, both at the William Lehman Research Injury Center and at George Washington University investigates "real-world" vehicle crashes to determine the performance of safety systems, analysis of crash tests, and conducts analysis of national statistical databases of crash data to assess safety performance of vehicles. The research applies computer modeling of human occupants in motor vehicle crashes and develops greater understanding of the need for improved means in safety and safety equipment.

Luis Labiste, M.D., Dr. Luis Labiste is a research associate with the center. After completing his medical training, he joined the William Lehman Injury Research Center team in 1999. His medical expertise has expanded the team's knowledge of injury and injury mechanisms on a continuous basis.

Carl I. Schulman, M.D., M.S.P.H., Dr. Schulman is an academic surgeon with a research focus on Injury Prevention. He holds a Master's of Science degree in Public Health and performs population based research in various areas of injury prevention. Dr. Schulman is an active Trauma and Burn surgeon at the University of Miami's Ryder Trauma Center, the only Level 1 trauma center for all of Miami-Dade county. Dr. Schulman collaborates with the staff of the William Lehman Injury Research Center on projects related to education, injury prevension, and the dissemination of information leading to leading to improved care for the victims of automobile related injuries.

Elana Perdeck, B.A., Ms. Perdeck is the executive director of the William Lehman Injury Research Center and administers the crash research program. As an original team member, Perdeck brings almost 20 years of administrative experience to the program. She works closely with supporters in bringing multi-level funding to the center.

James Stratton, B.S., James Stratton leads the Crash Investigation Team and has worked with the center since its inception in 1991. Stratton brings 28 years of experience in crash investigation and analysis to his position. He is an expert in the area of occupant kinematics and lectures in this area.

Jeffrey Mackinnon, Jeffrey McKinnon's position of research coordinator, involves interaction with crash team members, high-level clinicians, law enforcement, rescue workers, government officials, and case subjects. He also maintains an extensive multimedia database.

Jerry Phillips, Phillips is responsible for the collection of patient clinical and demographic data.

Brian Anderson, Brian Anderson is a Battalion Chief with the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department and a state-certified paramedic. Anderson brings nearly 25 years of fire and rescue experience to the William Lehman Injury Research Center. He acts as a liaison between the first-providers and clinical personnel. Anderson's interests include vehicle extrication, scene management, and injury mechanisms.