People

Claire Gordon

Office of the Director
U.S. Army Natick Soldier RD&E Center

 
Claire C. Gordon is a human biologist holding academic degrees in Biology (B.S. 1976, Notre Dame), Biological Anthropology (M.A. 1977 & Ph.D. 1982, Northwestern), and Biostatistics (M.S. 1990, Harvard School of Public Health).  Since 1983, Dr. Gordon has applied her research interests in human variation, biostatistics, and simulation methodology to the design and sizing of military clothing, equipment, and workstations at the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center in Natick, Massachusetts. In 1988, she directed a comprehensive anthropometric survey of the U.S. Army, with more than 9000 soldiers measured for 132 body dimensions. In 1993, Dr. Gordon became Chief of Behavioral Sciences, and subsequently served as Acting Director of Science & Technology at Natick. Since 1996, Dr Gordon has devoted full time to research in anthropometry and statistical modeling of human engineering design criteria, influencing the fit and safety of a wide variety of military systems, from body armor & chemical protection to helicopters and armored vehicles. In 2002 she was promoted to Senior Research Scientist (ST), the highest rank a civilian scientist can hold within DOD.  Dr. Gordon is the author of more than 100 scientific presentations and publications, and the recipient of more than 40 awards for research excellence and technical leadership. Among other professional appointments, she currently serves as Convener of the International Standards Organization working group in Anthropometry (ISO TC159/SC3/WG1).