- CEO
- CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION
- DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH
- BIOMECHANICAL RESEARCH
- CLINICAL RESEARCH
- RESEARCH ADVISORY BOARD

CEO
When Derek started in 2002, the Foundation was primarily engaged in clinical research. After becoming CEO, he worked to expand FORE’s capabilities to include Biomechanical Research, Surgical Training, and Continuing Medical Education (CME).
He worked to build a biomechanical research lab on the premises so that biomechanical research would no longer have to be outsourced. A biomechanics lab sharing the same building with FOI has enabled FORE to increase its ability to conduct this type of research while allowing physicians in a non-academic setting to participate in this type of research. The close proximity of scientists and physicians is an ideal scenario for the clinicians to engage in research that can answer fundamental questions about problems that they see in the clinic.
In 2005, Derek attended a surgical training course in Chicago and realized the growing need for surgeons to practice and hone their surgical skills in a laboratory setting. In 2007, Derek converted storage space in the basement of FOI into a small surgical training space that could host from 6 to 8 stations. Two years later, the growing need for surgical training was the impetus for renovating and expanding the space to include an auditorium and a much larger space for surgical training. The Surgical Training Center was completed in early 2010 and features space for up to 20 stations and a state of the art audiovisual system and lecture theater.
In addition to the day to day business operations of FORE, he is personally involved in several of the ongoing research projects. Also, he currently serves as Affiliate Associate faculty in the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program, Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Department, University of South Florida School of Medicine.
For a list of publications, powered by PubMed, click here.
Curriculum Vitae
Lexi Betances Director, Continuing Medical Education Susan Doan-Johnson Director, Content & Marketing Richelle Lopez Program Manager Harley Murray CME Coordinator |
![]() Miguel Diaz, MS Biomechanics Research Laboratory Manager Miguel Diaz heads the Biomechanics Research Laboratory at the Foundation for Orthopaedic Research and Education (FORE) where he works closely with FOI surgeons, fellows and residents, and industry leaders. Miguel began working with FORE in 2011 as a biomechanics research intern and worked on multiple projects involving shoulder, spine and hip biomechanics. His main role was assisting Dr. Simon in the development of a 6-DOF Shoulder Kinematic Testing rig and assessing scapular morphology using CT to 3D renderings. Miguel became a full-time Research Assistant in 2015 after the completion of his Masters degree. During this time, he assisted in the completion of several biomechanical and clinical studies, has co-authored more than 25 peer-reviewed publications, and has numerous poster and podium presentations at national and international conferences. Miguel has worked to expand and grow the biomechanical research lab allowing physicians in a non-academic setting to participate in this type of research across all orthopaedic subspecialities. The engagement between the clinicians and research staff has been instrumental to answering fundamental questions about problems that have been experienced in the clinic. Miguel completed his B.S in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Biomedical Physics from the University of South Florida in 2012. He went on to receive his M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Florida in 2015. Outside of FORE, he enjoys spending time with his wife & kids. His hobbies include playing music, soccer, cycling, running, motocross, weightlifting, and tinkering/building things (3D printing). |
![]() Sergio Gutierrez, PhD Sergio Gutierrez began working at FORE in May of 2001 as a part time Research Assistant while finishing his Bachelors degree at the University of South Florida (USF). During those early years, he performed biomechanical research in the Biomechanics lab at USF under the mentorship of Dr. William E. Lee III (Director of the Biomedical Engineering program) and Dr. Mark Frankle (Orthopaedic surgeon at Florida Orthopaedic Institute). Through his research in biomechanics, Sergio was instrumental in furthering the understanding of the biomechanics of reverse shoulder arthroplasty and even in helping to alter surgical technique to improve patient outcomes. He has numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals, podium and poster presentations in national and international conferences, as well as a co-authorship in a book chapter. He is currently an Affiliate Associate Professor at the USF Medical School where he is helping to train future orthopaedic surgeons through an affiliation with the Orthopaedic Residency program. Sergio received his B.S. in both Chemical Engineering and Biology from the University of South Florida in 2002. He went on to receive his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of South Florida in 2009. His hobbies include running, biking, kayaking, flying, playing tennis and developing software for the iPhone. For a list of publications, Powered by PubMed, click here |
![]() Lauren Wilder, MS Research Engineer Lauren Wilder is a Research Engineer in the Biomechanical Research Department, specializing in 3D reconstructions and computational modeling for shoulder implants. She holds a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering from Florida Gulf Coast University. Since joining the FORE research team in 2019, Lauren has focused on advancing orthopedic implant technology, driven by her passion for biomechanics and understanding the impact of orthopedic diseases on the body. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor activities and family outings with her husband, Joseph, and son, Caleb. |