Wilder received his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Vermont and joined the faculty in the UI College of Engineering in 1994. As the director of the Impact/Vibration/Seating Lab and the Ergonomics Section of the Iowa Spine Research Center, Wilder's record of publication is extensive, and his research on disorders of the spine has broken new ground. His hands-on approach to teaching has made him a popular presenter at local schools and a well-liked professor.