Argomenti trattati
Growing up in the picturesque town of Broomfield, Colorado, I shared my childhood with my two younger twin sisters, my parents, and my grandmother. From an early age, I was captivated by the worlds that books could open up, the melodies of music I loved to sing, and the joy of creating things with my hands.
At the age of six, I was mesmerized by the idea of becoming an astronaut. As I matured, my aspirations shifted, and I began to understand that specializing in aerospace engineering would be the gateway to achieving my celestial dreams. Despite my parents lacking a formal academic background, their unwavering support and encouragement fostered my passion for learning. My mother, a talented newspaper journalist and an artistic glass maker, inspired my early interest in technology by guiding me through the process of building my first computer at eight. She introduced me to the intricacies of writing and layout, using both modern tools and traditional methods. My father, an avid photographer and science fiction enthusiast, taught me to view the world through a lens, allowing me to appreciate both reality and the realm of possibilities.
Embracing engineering and education
My journey into the world of engineering was not born from a childhood steeped in robotics or electronics. Instead, my passion lay in the desire to craft spaceships and satellites, to explore uncharted territories. As I delved deeper into my studies, I discovered that engineering intertwines beautifully with all my creative pursuits. Engineering embodies a fundamental aspect of humanity—the ability to envision something that does not yet exist and to bring that vision to life. I strive to convey the message that engineering is for everyone, not just those who pursue it as a profession.
I am pursuing a PhD in a joint program focusing on Mechanical Engineering and Human-Robot Interaction. My academic path began with a Master’s degree in the same fields, aimed at enhancing my competitiveness in the job market after a hiatus from engineering. During my first year in the MS program, I engaged in independent research at the AABL lab, where I explored human-robot collaboration under the mentorship of Dr. Elaine Short. This experience culminated in my transition to the PhD program, where I collaborate with both Dr. Short and Dr. Chris Rogers on a grant aimed at developing assistive robots for creative endeavors.
The importance of engineering education
In my role, I have been involved in organizing hackathons and workshops that highlight the significance of engineering education for individuals of all ages. It is imperative that we encourage a belief in one’s ability to engage with engineering concepts. Interestingly, children often possess a natural belief in their potential, unencumbered by the self-doubt that adults accumulate over time. Adults, however, can be encouraged to learn new skills through involvement in their children’s projects, fostering a shared learning experience.
Facilitating hands-on creation is another effective method to engage adults in engineering. The simplicity of downloading an STL file to 3D print a tool or toy can transform perceptions about one’s capabilities. When individuals complete such a project, they often realize that customizing it in a CAD program is within their reach, thus reinforcing the belief that they can create something entirely new, iterate upon it, and enhance it—principles at the core of engineering.
Researching accessibility and collaboration
My research is anchored in two primary areas: enhancing accessibility to makerspaces for all individuals and designing control systems for assistive robots within these creative environments. I firmly believe that everyone should have access to the tools, information, and materials necessary to engage in engineering and creative pursuits. If individuals lack access to these resources, their ability to manifest their ideas is severely limited.
To understand the barriers faced by disabled makers, I began my research by interviewing both disabled individuals and makerspace operators. I discovered that many disabled people are, in fact, makers, often creating custom tools to suit their needs. The concept of Do-it-yourself Assistive Technology (DIY-AT) is prevalent among disabled individuals, as commercially available solutions may not meet their specific requirements. This realization fuels my passion for crafting tools that empower everyone to improve their world through engineering.
Enhancing human-robot collaboration
I am investigating the nuances of task accessibility, with a focus on physical and sensory environments, which seamlessly connects to my work in robotics. Although robots offer great potential as teammates, they currently struggle with genuine collaboration due to safety protocols that often treat humans as obstacles. This limitation hinders their ability to function effectively in shared spaces, whether in factories or personal environments.
My goal is to advance robotic movement at the mechanical and control system levels, making them more intuitive and supportive. I am also keenly interested in improving their motion perception capabilities, allowing for safe interactions without imposing rigid personal space boundaries. Achieving this will take us one step closer to creating robots that can genuinely assist individuals in their daily lives.
At the age of six, I was mesmerized by the idea of becoming an astronaut. As I matured, my aspirations shifted, and I began to understand that specializing in aerospace engineering would be the gateway to achieving my celestial dreams. Despite my parents lacking a formal academic background, their unwavering support and encouragement fostered my passion for learning. My mother, a talented newspaper journalist and an artistic glass maker, inspired my early interest in technology by guiding me through the process of building my first computer at eight. She introduced me to the intricacies of writing and layout, using both modern tools and traditional methods. My father, an avid photographer and science fiction enthusiast, taught me to view the world through a lens, allowing me to appreciate both reality and the realm of possibilities.0