Current Students and Post-docs

Helen Emerson

Education: B.S. in Biomedical Engineering and a minor in Mathematics from Tulane University.

Currently PursuingM.S./Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering.

Research: My research interests are in the biomechanics and neuromotor control of human movement.


Tiago Gunter

Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University.

Currently PursuingM.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

Research: My project is focused on the design of a 2D manipulandum and its integration with a transcutaneous electrical spinal stimulation-brain-computer interface system to improve the functional recovery for those with ALS.


Eric Hu

Education: B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Currently PursuingM.S./Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering.

Research: My research focuses on the biomechanics of lower-limb amputees to improve prosthesis performance during activities of daily living.


Stephanie Molitor

Education: B.E. and M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Vanderbilt University.

Currently Pursuing: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering.

Research: My research explores intrinsic joint properties during compromised balance to inform the design of lower-limb prostheses.

2022 NSF Graduate Research Fellow


Kristen Stewart

photo of Kristin StewartEducation: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Utah, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.

Currently Pursuing: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering.

Research: My research focuses on developing a lightweight ankle-foot orthosis with activity-dependent stiffness modulation to improve balance control in healthy individuals.


Shelby Walford

Education: B.S., M.S. and Ph.D.  in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.

Currently a Research Scientist in the Lab.

Research: My research focuses on how wheelchair propulsion technique affects upper extremity demand, and how individuals muscles contribute to balance control in forward versus backward walking.

2018 NSF Graduate Research Fellow


Mila Wetz

Education: B.S.  in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.

Currently Pursuing: M.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

Research: My research is seeking to design the optimal backpack system to improve walking performance for individuals with lower-limb amputations.