Sylvia TanResearch Scientist
My research focuses on developing soft and wearable sensing and actuation devices for robotics and human applications, with a current emphasis on soft sensing skin for robotic manipulation. During my PhD, I created wearable, human-resolution haptic devices that render realistic virtual textures on the fingertip. This work combined novel soft materials fabrication with psychophysical studies to understand and replicate tactile perception.
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, 2019
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, 2019
PhD Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, 2026
Winter 2022 & Spring 2022: TA for Engineering Design (ME398-1 & ME398-2)
Fall 2021: TA for Introduction to Dynamics System (ME 390)
Winter 2021 & Spring 2021: TA for Engineering Design (ME398-1 & ME398-2)
Fall 2020: Grader for Introduction to Dynamics System (ME 390)