News

Perfect Pitch Competition – Gaurav places after presenting his research in 90 seconds

Keshia News

Gaurav Mukherjee participated and won the second position among the UWIN Fellows at the Perfect Pitch competition organized by the Washington Research Foundation funded institutes on Tuesday July 12, 2016

The Perfect Pitch Contest is an opportunity to develop the communication skills needed to explain your research question, the solution you are developing, and the potential impact of the project in a clear, concise, and compelling fashion.  This skill is essential for any career path including academia, industry, and government.  A smart pitch could help you get a job, win funding for a grant, persuade a collaborator to partner with you, or perhaps even fund your startup company.

The Perfect Pitch contest provides participants the opportunity to present a 90-second pitch and one slide related to their research.

Recent UWIN Awardees stand in a line in front of their posters. Gaurav Mukherjee gives his 90 second research pitch to an auditorium filled with people.

Exciting Lab Employment Opportunity – Software Engineer

Keshia News ,

The Ability and Innovation Lab is excited to announce a job opportunity for a Software Engineer. The position begins upon hire and is expected to run through August of 2017. 

The part-time position includes developing research prototypes and debugging existing complex software programs, evaluating the efficacy of new techniques and tools through case studies and user experiences, support fellow colleagues through writing tutorials and mentoring students, and preparing documentation and technical papers.

If you would like to join our multidisciplinary team, and would like to apply or learn more about this position, click here.

Dr. Hwan Choi earns his Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering

Keshia Graduation, News

Congratulations to Dr. Hwan Choi on earning his Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering! Hwan’s mentor and PI, Dr. Kat Steele, performed the Hooding Ceremony to recognize his achievements. Dr. Choi’s research works towards improving mobility for individuals with cerebral palsy and stroke survivors by designing and testing a novel lower-limb orthotic research platform. This summer he will complete the remainder of his research work. Congratulations, Dr. Hwan Choi!

Dr. Kat Steele recognizes Hwan Choi by performing the hooding ceremony.
UW Mechanical Engineering Graduation 6-12-16 in Kane Hall (C) 2016 Karen Orders Photography

Dr. Hwan Choi poses with his mentor, Dr. Kat Steele at his graduation ceremony. Dr. Kat Steele shakes the hand of her mentee, Dr. Hwan Choi

Sasha Portnova receives Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award

Keshia Awards, Graduation, News

Sasha Portnova received the Department of Mechanical Engineering Outstanding Research Award during her undergrad graduation ceremony. Congratulations to Sasha for a most deserved award for her dedication to individuals with impaired upper limb mobility and perseverance in custom-fit, affordable orthoses. Next year Sasha will head to Northwestern University to continue her studies in Mechanical Engineering. Go Biomechanics and go Sasha!Nate Sniadecki shakes hands with Sasha Portnova as he hands her the Undergraduate Research award placard at the graduation ceremony. Nate Sniadecki, Per Reinhall, and awardee, Sasha Portnova pose with the award placard at graduation ceremony.

Sasha Portnova featured in video – UW Undergraduate Academic Affairs

Keshia News ,

WDO_Sasha_AcademicAffairs_PicCongratulations to Sasha, a member of our lab who will be graduating this spring. Her work was chosen to be featured by UW’s Undergraduate Academic Affairs.

To watch the video follow this Youtube link or connect on Facebook (filmed and edited by Bryan Nakata).

“At the University of Washington, undergraduates like Sasha Portnova research issues that can impact the world. Portnova, a senior in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, uses her research to help solve the difficulties individuals with spinal cord injury may face. Growing up in Kazakhstan, Portnova was discouraged from studying engineering, which was viewed as a more typical male subject. After coming to the U.S. and enrolling in the University of Washington, she discovered her passion for engineering and helping others. This passion led her to began working on her project – a wrist assistive device for individuals who have lost hand movement. The 3-D printed device assists in hand movement for an estimated cost of $15. In addition to being cost-effective, the designs will be available online via open source for anyone to print their own. Along the way, she has presented her research to multiple conferences including Posters on the Hill in Washington D.C. After graduating this spring, Portnova’s next steps include obtaining a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. She plans to use her passion for research to help others, specifically veterans.” – UW Undergraduate Academic Affairs