Laura Winfield
l-winfield@northwestern.edu

I am a third year graduate student at the Laboratory for Intelligent Mechanical Systems. Currently I am working in the field of Haptics under the advisement of Professor J. Edward Colgate. The focus of my research is in the development of variable friction haptic displays (VFHDs) to simulate virtual textures. I have developed the TPaD, tactile pattern display, a novel VFHD using piezo bending element technology. The TPaD is capable of creating compelling illusions of texture and providing useful tactile feedback to aid in virtual tasks. I recently received the "Best Demonstration Award" at the World Haptics Conference 2007 in Tsukuba, Japan for the TPaD.

I recieved my bachelor degree from Vanderbilt University in 2005 with a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics. Upon graduation I received the Wilson L. and Nellie Pyle Miser award for excellence in mathematics. During my undergraduate career I interned with Northrop Grumman, working in the Oceanic and Naval Systems division. I entered Northwestern University in the fall of 2005 with the Royal E. Cabell Fellowhip. While at Northwestern I have volunteered in many activities including "Take Your Daugther to Work Day" lab tours and undergraduate recruiting tours. I held a position as the New Student Recruitment Chair for the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student Society from the spring of 2006 to the summer of 2007. This position came with many responsiblities ranging from representing Northwestern University at Career Fairs to organizing recruitment weekends for all prospective mechanical engineering graduate students. I recently recieved an award for leadership and outstanding service by the mechanical engineering department here at Northwestern. I have gained teaching experience at both Vanderbilt and Northwestern, instructing a freshmen 3-D Solid Modeling laboratory at Vanderbilt and instructing System Dynamics labs and help sessions at Northwestern.

Phone: (847) 467-1070
Office: B230 Tech Institute