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I’m Lorena Velásquez, a PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, working in the Haptics and Medical Robotics Laboratory.
I investigate the ** form, function, and control of tendon-driven upper limb prosthetic devices. My goal is to create devices that improve **task performance, force distribution, and user comfort, while reducing the cognitive workload associated with prosthesis use.
My research integrates:
- Biologically informed mechanical design
- State-based haptic feedback
- Prosthetic Device Control
- Musculoskeletal-informed control strategies
- Multimodal workload assessment
I expect to graduate in May 2026 and am seeking postdoctoral opportunities beginning Fall 2026.
Research Focus
Tendon-Actuated Prosthetic Design
Comparative evaluation of biologically inspired and baseline tendon-driven end effectors across activities of daily living.
Sensory Feedback Integration
Mapping internal device state to intuitive haptic cues to reduce monitoring demand.
Cognitive Workload During Prosthesis Use
Multimodal assessment using neural, behavioral, and subjective metrics.
Customizable Prosthesis Generation (HAMR)
User-specific design pipeline integrating 3D scanning, CAD parameterization, and additive manufacturing.