Audrey Balaska
Tufts University PhD Student
in Mechanical Engineering & Human-Robot Interaction
Photo Credit: Jeremy Gasowski
Who am I?
I am a fifth year PhD Student at Tufts University in Mechanical Engineering and Human-Robot Interaction. I am interested in control theory, mechanical design, assistive technology, human-factors engineering, and robotics. I also am passionate about collegiate education in engineering and robotics.
Before coming to Tufts, I was an undergraduate student at the University of New Hampshire, and graduated with University Honors in Mechanical Engineering in 2019.
I am currently working with the goal to defend my dissertation in 2024, after which I hope to find a position that allows me to continue exploring the intersection of mechanical engineering with other disciplines.
What am I currently up to?
Dissertation Research
Human-Participant Study Related to Assistive Robotics and Agent-Based Modeling of Human/Robot Teams
Bray Labs Teaching Assistant
Particularly, focusing on workshop development and other efforts to increase student engagement in the machine shop.
Assistive Design Projects
Occasionally, I volunteer to make lower-tech devices to help someone with a specific problem (usually related to a physical disability). These are through hackathons or individual collaborations.
If you would like to contact me, I am reachable via email: Audrey.Balaska@tufts.edu