Research at the Wearable Technology Lab, University of Minnesota
At the Wearable Technology Lab, we researched wearable technology solutions in the apparel space. Our approach was to focus on the user first and technology second to brainstorm and prototype garments and sensors. In this research setting, I met a lot of amazing people and got to gain practical wearable product knowledge and prototyping skills. I also got to present my research projects at conferences local and abroad, expanding my network of people who are interested in this intersection of digital technology and human users.
Projects:
Wearable heated garments for controlling your microclimate
Gloves for alleviating Reynauld's syndrome in the fingertips
Survey of user preferences & performance of wearable heating systems
Smart leggings for Valgus knee alignment detection
Survey of pressure sensing technologies for wearable applications
Thesis work on the intersection of stretch sensors on fabric substrates
Developed research protocols for quantitative and qualitative research
Moderated or conducted experimental research and analysis, and creating technical communications or presenting
Prototyped electrical circuits and soft good products/apparel to suit research needs
Programmed microcontrollers and simple GUIs for research studies
Completed masters thesis work on-time with no required edits
Lead authored or Co-authored research papers and presented at research conferences
Skills
Electronic prototyping for wearable products and sensor testing: breadboarding, microcontroller programming (Arduino, Phonon, Processing), soldering, simple circuit designs
Soft and/or flexible sensor prototyping: brainstorming, researching and testing relevant designs or commercial products, prototyping new soft products for stretch, pressure, or touch sensors