Umut Civici

I am an engineer and researcher working in robotics. The ultimate aim of my research is to create a link between robotics/soft-robotic systems and humans. For this purpose, I try to develop new concepts and frameworks to expand the functionality of robotics/soft-robotic interfaces in human-robot interaction (HRI). To do this, I position myself in soft actuation and sensing areas and focus on smart materials, digital fabrication, embodied intelligence, wearable robots, and mechanical metamaterials. I received my B.Sc. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Yildiz Technical University, Turkey, and my M.Sc. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Istanbul Technical University with a minor in Mechanical Design. Before finishing my master’s degree, I studied at TU Delft briefly and worked as a Mechanical Design Engineer in the industry for a while. After that, I worked as a full-time research scholar at the Carnegie Mellon University / Morphing Matter Lab and researched soft actuation systems, soft robotics, and mechanical metamaterials for wearable applications. Before I started my Ph.D, I worked as a full-time Research Fellow at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Biodesign Lab. Currently, I am a 2nd year Ph.D. student at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, specializing in wearable sensors, materials science, and experimental research. My work aims to advance soft wearable technologies for biomedical applications, exploring innovative materials and designs that enhance human interaction with technology. I focus on integrating materials science with experimental techniques to develop transformative biomedical solutions.