Graduate Students

Martell Bell

Research Interests: Engineering Education, Computer vision systems, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, process improvement, robotics
Degree in Progress: PhD in Mechanical Engineering
Co-Advisor: Phillip Deierling
Bio: I'm originally from Robbins, Illinois, a south suburb of Chicago. I'm passionate about creating opportunities for my community and being an example to those that that wish to blaze their own trails. I'm a foodaholic, avid swimmer, certified scuba diver and love to try anything new and different.

Vivek Karmarkar

Research Interests: anatomical frames, soft tissue artifact, optical motion capture, pose estimation, motion tracking
Degree in Progress: PhD in Mechanical Engineering
Bio: Hi, I’m Vivek! I have a Physics and Sports Engineering backgrounds. I am interested in motion tracking algorithms. My hobbies are trail-running, rock-climbing and eating free food!

Sam Murphy

Research Interests: wearable sensors, activity classification, gait analysis
Degree in Progress: PhD in Mechanical Engineering
Bio: I am a graduate student at the University of Iowa pursuing a Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering. I graduated from the University of Iowa in Fall 2020 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics minor. My research has been focused on activity classification using inertial measurement units.

Juliana Danesi Ruiz

Research Interests: robotics, computer vision, artificial intelligence, dynamics
Degree in Progress: PhD in Mechanical Engineering
Co-Advisor: Phillip Deierling
Bio: I am a graduate student pursuing a Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Iowa. I graduated in Fall 2020 at the University of Iowa with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, with a Computer Science and a Mathematics minor. My research has been focused on Computer Vision, Robotics and Engineering Education.

Undergraduate Students

Ian Silva

Research Interests: wearable sensors, biofeedback, prostheses
Degrees in Progress: BS in Mechanical Engineering, BS in Electrical Engineering
Bio: Currently in my fourth year, I am researching how postures affect the longevity of medical professionals by looking at muscle activation in the upper back and neck. This research will hopefully help develop a biofeedback product that helps extend the longevity of medical professionals. I have an interest in combining both of my degrees to develop instruments that will help others.

Demir Tuken

Research Interests: wearable sensors
Degrees in Progress: BS in Biomedical Engineering, MS in Mechanical Engineering
Bio: I'm currently a senior studying biomedical engineering in the University of Iowa undergrad to grad program with aspirations to enter the medical field. I have interests in occupational ergonomics, human body vibrations, and biomechanics. Outside of school and research, I enjoy cycling, playing chess, and building PC's.