Research Associate

Nicole joined IHMC in June 2024 as a Research Associate working with the exoskeleton team as a mechanical engineer working on controls and device evaluation. Nicole earned her Ph.D. at the University of Florida in the Human Neuromechanics Lab under the mentorship of Dr. Daniel Ferris.

Her research focused on developing a myoelectric controller for a bionic ankle prosthesis that leveraged the residual muscle activity for individuals with transtibial for ankle control. Then she evaluated individuals with transtibial amputation using the prosthesis inside and outside the lab through biomechanical and physiological analysis.

During her Ph.D. studies, she conducted a one year internship with X, the Moonshot Factory working on their lower limb exoskeleton project. Nicole also completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering at Stanford University while competing as an All-American NCAA swimmer.

Outside of work, Nicole is an avid sports fan and enjoys swimming, biking, or any other activity related to being on the water.