Lauren Welte, PhD

Area of Study / Keywords

Biomechanics And Biomedical Engineering Human Locomotion Computer Vision Tendon Mechanics Ligament Mechanics Footwear Ankle Foot Function Performance Multi-Variate Statistics Sensor development Signal Processing Human Mechanical Systems Neuromechanics

About

Education:

• 2023 - Postdoctoral Fellowship, Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• 2020 - PhD, Mechanical Engineering, Queen's University
• 2015 - BASc, Mechanical Engineering, Queen's University

Research

Dr. Welte joined the department in 2023. Her research focuses on understanding both the healthy and the pathological function of joints in the foot and ankle. Using novel sensors to probe at the in vivo behaviour of tendons, ligaments, and bones, she aims to identify subject-specific differences to ultimately better design footwear and inform new rehabilitation strategies.

Research Interests:

• Articular motion in the small joints of the foot and ankle
• Biplanar videoradiography (high speed x-ray imaging)
• Novel method/sensor development for measuring human movement non-invasively using:
  • Ultrasound
  • Tensiometry
  • Computer vision
• Understanding mechanisms for pathologies that affect the foot and ankle (e.g. plantar fasciitis, posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction, osteoarthritis, etc.)
• Footwear design choices and the impact on human locomotion

Dr. Welte is currently looking for independent, curious, and hard-working undergraduate and graduate students to join her team. Applicants that are interested in similar research areas are encouraged to contact her via e-mail.