Heather Culbertson

Professor with a focus on haptics, robotics, and virtual interaction, Dr. Heather Culbertson is a Gabilan Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the University of Southern California. Her pioneering work in these fields is conducted through her HaRVI Lab, which is home to a dynamic team of graduate and undergraduate students. The lab's research is centered on the development of innovative haptic devices and rendering systems, as well as exploring the intricacies of human-robot interaction and virtual reality. Dr. Culbertson's research interests are deeply rooted in enhancing the human sense of touch through technology. Her work aims to bridge the gap between virtual and physical worlds by creating more immersive and realistic haptic experiences. This has significant implications for various applications, including virtual reality environments and robotic systems, where the sense of touch can greatly enhance user interaction and experience. Her contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed. Dr. Culbertson has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the NSF CAREER Award, which highlights her potential to serve as a role model in research and education. Additionally, she received the IEEE Technical Committee on Haptics Early Career Award, underscoring her impact and leadership in the haptics community. Beyond her research, Dr. Culbertson is committed to mentoring the next generation of engineers and scientists. She actively engages her students in cutting-edge projects, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration. Her dedication to education and research excellence makes her a respected figure in the academic community and a leader in advancing the frontiers of haptics and robotics.