Yael Zekaria

Email: yz14091@bristol.ac.uk

PhD supervisors: Jonathan Rossiter, Antonia Tzemanaki, Jon Heffer (Elvie/Chiaro)

PhD title: A High-Fidelity Phantom for Pelvic Floor Examination Training and Device Testing

Biography

My journey to the FARSCOPE CDT started at the University of Bristol where I embarked on an integrated masters degree in Engineering Mathematics. I was keen to apply the techniques and theory I learnt in a practical project which is what led to my interest in robotics. For my Master Thesis, I created a robotic system that simulated contractions in the small intestine to explore the efficacy of villi-like structures in fluid mixing. What I enjoyed about this project was learning about the related biology as well as building and experimenting on a physical system which allowed me to spend a lot of time in the workshop and less at the computer!

 After I graduated, I wanted to continue working in academia and was hired as a Research Associate in a large consortium investigating the transition to low carbon and local energy systems. I was able to develop my research skills during this position, but I wanted to return to the interdisciplinary field that robotics is and that I got a taste of during my Masters. FARSCOPE seemed like (and is) the perfect place to continue advancing in the research sphere and reintegrate into the wide world of robotics. 

I’m interested in using bio-inspired design to develop soft and tactile robots and am motivated by applications in healthcare. When I am not working at becoming a roboticist you can find me rock climbing, reading, hiking, gushing over dogs, solving cryptic crosswords, baking bread, and making ice cream!