PhD Student, Mechanical Engineering | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL
I'm a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Florida, researching at the intersection of biomechanics, wearable sensing, and human movement science. My work spans motion capture analysis, IMU-based sensor systems, and motor control — with applications in rehabilitation, human performance, and clinical gait assessment.
Previously, I completed my BS in Mechanical Engineering (with Honors) at Texas Tech University, where I worked as an NSF REU Scholar on kinematic modeling of piano playing and wearable sensor protocols. I also interned at the Air Force Research Laboratory (ORISE Repperger Intern) investigating wearable sensors for human performance monitoring.
| Degree | Institution | Year |
|---|---|---|
| PhD, Mechanical Engineering | University of Florida | Expected May 2029 |
| BS, Mechanical Engineering (Honors) | Texas Tech University | May 2025 — GPA: 3.788 |
| Area | Focus |
|---|---|
| Biomechanics | Musculoskeletal modeling, motor module analysis, gait & balance |
| Wearable Sensing | IMU-based systems for human performance and clinical monitoring |
| Motor Control | Inter-joint coordination, kinematic analysis, motion capture |
| Rehabilitation Engineering | Assistive device design, balance perturbation response |
Journal Papers
- Lawrence, R., Baus, J., Cash, C., & Yang, J. Motion Capture-Based Assessment of Inter-Joint Coordination in Piano Playing. Journal of New Music Research (Under Review)
Conference Papers
- Lawrence, R. et al. (2024). Upper Body Kinematic Analysis in Piano Playing Tasks. ASME IDETC/CIE 2024, Washington, D.C.
- R. Lawrence, G. Maddox, et al. Motor Module Generalization Across Walking and Standing Perturbations Associated with Walking Balance Performance in Older Adults. WCB 2026. (To Be Presented)
- G. Maddox, R. Lawrence, et al. Muscle Coordination Is More Complex In Older Adults When Walking In Real-World Conditions. WCB 2026. (To Be Presented)
Posters
- Cash, C. D., Lawrence, R., et al. (2025). Sights and sounds: What does piano technique communicate? NCKP 2025, Lombard, IL.
- Lawrence, R. (2025). Sensor-Based Smart Rep Counting for Inverted Rows. AFRL Summer Poster Session, Wright-Patterson AFB.
| Role | Organization | Period |
|---|---|---|
| PhD Research Assistant | University of Florida | 2025–Present |
| Repperger Research Intern (ORISE) | Air Force Research Laboratory | May–Aug 2025 |
| Research & Manufacturing Engineer | Delta Robotics Inc. | Jun 2024–Jun 2025 |
| NSF REU Scholar – Research Assistant | Texas Tech University | Jan 2022–May 2025 |
| Undergraduate Teaching Assistant | Texas Tech University (Engineering Ethics) | Aug 2022–May 2024 |
- NIH First Step in Biomechanics Award — August 2025
- UF Kirkland Fellowship — Summer 2025
- UF HWCOE Dean's Research Award — AY 2025–2026
- TTU Presidential Merit Scholar — AY 2021–2025
- TTU Honors College Undergraduate Research Scholar — AY 2023–2024
- TTU President's List — Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2024
- TTU Dean's List — Spring 2023, Spring 2024
