Yon Visell

Biography

Prof. Visell is Associate Professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, in the Media Arts & Technology Graduate Program, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Department of Mechanical Engineering. Trained in engineering and physics, he received the PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from McGill University in 2011, working with Prof. Jeremy Cooperstock on haptics and virtual reality technologies. From 2011 to 2012, he was a postdoctoral researcher working on haptics with Prof. Vincent Hayward at Sorbonne University in Paris, France. Prior to joining UCSB, he was Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Drexel University (2013 to 2015) in Philadelphia, PA. He received MA and BA degrees in Physics from The University of Texas, Austin and Wesleyan University respectively.

Research

Dr. Visell directs the RE Touch Lab, where the researchers pursue fundamental and applied research on the future of interactive technologies, with emphasis on haptics, robotics, and electronics, including emerging opportunities in human-computer interaction, sensorimotor augmentation, soft robotics, and interaction in virtual reality. The lab is committed to positively impacting the world through its research. They strive to follow the fundamental tenet of engineers, to “Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public” (National Society of Professional Engineers).

Mentoring Priorities

"My approach to mentoring is grounded in principles of inclusion, on effective communication, curiosity, the identification of shared goals and opportunities, and on supporting the longer-term career objectives and independence of the person being mentored. I strive to facilitate a synergistic balance between factors including the match between research topics to the interests and skills of the individual and opportunities for individual growth through acquisition of knowledge and skills, including skills of research, communication, and other professional skills."