The Philadelphia Section of the STLE is pleased to award a $1,000 scholarship to University of Delaware graduate student Charikleia (Chara) Angelidou, working under the direction and mentorship of Associate Professor Panagiotis Artemiadis. Angelidou came to Delaware with a BSc. and MEng. from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). Her undergraduate thesis on designing flexible robotic cells for innovative and high-throughput biotechnology experiments formed the basis for a start-up company. She then acquired a MSc. from NTUA in Automation Systems and Robotics.
At Delaware, Angelidou’s research specializes on Human Oriented Robotics with a focus on designing robotic prosthetic devices to allow for natural walking for individuals with lower limb amputations. The primary research goal is to use surface electromyography (EMG) and kinematic signals to create an advanced high- level powered ankle-foot prostheses controller to recognize intent to transition from a rigid to a compliant surface and eventually achieve natural and robust walking on compliant surfaces for people with lower limb amputation. The ability to simulate transitions between rigid and non-rigid surfaces of varying compliance, while measuring lower limb muscle responses and kinematic signatures, creates a window on sensorimotor control strategies for dynamic walking that has not been researched before. Her work has thus far resulted in one journal and one conference publication, both as first author, as well as a patent application.
Angelidou is described as enthusiastic and dedicated, with an eye for detail and the ability to turn obstacles into learning opportunities. She has excellent writing and presentation skills and always works with a smile. Angelidou is also actively engaged in the UD branch of Women in Engineering, aiming to increase gender equity in STEM .