Dr. Heather Culbertson

Associate Professor

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Biography

Heather Culbertson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern California. Her research focuses on the design and control of haptic devices and rendering systems, human-robot interaction, and virtual reality. She is particularly interested in creating haptic interactions that naturally and realistically mimic the touch sensations experienced during interactions with the physical world. Previously, she worked as a research scientist in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University, where she contributed to the Collaborative Haptics and Robotics in Medicine (CHARM) Lab. Culbertson earned her PhD in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics (MEAM) from the University of Pennsylvania in 2015, where she was a member of the Haptics Group and the General Robotics, Automation, Sensing and Perception (GRASP) Laboratory. She completed her Master's degree in MEAM at the University of Pennsylvania in 2013 and received her Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2010. Culbertson is currently serving as the General Co-Chair for the IEEE Haptics Symposium and has received various awards including the NSF CAREER Award and the IEEE Technical Committee on Haptics Early Career Award.

Research Interests

Experience

Research Scientist

2015-01-01 — 2018-01-01

Stanford University • Stanford, CA

Worked in the Collaborative Haptics and Robotics in Medicine (CHARM) Lab.

Awards

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IEEE TCH Early Career Award

2021-01-01
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NSF CAREER Award

2021-01-01
#

Citation Meritorious Service Reviewer

2016-01-01

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.