Dr. Joanna Bertram

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Joanna Deaton Bertram is an assistant professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and the Department of Surgery at Duke University. Her research primarily focuses on advancing medical robotics, emphasizing the design, modeling, and control of robotic systems for medical applications. Dr. Bertram fosters an interdisciplinary approach by collaborating with the university's clinical and academic communities to develop innovative robotic systems that can save lives. Upon joining Duke, she earned her Ph.D. in Robotics from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she conducted pioneering research at the Medical Robotics Automation Laboratory. Her work included the design and control of steerable needles and the development of robotic guidewires integrated with shape and force sensing technology. Dr. Bertram holds both an M.S. and B.S. in Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, respectively. Her research contributions have been featured in top-tier journals and conferences, including IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters, IEEE Transactions on Medical Robotics and Bionics, and the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation. Her lab invites motivated students and researchers to join in creating next-generation medical robotic technologies.

Research Interests

Courses

ME 555: Advanced Topics in Mechanical Engineering EGR 224L: Electrical Fundamentals in Mechatronics

Requirements for Duke University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.2
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Multivariable Calculus Introduction to Physics (mechanics) Introduction to Chemistry
Application Checklist
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  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Application Fee ($95)
  • Video Introduction
Specialization Notes

Department of Biomedical Engineering (MS program)