Dr. Katherine Steele

Professor

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Biography

Katherine M. Steele is the Peterson Endowed Professor and Associate Chair of Research in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Washington. She leads the Neuromechanics & Mobility Lab, focusing on integrating dynamic musculoskeletal simulation, motion analysis, medical imaging, and device design to enhance human mobility. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and both her Master's and doctoral degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University. Her interdisciplinary work includes collaboration with multiple hospitals such as the Denver Children’s Hospital and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, emphasizing engineering applications in medicine. Steele has received several accolades, including the Career Development Award from the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center and the National Science Foundation CAREER Award. In 2020, she co-founded the Center for Research & Education Accessible Technology & Experiences (CREATE), which aims to improve access for individuals with disabilities in various engineering fields. She is also a co-founder of AccessEngineering, an NSF-supported initiative to support the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in engineering careers. Her current research focuses on advancing assistive technologies for children with developmental disabilities, including conditions like Cerebral Palsy.

Research Interests

Experience

Post-doctoral Fellow

— Present

Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago •

Engineer

— Present

Lucille Packard Children's Hospital •

Engineer

— Present

Denver Children's Hospital •

Awards

#2020

DO-IT Trailblazer Award

2020-01-01
#2016

American Society Biomechanics Young Scientist Award

2016-01-01
#2016

UW College of Engineering Junior Faculty Award

2016-01-01
#2015

NSF CAREER Early Faculty Development Award

2015-01-01
#2014

OpenSim Fellow

2014-01-01
#2013

NIH K12 Career Development Award

2013-01-01
#2012

Kevin Granata Young Investigator Award

2012-01-01

Courses

412: Biomechanics 230: Kinematics & Dynamics 520: Seminar

Requirements for University of Washington

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:80
IELTS
Overall
Required:6.5
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:105
Overall
Required:105
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • English proficiency scores (for international students)
Specialization Notes

Standard Graduate School requirements for University of Washington apply to most departments listed unless specified otherwise by the program.