• Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Rebecca Frisen

Educational Background

  • Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University - 2020
  • M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University - 2016
  • B.A., Physics, Goshen College - 2009

Research Interests

    • Surface haptic displays
    • Haptic wearables for extended reality
    • Human-machine interaction
    • Tactile perception
    • Biomechanics of skin

Awards & Honors

  • SWE Trailblazer Award - 2024
  • Northwestern Martin Outstanding Doctoral Fellowship - 2017
  • World Haptics Conference Best Presentation Award - 2015

Selected Publications

  • Friesen, R.F., Klatzky, R. L., Peshkin, M. A., & Colgate, E. (2021). Building a navigable fine texture design space. IEEE Transactions on Haptics.
  • Friesen, R.F., Klatzky, R.L., Peshkin, M.A. and Colgate, J.E. (2018, March). Single Pitch Perception of Multi-frequency Textures. Haptics Symposium (HAPTICS), 2018 IEEE. (pp. 290–295).
  • Wiertlewski, M., Friesen, R. F., & Colgate, J. E. (2016). Partial squeeze film levitation modulates fingertip friction. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 113(33), 9210-9215.
  • Friesen, R. F., Wiertlewski, M., Peshkin, M. A., & Colgate, J. E. (2015, June). Bioinspired artificial fingertips that exhibit friction reduction when subjected to transverse ultrasonic vibrations. In World Haptics Conference (WHC), 2015 IEEE (pp. 208-213). Nominated for Best Paper Award
  • Weber, D. J., Friesen, R., & Miller, L. E. (2012). Interfacing the somatosensory system to restore touch and proprioception: essential considerations. Journal of Motor Behavior, 44(6), 403-418.