Emily A. Larsen

Emily A. Larsen serves as an Assistant Professor (Career Track) in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Washington State University. Her academic career is rooted at WSU, where she earned all her degrees, and she actively contributes to both research and education in mechanical engineering.

Dr. Larsen's educational background is exclusively from Washington State University:

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (2022)
• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (2020)
• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (2018)

Her research program bridges engineering education and advanced robotics. She pioneers methods for integrating agile project management into capstone design courses, enhancing student learning. In robotics, she develops continuum models for soft robots and creates medical devices using soft robotics, with a focus on shape memory alloy actuators for precise control.

Dr. Larsen's publications reveal a trajectory from materials characterization (2018-2019) to robotics applications (2019-2020) and now engineering education (2024). This evolution underscores her commitment to both technological innovation and pedagogical excellence in mechanical engineering.

Her scholarly impact is recognized through competitive awards:

• ADVANCE at WSU Grantee (2025)
• Koerner Family Fellowship (2020)
• GANN Fellowship (2020-2022)

Dr. Larsen has successfully obtained research and fellowship funding, including multi-year support from the GANN Fellowship and the upcoming ADVANCE grant. Although specific advisees are not listed, her active research in robotics and education suggests engagement with graduate students. Her work continues to advance both the science of smart materials and the practice of engineering education.