Heather Culbertson

Dr. Heather Culbertson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Southern California, leading the HaRVI (Haptics Robotics and Virtual Interaction) Laboratory. Her research focuses on designing haptic hardware and algorithms to create intuitive human-robot interactions through touch, emphasizing realism in virtual environments and social connectedness. Key areas include mediated touch, wearable haptic systems, and multisensory integration in VR/AR applications. The lab's work spans robotics, human perception modeling, and cross-disciplinary solutions for healthcare and immersive technologies.

Research interests revolve around tactile feedback systems, social robotics, and the psychological impact of haptic interfaces. Recent work explores real-time haptic texture rendering, affective communication via touch, and motion platforms for VR. Culbertson's projects often integrate human factors early in design to ensure usability and immersion.

Publications highlight advancements in haptics coding standards, drone-human interaction, and emotion regulation systems. Her contributions bridge engineering and cognitive sciences, addressing challenges in wearable tech, surgical training simulations, and assistive robotics. The HaRVI Lab collaborates across disciplines to advance tactile interfaces for virtual reality, social robotics, and medical applications.