Melisa Orta Martinez

Melisa Orta Martinez is an Assistant Professor in the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, where she leads the Social Haptics Robotics and Education (SHRED) Laboratory. Her work bridges robotics, haptics, human-computer interaction, and education, with a strong emphasis on open-source, low-cost technologies for inclusive and interdisciplinary learning.

Research Interests: Her primary research areas include soft robotics, tactile sensing, human-centered robotics, and educational robotics. She investigates how haptic feedback enhances learning and develops novel mechanisms for human-machine interaction, particularly in educational contexts. Her focus extends to roboethics and the social implications of robotics.

The recent publications highlight a consistent trend in open-source educational haptics, tactile rendering, and interdisciplinary STEM education. Her work combines technical innovation in soft and wearable haptics with pedagogical research, emphasizing accessibility and collaboration across fields like engineering, textiles, and education for visually impaired learners.

Advising and Grants: Dr. Orta Martinez mentors several PhD and Master’s students, including Guadalupe Bernal, Iqui Balam Heredia Marin, Samantha Speer, and Sidney Nimako-Boateng. She collaborates with current affiliates such as Angela Chen and Sarah Costrell. While specific grants are not listed, her sustained research output and lab leadership suggest active funding in robotics and educational technology.

Laboratory: She leads the SHRED Lab (Social Haptics Robotics and Education Laboratory), which focuses on socially impactful robotics research, particularly in education and accessibility.