Michelle Johnson

Michelle Johnson is an Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Pennsylvania, with a secondary appointment in Bioengineering. She serves as Director of the Rehabilitation Robotics Lab at the Perelman School of Medicine and is affiliated with Penn's GRASP Laboratory and Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics graduate group.

Education:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering (emphasis: mechatronics, robotics, design) from Stanford University
• Post-doctoral NSF-NATO Fellowship at Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Italy (Advanced Robotics Technology and Systems Laboratory)

Her research integrates robotics with neurorehabilitation to study upper extremity dysfunction and recovery post-brain injury. She focuses on developing affordable robotic systems for global health and mobile therapy assistants to enhance rehabilitation accessibility. Her work bridges engineering, medicine, and global health disciplines.

Scientific Awards:

• NSF-NATO Fellowship

As the head of the Rehabilitation Robotics Lab, Dr. Johnson mentors students and researchers in applying robotics to neurological recovery challenges. Her collaborations with Penn's GRASP Laboratory highlight her interdisciplinary approach to solving problems in rehabilitation medicine and assistive technology.

The lab's research emphasizes translating robotic innovations into clinical practice and underserved global settings, aligning with her roles in both the Perelman School of Medicine and the Bioengineering department.