Ruth Okamoto

Ruth Okamoto is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science at Washington University in St. Louis's McKelvey School of Engineering. She holds a DSc from Washington University (1997) and MS/BS degrees from MIT (1987/1985). Her career includes roles as a design engineer at Digital Equipment Corporation (1987-1993) and a prior faculty position at Washington University (1997-2008).

Her research interests span mechanical engineering, biomedical applications, and materials science, with recent focus on brain deformation mechanics, assistive technology for patients, and engineering education. She collaborates with occupational therapy students on patient-centered device development, as seen in the inaugural Make-A-Thon initiative.

Ruth’s recent work includes studies linking brain vulnerability to head motion dynamics, biomaterials innovation for medical applications, and interdisciplinary projects merging mechanical engineering with healthcare challenges.