William Durfee’s research and professional interests include the design of medical devices, rehabilitation engineering, exoskeletons and wearable robots, compact hydraulic systems, product design and design education.
Lab
Human/Machine Design Lab
ME Research Areas
Biosystems & Bioengineering
Sensing & Controls
ME Impact Areas
Human Health
Robotics & Mobility
Education
Ph.D. 1985, Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
M.S. 1978, Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
A.B. 1976, Engineering and Applied Physics, Harvard University
Professional Background
- Professor and Director of Design Education, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 2001-present. Additional appointments to the Graduate Faculty in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, the Program in Human Factors and Ergonomics, the Neuroengineering Program, and the Product Design Program.
- Director, Earl E. Bakken Medical Devices Center, University of Minnesota, 2022 - present.
- Adjunct Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, 2022 - present.
Scientific & Professional Societies
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
American Society for Engineering Education
