Michael Feldkamp Receives National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship

Mechanical engineering PhD student Michael Feldkamp has been awarded the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship, a highly competitive program that recognizes exceptional graduate students in STEM fields. The fellowship provides three years of financial support, including an annual stipend and tuition coverage, to help students pursue advanced research and contribute to innovations in (STEM). Fellows are selected based on their potential for leadership and their ability to address global challenges through impactful research.

In addition to financial support, the NSF GRFP fellowship offers recipients opportunities to engage with a broad community of scientists and engineers, which enhances their ability to make significant contributions to their disciplines.

Michael is advised by Professor Rachel Gehlhar Humann, who shared:

"I'm excited that Michael has been awarded the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, especially in a year when fewer fellowships were granted. Michael joined the program with significant research experience, having worked in Dr. Kodandaramaiah's lab, and has quickly demonstrated his ability to conduct impactful research in the Humann Bionics lab. He is a quick and independent learner and thinks critically about new ideas. This fellowship not only recognizes his past accomplishments, but also gives Michael the opportunity to plan research long-term, enabling him to pursue innovative and impactful ideas to advance lower-limb prosthesis control."

Michael also shared his thoughts on receiving the fellowship:

"I am incredibly honored to have received the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. As I accept this award at a time of immense uncertainty for the future STEM research and education, I treasure it as both a foundation for my future studies and a symbol of responsibility to my community. This award would not have been possible without the support I received from Dr. Kodandaramaiah and the Biosensing and Biorobotics Laboratory. It was through the amazing opportunities I had with these individuals that I grew my research interests in the intersection between engineering and human health, leading me to where I am today. I am now more excited than ever to push forward in my current work with Dr. Humann, developing powered prosthetic leg control methods to enable speed adaptation and prevent falls."