I completed my PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University in January 2023, where I performed research with the Robomechanics Lab. My thesis is on enhancing the capabilities of planetary exploration rovers through nonprehensile manipulation and compensation for mobility failure through novel driving strategies. My primary interests lie in robotic locomotion in extreme environments, particularly for space exploration applications.
In Spring 2018 I received a NASA Space Technology Research Fellowship, which supported my graduate work on expanding rover mobility and manipulation capabilities.
When not working on robots, I can generally be found outside with the Carnegie Mellon Explorer’s Club or the Explorers Club of Pittsburgh, where I help teach the Rock Climbing and Mountaineering schools. I also pursue a variety of creative projects in my free time.
Catherine Pavlov 