Melanie Hook

Background

About Melanie Hook

I'm a Mechanical Engineer passionate about creating engineering solutions that improve lives. With a strong academic background in both Mechanical Engineering (MS from Virginia Tech) and Physics (BS from Slippery Rock University), my journey has been marked by excellence, including a perfect GPA and recognition through a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. Skills:* Proficient in MATLAB/Simulink and SolidWorks * Expertise in biomechanical data collection, modeling, and simulation * Strong communication skills * Problem-solving and critical thinking * Highly motivated to learn Experience:* As a Graduate Research Assistant at Virginia Tech, I led projects involving biomechanical data for robotics. Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams of engineers, I honed my skills in data collection, processing and modeling.* My time as a Graduate Teaching Assistant strengthened my communication abilities and enhanced students' writing and presentation skills in Mechanical Engineering. My prior experience as a Physics Tutor and Peer Mentor at Slippery Rock University allowed me to help a diverse group of learners grasp complex concepts through clear explanations and tailored support. Notable Projects:* Biomechanics Based Optimization for Exoskeleton Design (Virginia Tech MS Thesis): Developed an optimization algorithm for a safe upper body exoskeleton based on computational modeling of the human shoulder and motion capture data.* Haptic Feedback-Enabled Proprioception of a Soft Robotic Tail (SURE Robotics, Georgia Tech, 2019): Designed and constructed a cable-driven soft robotic tail with haptic feedback capabilities, showcasing expertise in robotics design and prototyping.* Characterization of Muay Thai Head Impact Exposure Using an Instrumented Mouthpiece (NSF IMPACT REU, Wake Forest University, 2018): Contributed to characterizing head impact exposure in Muay Thai using innovative methods, presenting findings at a prestigious conference. Beyond Engineering: I'm more than just an engineer; I'm a certified bike technician with practical troubleshooting skills and a fitness professional with leadership and communication expertise. I’m also a musician, baker, and dog-lover. I'm dedicated to making a positive impact both professionally and personally. Let's connect to explore how my skills and experiences can contribute to your engineering projects.