Regular biography
Dr. Joanna Deaton Bertram is an Assistant Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Duke University. Her research focuses on advancing the mechanical design and control of medical robotic systems, including continuum robotics, with an emphasis on image and sensor feedback, integrated sensor design, robotic system modeling and control, utilization of smart materials, and applications in surgical robotics. Dr. Bertram leads research in medical robotics at Duke, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration with clinical and academic communities to develop innovative robotic systems. Before joining Duke, she earned her Ph.D. in Robotics from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she conducted research in medical robotics and automation. Her work includes the design and control of steerable needles and the development of a robotic guidewire with integrated shape and force sensing. Dr. Bertram's research has been published in top-tier journals and conferences, including IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters and IEEE Transactions on Medical Robotics and Bionics.
Scholar-generated biography
Joanna Deaton Bertram is a researcher specializing in medical robotics, with a focus on robot design, sensors, and steerable needles. Her work explores advanced robotic systems for surgical interventions, including the development of flexible sensors and modeling techniques for continuum robots. She has contributed to projects involving shape sensing, steerable stylets, and patient-specific 3D-printed robotic systems. Her research also addresses challenges in medical robotics such as sensor drift and large deflection control. Bertram's publications highlight her commitment to improving precision and safety in minimally invasive procedures through innovative robotic technologies.