Julie’s PhD research focused on the design, assembly and control of flexible instruments for sinus and fetal surgery. She developed various techniques to help surgeons perform delicate minimally invasive surgery. Her PhD resulted in the development of PliENT, a flexible, single-handed instrument capable of visualizing the entire maxillary sinus cavity without excessive healthy tissue resection. The instrument was tested by two ear, nose and throat surgeons on a cadaver.
Currently, her research as a postdoctoral researcher focuses on the design and control of self-healing soft hand prostheses, exoskeletons and grippers.