Sophie Kirkman joined the Robotic Materials Department in 2021. Her research focuses on novel energy generation technologies. She also works on the fundamental physics behind HASEL (hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic) transducers, modeling actuators, and studying dielectric breakdown in HASEL material systems. 

Sophie started her Ph.D. research in the Keplinger Research Group at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she also received an MS in mechanical engineering. She earned a BS in physics with honors from Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, USA. 

Sophie is currently a student representative for the IMPRS-IS Ph.D. program. 

Sophie spends most of her free time trail running and cycling.