The Team
Primary Investigator
Dr. Heidi Hausse
I am an Associate Professor of History at Auburn University, where my research focuses on the intersections of culture with medicine, disability, technology, and the body in early modern Europe (c.1500-1700). I have studied artifacts of mechanical hand prostheses since 2013 and featured several of them in my book, The Malleable Body: Surgeons, Artisans, and Amputees in Early Modern Germany. As PI on the Kassel Hand Project, I collaborated with mechanical engineers to bring one of these rare objects to life.
Co-Investigator
Dr. Chad Rose
As an Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Auburn University, my primary research focus is on the design and control of robots to rehabilitate, assist, or augment human motor and sensory function. As Co-I on the project, I have been working with the team to combine the historical context provided by Dr. Heidi Hausse with modern perspectives on human robot interaction to guide the design criteria, manufacturing, and evaluation methods of the Kassel Hand model.
Consulting Prosthetist
Matthew Jones, MPO, Hanger Clinic
I received a Bachelors of Science in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from Auburn University and a Masters of Prosthetics and Orthotics from Northwestern University. I completed a dual prosthetic and orthotic residency at Alabama Artificial Limb Company and currently work for the Hanger Clinic in Panama City, Florida. My passion in the field of disability and disability culture is intertwined in my daily life and clinical practice.
Mechanical Engineering Team Members
Peden Jones
I am a graduate student in mechanical engineering at Auburn University. My area of expertise is in 3D printing and solid mechanics. I have been working on the internal mechanisms of the Kassel Hand model, creating multiple versions (display and functional) of the model itself, prosthosis conversion, and interactive experiment objects for participant sessions
Anakin Natter
I am an undergraduate student in computer science at Auburn University. When I first started on the project, I was pursuing mechanical engineering. I primarily worked on early prototypes and the organic modeling in the later prototypes so that the Kassel Hand’s “shell” was historically accurate in appearance.
Public History Fellow
Stuart Simms
I am a PhD candidate in Auburn University’s Department of History, specializing in modern American history, war and society, and public history with a focus on digital humanities. My research focuses on the development of NASA space centers in the US South and their connections to local communities. As part of the Kassel Hand Project team, I’ve worked on data collection and the presentation of findings in an accessible website format.
Digital Humanities Consultant
Carrie Hill
As Digital Scholarship Librarian at Auburn University, I help researchers in their projects that involve using digital tools or methods for their conception, completion, or publication. I advise researchers on appropriate resources to fit the goals of each project and provide more intensive, hands-on assistance for some projects. As Digital Humanities Consultant, I’ve worked closely with the team on selecting tools, coordinating website setup, and troubleshooting issues that came up during development.