Tara Gholami

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About

Tara Gholami is a pioneering researcher in open-source haptics and accessible human-computer interaction, with a focus on democratizing kinesthetic device design. Her most-cited work, "Open source, modular, customizable, 3-D printed kinesthetic haptic devices" (2017, 21 citations), introduced a paradigm shift by making haptic technology—traditionally expensive and proprietary—freely available through modular, 3D-printed designs. This contribution enables researchers, educators, and students to collaboratively customize and improve haptic interfaces, fostering communities of practice that accelerate innovation in tactile feedback systems. Gholami’s work bridges engineering and education, lowering barriers to entry for haptics research and expanding its applications in robotics, virtual reality, and assistive technologies. By championing open-source principles, she has empowered a global network of makers and academics to iterate on shared designs, directly impacting the accessibility of kinesthetic learning tools. Her achievements highlight the transformative potential of open hardware in specialized fields, making her a key figure in the movement toward inclusive, collaborative technological advancement.