Author: Chad Rose

A vision defended. A mission accomplished.

Dr. Rhet O. Hailey has successfully defended his PhD, culminating years of dedication and innovation. His research, “Evaluating Active Assessment and Learning Control for Robotic Rehabilitation,” advances the future of upper-limb robotic rehabilitation and stands as a meaningful contribution to mechanical and biomedical engineering. Congratulations, Dr. Hailey!

From the very beginning, Rhet has been more than a researcher, he has been a cornerstone of the WeBR Lab. As one of our founding members, his leadership, persistence, and willingness to mentor others helped shape the culture and identity of the lab. His impact will continue long after today.

To our lab’s big brother: thank you. This isn’t goodbye it’s the start of a new chapter. We know your journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see the lives you’ll impact next.

Best of luck, Dr. Hailey!

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Shaking and shivering may define the movement disorders Zack studies, but they certainly didn’t shake him.

Zachary Miller has successfully defended his master’s thesis, “Augmenting Neurological Movement Disorder Assessment Metrics Using Deep Learning Algorithm-Based Predictions and Haptic Interfaces.” Through the integration of artificial intelligence and haptic technologies, his research contributes to advancing the assessment of neurological movement disorders and the future of rehabilitation engineering.

With his master’s journey complete, Zack is already looking ahead to the next challenge as he continues into his Ph.D. We’re excited to watch this next chapter unfold and see the impact his research will have.

Congratulations, Zack! The WeBR Lab is proud of this milestone, and we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.

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Collaboration, innovation, and meaningful discussion were at the forefront as members of the WeBR Lab attended the LSU Symposium on Control, Learning, and Intelligent Systems.

Representing the WeBR Lab, Mason D. Mathias and Rhet O. Hailey presented their research titled “System Identification for an Impedance-Controlled Exoskeleton.” Utilizing the Harmony exoskeleton platform, their work focuses on developing simplified dynamic models of robotic exoskeleton systems designed to assist individuals affected by stroke. By improving the understanding of system behavior, this research aims to support the development of more effective control strategies and rehabilitation treatments, ultimately helping advance wearable robotic technologies for clinical applications.

WeBR Lab is proud of Mason and Rhet for representing the lab and contributing to the growing conversation surrounding intelligent systems and wearable robotic technologies. We look forward to seeing how these interactions and collaborations continue to shape future research and innovation.

WeBR Lab proudly participated in the SPIE Smart Structures + Nondestructive Evaluation Conference for the first time, bringing together researchers and innovators from around the world working on advanced materials, sensing technologies, robotics, and intelligent systems.

The presented project, titled “Compliant Structures for Shock Mitigation in Wearable Exosuits,” focuses on the design, development, and characterization of a passive wearable device intended to reduce impact transmission through the lower limbs during high-speed craft (HSC) operations.

First-year Mechanical Engineering master’s student Carlos E. Campos Vargas, under Dr. Chad G. Rose’s guidance, represented the lab. During the conference, Carlos worked with the Polymers Mechanics Research Lab team, which included Dr. Russell W. Mailen and Robert E. Smith from Auburn Aerospace Engineering, showcasing the interdisciplinary scope of current engineering research.

The conference offered a great chance to network, share ideas, and discuss ongoing progress with researchers from various disciplines and institutions around the world.

The WeBR Lab is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of three of our outstanding members who were recognized during Auburn University’s Graduate Award Ceremony. Their dedication to research, leadership, and academic excellence continues to reflect the collaborative spirit and innovation that drive our lab forward.

Rhet Hailey received the Outstanding Doctoral Student Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions throughout his doctoral studies.

Paxton Albright was honored with the Outstanding Master Student Award for his academic achievements and contributions as a graduate researcher.

Mason Mathias was recognized as a recipient of the C.L. “Shot” Senn Fellowship, an award presented to graduate students who demonstrate outstanding leadership, character, and achievement. As a former Auburn student-athlete. His transition from athletics to graduate research highlights the diverse paths and experiences that contribute to innovation and success within the Auburn community.

Congratulations to Rhet, Paxton, and Mason on these well earned recognitions. The WeBR Lab is proud to celebrate your achievements and anticipates your ongoing success in research, leadership, and more.

The American Society of Safety Professionals held its first annual convention at Auburn University, bringing together key themes such as human systems integration and occupational safety. With its broad focus on human-centered robotics, the WeBR Lab was well-positioned to contribute and showcase its work.

The dynamic duo Carlos E. Campos Vargas and Mason Mathias participated in the Student Research Poster Competition, earning recognition in special categories:

• Applied Safety Innovation Award – Carlos E. Campos Vargas
• Best Visual Communication Award – Mason Mathias

The convention also fostered meaningful discussions around collaboration and partnerships, compliance and human systems integration, noise attenuation in the workplace, and advancements in motion capture analysis technologies.

We look forward to future iterations of this growing event.

The team once again participated in one of Auburn’s most anticipated and well-attended research showcases. The WeBR Lab was proudly represented by:

Joshua Medler represented the WeBR Lab with research titled “Vibration Stimulation for Neuropathy” at the annual Auburn University Research Symposium. Building upon ongoing work within the lab, this research explores the use of haptic-based stimulation in wearable robotic devices to help address Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy by mitigating nerve damage and improving patient outcomes.

We’re proud to see this work continue to evolve and contribute to the advancement of human-centered solutions in healthcare and rehabilitation. Congratulations to Joshua on a strong presentation!

Talking about New Year’s resolutions? Rhet is the kind of person who actually completes them.

Our distinguished PhD student colleague has officially advanced to doctoral candidacy after successfully presenting his dissertation proposal titled “Evaluating active assessment and learning control for robotic rehabilitation”.

After years of rigorous preparation and solid research development, Hailey now stands on the threshold of completing his academic journey, working alongside his advisor and mentor, Dr. Chad G. Rose.

Congratulations on this major milestone, we look forward to what comes next!

On October 17, 2025, the Department of Mechanical Engineering hosted its Annual Graduate Student Poster Session and Contest for Fall 2025. With six categories and nearly nine participants per group, the event showcased the innovation and creativity driving our field. And as always, WeBR Lab had something remarkable to share.

Representing both experience and fresh perspectives, our team members Paxton Albright, Zack Miller, Mason Mathias, and Carlos Campos proudly stood out in the System Dynamics & Controls and Design & Manufacturing categories.

The results speak for themselves:
🏆 Paxton Albright – 2nd Place, Design & Manufacturing – for his brilliant soft exosuit design.
🏆 Zack Miller – 2nd Place, System Dynamics & Controls – for his research on predicting tremors.
🥉 Mason Mathias – 3rd Place, System Dynamics & Controls – for exploring effective muscle synergies in upper-body exoskeletons by perturbing a single joint.

“Its a poster!”

Dr. Chad G. Rose

WeBR Lab: united in innovation, driven by purpose.