Melanie Hoerr

Melanie Hoerr is a 2015 research intern in the Applied Sciences Group (ASG).  She is a fifth-year Ph.D. student at the department of textile technologies and textile engineering (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University (Germany). She is working on research and development of smart textiles (intelligent textiles) where her Ph.D. work is focused on medical applications. Her main focus is the R&D of smart textiles by using embroidery technology. By researching the possibilities and stretching the limits of this technology she was able to develop embroidered solutions for different products and prototypes for several applications e.g. textile electrodes for bio signal monitoring (ECG, EEG, EMG) and electrostimulation (EMS), textile antennas, textile touchpads, embroidered textile sensors and actuators, and embroidered carbon fiber reinforced structures.

Before starting as a Ph.D. student in textile engineering, Hoerr did an apprenticeship as an industrial mechanic at Miele & Cie. KG (very well-known for their advanced washing machines). Afterwards, she studied mechanical engineering at RWTH Aachen University. Thus, the circle closed when she decided to pursue her Ph.D. in the field of textile engineering.

In her spare time, Hoerr is training a young horse, and together they participate in jumping competitions with the goal that he will become an advanced level jumper one day.