Redefining Robotics: How She Overcame Doubt to Build the Future

Soft robots are redefining what we think of as robotics—but getting here wasn’t easy. In Dr. Kris Dorsey’s lab, they design soft robots—flexible, adaptable, and changing the way we think about robotics. But getting here wasn’t easy. Like many in STEM, Dr. Dorsey struggled with imposter syndrome, questioning whether she belonged. The key to pushing through? Perseverance and determination. Now, as a leader in engineering, she’s proving that belonging in STEM isn’t about being perfect—it’s about sticking with it.

Meet the women changing the face of STEM! The IF/THEN Collection, now proudly housed at the Museum of Science, Boston, is the world’s largest free digital library showcasing real, contemporary women in science, technology, engineering, and math. From groundbreaking researchers to space explorers, these role models prove that if she can see it, she can be it. Explore videos featuring behind-the-scenes interviews, and hands-on STEM inspiration for students, educators, and lifelong learners.

This project is funded by Lyda Hill Philanthropies.

Kris Dorsey is an associate professor in the departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences and a core faculty member at the Institute for Experiential Robotics at Northeastern University. Previously, Dorsey was a President’s Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of California, Berkeley and University of California, San Diego, a faculty member in the Picker Engineering Program at Smith College, and an MLK Visiting Associate Professor at the Media Lab at MIT. Dorsey graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering and earned her Bachelors of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Olin College. Dorsey’s current research interests include reconfigurable, novel morphology, and active soft sensors and the design of soft sensors for soft robot actuators and wearable medical and rehabilitation devices. Dorsey’s work has been recognized by an NSF CAREER award and the Emerging Leader ABIE Award in honor of Denice Denton.

See the full IF/THEN Collection.