OUR PEOPLE
Tara O'Connell
Ph.D.
She/Her
Scientist
Academic Credentials
- Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, 2025
- M.S., Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, 2024
- B.S., Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, 2019
Additional Education & Training
- Adjunct Major in Global Health Studies, Northwestern University, 2019
Professional Honors
- American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship, 2023-2024
Professional Affiliations
- American Society of Biomechanics (ASB)
Dr. Tara O'Connell (formerly Cornwell) is a biomechanical engineering expert and movement scientist specializing in human subject experiments. Her interdisciplinary background includes experimental design, mathematics, and data analysis, empowering Dr. O'Connell to effectively lead user studies and provide analytical solutions to complex challenges.
Prior to joining Exponent, Dr. O'Connell evaluated motor control and the biomechanics of gait in various clinical populations, including people with chronic stroke or incomplete spinal cord injury. Through this research, she gained experience designing novel experiments with sensors and real-time feedback mechanisms, developing custom analysis pipelines in Visual3D, MATLAB, and Python, and leveraging theoretical models and optimization tools to simulate movement dynamics. With three degrees in biomedical engineering, Dr. O'Connell is well-equipped and motivated to deliver human-centered solutions to a variety of technological or clinical challenges.