Fischell Institute Womxn's History Month Spotlight: Paige Campbell

Paige Campbell is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Fischell Department of Bioengineering at the University of Maryland. She joined the Bioinspired Advanced Manufacturing (BAM) Lab under Maryland Robotics Center Interim Director, Mechanical Engineering and Institute for Systems Research Associate Professor and Fischell Institute Fellow Ryan Sochol in the spring of 2025.

Within the first six months of joining Sochol’s lab, Campbell’s work was published in Lab on a Chip. Recently, she presented her research at the IEEE MEMS Conference in Salzburg, Austria, an accomplishment she is particularly proud of.

“This experience was a pivotal step in my Ph.D. journey,” she said. “It allowed me to build a network of scientists who share excitement about the future applications of my research, which motivated me to continue exploring my work more deeply.”

Campbell’s research utilizes advanced manufacturing strategies to fabricate novel medical devices and tools for soft robotics — flexible, inflatable robots that are powered using water or air instead of electricity. She is currently working on two projects. The first involves developing a steerable soft robotic microcatheter to assist in the treatment of a pediatric heart condition known as Patent Ductus Arteriosus. The second project focuses on developing microfluidic circuitry to improve control of both macroscale and microscale soft robots, such as controlling a soft robotic hand to play Nintendo.

“I’m excited about my research because of the iterative design process involved in developing these novel devices,” Campbell said. “The undergraduate students I mentor also increase my excitement for the work, as I guide them through the research process and get to watch their curiosity and interest grow.”

Since joining the BAM Lab, Campbell says the lab environment has been incredibly supportive and encouraging.

“The research conducted in our lab deeply aligns with my goals of applying innovative techniques to improve medical devices,” she explained. “I have had the opportunity to present my research at two conferences thus far, and I am extremely grateful for my experience in the lab and for Dr. Sochol’s mentorship.”

After completing her doctorate, Campbell hopes to pursue entrepreneurship and eventually start her own company that develops advanced, accessible medical devices.

“I have the ambition to make advanced technologies, particularly medical devices, accessible to more people because I want to reduce health disparities around the world and support communities that are often overlooked,” she said. “I view the mission behind my work through a lens of inclusivity, where the target audience for these devices should be everyone.”

Campbell is also actively involved in the University of Maryland’s Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) program, where she serves as a graduate mentor for a team of undergraduate students. Through the program, she is guiding the team as they develop a soft robotic hand controlled by fluidic circuitry capable of playing video games, such as Super Mario Bros.

“Leading this large team of undergraduate students has been especially rewarding because I am able to build upon my skills in project management to guide the team toward our shared goal,” Campbell said.

Outside of the lab, she enjoys giving back to her community as a Maryland and Prince George’s County native. Campbell also appreciates rock climbing and spending time outdoors hiking, canoeing, fishing, and relaxing in nature.

Published March 13, 2026