Sile O'Modhrain Named Royal Academy Honorary Fellow
The University of Michigan professor has been honored for her contributions to performing arts technology.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in People
Professor Sile O'Modhrain of the University of Michigan has been elected an Honorary Fellow by the Royal Academy of Engineering. She is one of 75 total new Fellows selected for the organization in 2026.
Why it matters
The fellowship recognizes significant contributions to the field of engineering and technology. O'Modhrain brings a unique focus on performing arts technology and haptics to the esteemed group of researchers and leaders.
The Royal Academy of Engineering elected a total of 75 new Fellows in 2026. This selection process recognizes distinguished engineers from various disciplines.
The players
Sile O'Modhrain
She is a professor of performing arts technology at the University of Michigan who specializes in haptic interfaces.
Royal Academy of Engineering
This is the United Kingdom's national academy for engineering, which brings together the most successful and influential engineers.
NewHaptics
This startup co-founded by O'Modhrain focuses on creating accessible technology for individuals who are blind.
The details
O'Modhrain currently serves as a professor of performing arts technology at the University of Michigan and co-founded the startup NewHaptics in 2019. Her work includes developing multi-line braille displays using microfluidic logic and authoring the monograph A Dialogue of the Senses.
Timeline
O'Modhrain received a Fulbright scholarship in 1994.
She directed the Palpable Machines group at Media Lab Europe from 2001 to 2005.
O'Modhrain co-founded NewHaptics in 2019.
The Royal Academy of Engineering elected her as an Honorary Fellow in 2026.
Market Landscape
The recognition of O'Modhrain highlights the growing integration of haptic technology and engineering within the academic and commercial sectors. Her career trajectory follows a pattern established during her tenure at the Media Lab Europe Palpable Machines group.
Residents in Ann Arbor benefit from the local presence of globally recognized engineering talent at the university. This distinction reinforces the status of the local institution as a hub for advanced research and technology development.
The takeaway
O'Modhrain's career demonstrates the impact of interdisciplinary research bridging the arts and hard sciences. Her transition from academic research to founding a startup shows how scholarly work can solve practical accessibility challenges.
Further reading
For more on influential academic leaders in the city, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Raeng.
