Adeline Ripberger
Currently a PhD Candidate at Purdue University studying Materials Engineering out of the Ray Ewry Sports Engineering Center (RESEC). I graduated with a bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rutgers University in 2023. My research interest is in the athlete-equipment interaction from the perspectives of improving performance, designing for sensory perception, or preventing injury. I am actively looking for Post-Doc opportunities in the area of sports engineering with an expected graduation date of May 2027.
Throughout my time at the Ray Ewry Sports Engineering Center (RESEC) I have had the opportunity to engage with academics and the public at events across the country and globe. My passion for scientific communication dates back to my undergraduate research experiences.
RESEC at ISEA 2026 in Pullman, Washington. 
RESEC at ISEA 2026 in Pullman, Washington. 
RESEC team at the Indiana Sports Corp innovation sprint. 
Presenting at ICSE 2025 in New Delhi, India. 
The Ray Ewry Sports Engineering Center at Dallara in Speedway, Indiana. 
Myself and Daniel Castro Mesa at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in 2025 where we were case competition finalists. 
RESEC and Sports Engineering Professional Masters Program visit to Lucas Oil stadium in Indianapolis. 
Lab table at the Indy Classic college basketball game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Winter 2025). 
RESEC members during a visit to the International Olympic Committee headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland. 
RESEC visit to the headquarters of the UCI (international cycling federation) in Aigle, Switzerland. 
The RESEC delegation at ISEA 2024 hosted by Loughborough University. 
My honorable mention infographic at the FIFA research competion in Summer 2024. 
Presenting as a finalist in the “Interns Present” competition at Rutgers University in Spring 2023.
Current Research
My thesis research focuses on tuning sports equipment in order to optimize feel and control for athletes. I am currently investigating the mechanical behavior (namely vibration) of tennis rackets to study relationships among physical properties and players’ preferences. This work has included exploring how racket customization (string type, weighted tape) effects the vibration response at the handle and on-court validation with skilled tennis players. More detail can be found on the Research page.