Kenneth S. Breuer is a Professor of Engineering at Brown University, serving as Director of the Center for Fluid Mechanics. He holds appointments in the School of Engineering and collaborates across disciplines, including Biology and Physics. His research focuses on fluid mechanics, animal flight mechanics (particularly bats), bacterial motility, renewable energy, and turbulence. Breuer earned his Sc.B. from Brown University and M.Sc./Ph.D. from MIT, returning to Brown in 1999 after faculty service at MIT. Education: Sc.B. (Brown), M.Sc./Ph.D. (MIT). Awards include Fellowships from the American Physical Society and American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the Harold and Esther Edgerton Chair at MIT. He has authored over 100 publications and edited books such as *Microscale Diagnostic Techniques*. Research Interests: Fluid mechanics at micro/nanoscales, bio-inspired flight mechanisms, energy harvesting, and vortex dynamics. Collaborations include Professors Sharon Swartz (Biology) and Thomas Powers (Engineering). Current projects explore bat wing aerodynamics, membrane hydrofoils, and aerosol transmission in vehicles. Awards: APS Division of Fluid Dynamics Chair (2012), Midwest Mechanics Lecturer, and multiple fellowships. Teaching includes courses in Fluid Mechanics, Transport Phenomena, and Renewable Energy Systems. His lab develops bio-inspired robotic systems and studies flow interactions in animal and engineered systems.
Howard A. Stone is the Donald R. Dixon '69 and Elizabeth W. Dixon Professor and Neil A. Omenn '68 University Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University's School of Engineering and Applied Science. He leads the Complex Fluids Group, conducting interdisciplinary research at the intersection of engineering, physics, chemistry, and biology. Dr. Stone received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from UC Davis (1982) and Ph.D. from Caltech (1988). After a postdoctoral year at Cambridge University, he joined Harvard University's faculty in 1989, where he became the Vicky Joseph Professor of Engineering and Applied Mathematics before moving to Princeton in 2009. His research focuses on fluid dynamics phenomena across multiple scales, with particular emphasis on microfluidics, complex fluids, and biomechanics . His group investigates multiphase flows, colloidal systems, bio-inspired fluid phenomena, and physicochemical hydrodynamics. Recent work spans from fundamental studies of thin film drainage and droplet dynamics to applications in biological systems including blood flow, bacterial transport, and biomolecular condensates. The Complex Fluids Group employs experimental, theoretical, and computational approaches, often collaborating with industry partners on applications from medical devices to industrial processes. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a continued expansion into biological applications of fluid dynamics, with increasing focus on cellular mechanics, biomolecular condensates, and pathological hemodynamics, while maintaining strong contributions to fundamental fluid mechanics in complex systems. His work consistently bridges theoretical insights with practical applications across multiple disciplines. Major honors include: Election to the National Academy of Engineering (2009) Election to the National Academy of Sciences (2014) APS Fluid Dynamics Prize (2016) G.K. Batchelor Prize in Fluid Dynamics (2008) NSF Presidential Young Investigator Award Professor Stone has advised numerous PhD students through their Final Public Oral examinations, with recent graduates working on topics spanning microfluidics, bacterial transport, and complex fluid phenomena. His research has been supported by diverse funding sources including NSF, NIH, and industry partnerships. The Complex Fluids Group maintains state-of-the-art experimental facilities in the Engineering Quadrangle, featuring specialized equipment for microfluidics, rheology, and interfacial phenomena investigations. The group actively collaborates with researchers across Princeton and globally, maintaining strong connections to both academic and industrial partners working on fluid-related challenges.
Majid Ghayoomi is a Professor and Civil Engineering Undergraduate Coordinator in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of New Hampshire's College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. His research focuses on geotechnical engineering and geomechanics, particularly unsaturated soil mechanics and geotechnical earthquake engineering. He teaches courses such as Soil Mechanics, Engineering Behavior of Soils, and Geotechnical Modeling. Dr. Ghayoomi holds a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado at Boulder, an M.S. from Sharif University, and a B.S. from the University of Tehran. His research interests include bioremediation, hazards mitigation, soil-structure interaction, and materials testing. He leads the Geotechnical Modeling and Innovation lab, advancing bio-inspired solutions and remote sensing applications in geotechnical systems. His recent work emphasizes climate change impacts on seismic resilience, microbial stabilization of soils, and satellite-based soil moisture monitoring. Key contributions include studies on liquefaction mitigation, seismic site response, and infrastructure vulnerability in dynamic environments. His research spans theoretical, experimental (centrifuge modeling), and computational approaches to address complex geotechnical challenges.
Robert MacCurdy is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder . He leads the Matter Assembly Computation Lab (MACLab) focused on automating robot design and fabrication. His research bridges computational design and advanced manufacturing to create "robots that walk out of the printer." The lab develops tools like OpenVCAD , an open-source volumetric multi-material geometry compiler.
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyUnited States
Bradley D. Olsen is a full professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he leads research at the intersection of polymer science, soft matter physics, and bioengineering. His work focuses on designing materials for critical applications in biotechnology, hemostasis, and sustainable polymer development while advancing fundamental understanding of polymer network mechanics and self-assembly. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of California Berkeley (2007) S.B. in Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2003) Olsen's research spans protein-based materials, block copolymer phase behavior, and mechanochemical hydrogels. He has pioneered methods for quantifying polymer network topology, developing hemostatic nanoparticles, and creating bio-inspired materials for selective biomolecular transport and medical applications. His recent publications emphasize data-driven approaches to polymer characterization and educational outreach in materials science. Scientific Awards: American Physical Society (APS) Fellow (2023) Fulbright Amazonia Scholar (2023) Alexander and I. Michael Kasser Chair in Chemical Engineering (2021) ACS Macro Letters Young Investigator Award (2021) MIT Committed to Caring Honor (2019) AIChE Owens Corning Early Career Award (2019) APS Dillon Medal (2018) Kavli Emerging Leader in Chemistry (2017) ACS Polymer Division Fellow (2016) Camille Dreyfus-Teacher Scholar (2015) Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow (2014) NSF Career Grant (2013) NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship (2008-2009) Hertz Fellow (2003-2007) Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship (2002) Olsen has received significant grant support including NSF Career (2013) and AFOSR (2012) awards. His teaching activities include innovative international outreach like the 2025 soccer-themed science camp in Brazil. The Olsen Group at MIT explores advanced materials with applications ranging from trauma care to sustainable polymers.
Michael McAlpine is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at the University of Minnesota . He also holds affiliations with the Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments. His research focuses on 3D printing functional materials & devices , Nanoscale inks , Biomedical devices , Bioelectronics , and Flexible Microsystems . Research Interests : 3D Printing, Biomedical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Flexible Electronics, Microfluidics Labs : ME 361/363 Contact : mcalpine@umn.edu , (612) 626-3303, ME 117 Recent Research Trends include 3D Printed Biomedical Devices , Flexible Electronics , and Bioprinting Applications . His work spans from Spinal Organoid Formation to Programmable Drug Release Capsules . Scientific Award : Circulation Research 2020 Best Manuscript Award
Jindong Tan is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (since 2015). Previously, he held roles at Michigan Technological University (2002–2015) and Northeastern University, China (1995–1998). He specializes in medical/surgical robotics, human-robot interactions, wearable sensors, control systems, and mechatronics. His research integrates robotics, biomedical engineering, and computer science to advance minimally invasive surgical tools, wearable technology, and autonomous systems. Education: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University (2002), M.S. from Northeastern University (1995), and B.S. from Lanzhou University of Technology (1992). Research interests focus on developing innovative medical robotic systems, including laparoscopic camera robots, magnetic actuation mechanisms, and human-robot collaboration frameworks. He has contributed to advancements in wearable sensors for healthcare, sensor networks for dynamic environments, and calibration techniques for bio-inspired robots. Key projects include the design of an untethered laparoscopic camera robot (s-CAM), magnetic localization for surgical tools, and frameworks for controlled robot language in human-robot collaboration. His work emphasizes practical applications in surgical environments and wearable health monitoring. Professional service includes roles with the IEEE Robotics & Automation Society, Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, and the Association for Computing Machinery. Contact: tan@utk.edu, Perkins Hall 315.
Dr. Akhilesh Jaiswal serves as Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where his research pioneers device-circuit co-design for next-generation computing systems. His work focuses on enabling extreme-edge intelligence through processing-in-pixel technology, in-memory computing architectures, and bio-inspired neuromorphic systems. His academic credentials include: PhD in Nano-electronics from Purdue University (2019) MS from the University of Minnesota (2014) Bachelor of Technology from Shri Guru Gobind Singhji Institute of Engineering and Technology (2011) Dr. Jaiswal's research program centers on revolutionizing edge computing through hardware innovations that integrate sensing and processing. His device-circuit co-design approach leverages alternate state variables to create energy-efficient systems for real-time applications, with particular emphasis on retina-inspired sensors and photonic memory architectures. This work bridges semiconductor physics with AI acceleration needs, targeting applications from autonomous systems to biomedical devices. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals dominant themes in photonic SRAM-based in-memory computing (40% of output), retina-inspired motion processing (30%), and secure hardware architectures (20%). His team consistently develops novel bitcell designs that enable XOR logic execution within memory arrays while maintaining compatibility with CMOS fabrication processes. Recent work shows increasing focus on biomedical applications of processing-in-pixel technology. His distinguished recognition includes: Three consecutive ISI Exploratory Research Awards (2020-2023) IEEE Brain Community Best Paper Award (2022) 27 issued US patents with multiple pending applications Nomination for USC Moore Inventor Fellowship (2022) Dr. Jaiswal actively mentors graduate researchers through ECE 790/890/990 courses while securing exploratory funding through ISI and Keston Foundation awards. His patent portfolio demonstrates exceptional translational impact, with industry game-changer classifications from USPTO. The 2022 VLSI-SoC nomination and multiple research highlights in major outlets validate his contributions to hardware security and neuromorphic vision sensors. His laboratory develops integrated hardware platforms combining magnetic tunnel junctions, photonic memory, and CMOS image sensors to create unified processing-in-sensor systems. Current projects include retina-inspired motion segmentation for event cameras and electro-optic frequency transducers for quantum computing interfaces, with strong industry collaboration through patent licensing.
Rebecca Schulman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University. She holds secondary appointments in Chemistry and Computer Science and is affiliated with multiple interdisciplinary institutes, including the Institute for NanoBioTechnology, the Hopkins Extreme Materials Institute, the Chemistry-Biology Interface Program, the Center for Cell Dynamics, and the Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics. She currently co-directs the Passport to Future Technology Leadership program for PhD students. Research Interests: Schulman's research lies at the intersection of DNA nanotechnology, synthetic biology, and smart materials. Her group develops intelligent, adaptive biomolecular materials and nanostructures by integrating concepts from materials science, biochemistry, circuit design, and soft matter physics. The team focuses on engineering dynamic self-assembly processes using DNA to create reconfigurable materials, molecular circuits, and autonomous soft micro-robots. Key themes include self-healing nanostructures, feedback-regulated crystallization, programmable hydrogels, and synthetic genetic networks for materials control. Publication Trends: Her recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on using DNA-based chemical reaction networks to program spatial and temporal behavior in materials. The work spans from fundamental mechanisms like catalytic polymerization and crystal growth regulation to applications in soft robotics, self-wiring circuits, and synthetic pattern formation. The research is highly interdisciplinary, combining synthetic biology with materials engineering to achieve life-like functionalities in non-living systems. Scientific Awards: AIMBE Fellowship Award Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship Award Hartwell Individual Biomolecular Research Award President’s Early Career Award in Science and Engineering (PECASE) DARPA Young Faculty Award DARPA Directors Fellowship NSF CAREER Award Turing Scholar Award DOE Early Career Award Advising and Grants: Schulman mentors graduate students and leads a vibrant research group focused on next-generation biomolecular engineering. Her work is supported by major federal grants, including the NSF CAREER, DOE Early Career, DARPA, and the Vannevar Bush Fellowship—a prestigious Department of Defense award for basic research. She is actively involved in training future leaders through programs like the Passport to Future Technology Leadership. Labs and Teams: The Schulman Lab at Johns Hopkins is a multidisciplinary team working on DNA-powered materials and molecular programming. The lab is embedded within several collaborative centers, enabling strong cross-departmental and cross-institutional research. Their work combines experimental biochemistry with theoretical modeling to design and implement complex molecular systems.
Kevin M. Lynch is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering, where he also serves as Director of the Center for Robotics and Biosystems. His research spans multiple domains of robotics, with particular expertise in dynamics, motion planning, and feedback control of mechanical systems. Dr. Lynch received his Ph.D. in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University in 1996, with a thesis on "Nonprehensile Robotic Manipulation: Controllability and Planning" under advisor Prof. Matthew T. Mason. He earned his B.S.E. with honors in Electrical Engineering from Princeton University in 1989. His research interests focus on robotics, particularly dynamics, motion planning, and feedback control of mechanical systems. He investigates mechanics, planning, and control of robotic manipulation (juggling, throwing, pushing, rolling, vibration, etc.) and locomotion. His work also explores self-organizing systems, particularly decentralized control of mobile sensor networks and swarm robotics, underactuated dynamic systems, and physical human-robot interaction with industrial applications. Recent research has expanded into bio-inspired active electrosense, underwater robotics, control and optimization for robot swarms, swarm shape control, and functional electric stimulation. Dr. Lynch's recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward rehabilitation robotics and human-robot interaction, particularly in lower-limb exoskeletons for gait training and rehabilitation. His work bridges fundamental robotics research with practical applications in healthcare, showing increasing integration of swarm robotics principles with human-centered design. The publications also reveal continued strong contributions to fundamental robotics theory, particularly in swarm formation control and manipulation dynamics. George Saridis Leadership Award in Robotics and Automation (2022) Harashima Award for Innovative Technologies (2017) IEEE Fellow (2010) Charles Deering McCormick Professor of Teaching Excellence (2007-10) Society of Automotive Engineers Ralph R. Teetor Educational Award (2007) Early Career Award in Robotics and Automation (2001) McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science Teacher Of The Year Award (1998-1999) NSF Career Award (1998) As Director of the Center for Robotics and Biosystems, Dr. Lynch oversees significant research grants and initiatives in robotics. He has made substantial contributions to robotics education through his "Modern Robotics" book and associated Coursera specialization, which has reached thousands of students worldwide. His professional service includes serving as Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Transactions on Robotics, where he oversaw a 90% increase in submissions during his tenure. Dr. Lynch leads research groups focusing on swarm robotics and rehabilitation robotics, with particular emphasis on the Center for Robotics and Biosystems at Northwestern University. His teams integrate expertise from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and rehabilitation medicine to develop innovative robotic systems for both industrial applications and healthcare solutions.
Kaiyu Hang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Rice University, where he directs the Robotics and Physical Interactions Lab (RobotΠ Lab). His research spans multiple domains of robotics with a focus on physical interaction systems. Before joining Rice, he completed his postdoc at Yale University, earned his Ph.D./M.Sc. at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and received his B.Eng. from Xi'an Jiaotong University. His research interests include robotic manipulation, grasping, in-hand manipulation, optimization, planning, learning, estimation, and control systems. He develops algorithms that enable robots to physically interact with other robots, people, and the world across scales from small grasping tasks to large-scale dual-arm and multi-robot manipulation systems. His work has practical applications in factories, kitchens, hospitals, warehouses, and construction sites. His recent publications demonstrate strong trends in in-hand manipulation techniques, energy-efficient drone operations, and benchmarking frameworks for robotic grasping. The 2025 IROS papers accepted highlight his leadership in developing standardized competition frameworks for evaluating robotic manipulation capabilities across diverse hardware platforms. ASME Rising Star of Mechanical Engineering (2024) NSF CAREER Award (2023) Multiple finalist awards at IEEE-RAS Humanoids and ICRA conferences Junior Fellowship Award from Institute for Advanced Study, HKUST (2017-2018) As an educator, he has taught multiple robotics courses including COMP 462/562: Introduction to Modern Robotics and COMP 461: Senior Design in A Robotized World. He serves as Faculty Advisor for the Rice Robotics Club and participates in graduate admissions. His lab actively recruits Ph.D. students and offers research opportunities for undergraduate and master's students who have completed core robotics courses.
Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyUnited States
Kostas Bekris is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Rutgers University, specializing in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. His research focuses on motion planning, autonomous manipulation, and robot control, with notable contributions to tensegrity robotics, perception-driven systems, and large-scale package handling. He leads a team conducting groundbreaking work in robotics, supported by grants from NSF, NASA, and industry collaborators like ExxonMobil. His group emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining machine learning, topological methods, and differentiable physics modeling to advance robot capabilities in complex environments. Education details are not explicitly stated in the provided texts, but his academic career has included significant mentorship of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. Key projects involve vision-driven manipulation pipelines, obstacle detection systems (PROBE), and resilient robot designs inspired by biological structures. He has been recognized for his work through prestigious awards including the NASA Early Career Grant and multiple NSF grants, as well as team achievements in robotics competitions like the Amazon Picking Challenge. Research interests span robotics subfields such as: Autonomous manipulation in cluttered environments Learning-based control for dynamic systems Topological data analysis for motion reasoning Tensegrity and soft robotics architectures Sim-to-real transfer in robotic tasks His team's work has produced open-source software tools and datasets, advancing benchmarks in manipulation and perception. Recent articles emphasize scalable solutions for industrial automation and robust navigation strategies in unstructured settings. Scientific achievements include: Development of PROBE for proprioceptive obstacle detection Advances in differentiable physics engines for tensegrity systems NSF-funded projects on robotic rearrangement and modular morphologies Advising contributions span over a decade, with current advisees focusing on topics like non-prehensile manipulation and large-scale storage optimization. Collaborations with industry (e.g., ExxonMobil) and academic partners (Yale University) reflect his commitment to applied robotics research. Labs and teams under his leadership include the Rutgers CS Robotics Group, contributing to projects like the ARIAC challenge platform and packing/industrial automation systems. Future work targets improved robot resilience in disaster scenarios and enhanced human-robot collaboration paradigms.
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyUnited States
Professor Michael S. Triantafyllou serves as the Henry L. and Grace Doherty Professor in Ocean Science and Engineering and Professor of Mechanical and Ocean Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He also directs MIT Sea Grant, a significant research center focused on ocean-related science and engineering. His work bridges multiple disciplines within mechanical and ocean engineering, with a strong emphasis on biomimetic approaches to underwater systems. Triantafyllou's research focuses on biomimetic ocean robots and sensors, flow-structure interaction, and the dynamics and control of ocean vehicles. His work in experimental fluid mechanics has led to groundbreaking developments in understanding how marine animals move and sense their environment, which he applies to create innovative underwater technologies. His research spans from fundamental fluid dynamics to practical applications in underwater robotics and sensing systems. His publications reveal a strong emphasis on vortex-induced vibrations, biomimetic sensing inspired by marine animals (particularly harbor seals and fish), and the development of novel underwater propulsion systems. His research shows consistent innovation in applying biological principles to engineering solutions for underwater vehicles and sensing systems. Fellow, American Physical Society, 2014 Aurel Stodola Medal and Lecture 'Biomimetic survival hydrodynamics and sensing', ETH Zurich, May 2014 William I. Koch Professor of Marine Technology (2008 - 2017) Discover Magazine Awards for Technological Innovation (1998) Work on Robotic Tuna featured on cover of Scientific American (March 1995) As Director of MIT Sea Grant and previously as Director of the Center for Ocean Engineering (2005-2017), Triantafyllou has led significant research initiatives and secured substantial funding for ocean-related research. His work with the Towing Tank Facility (which he has directed since 1988) and Propeller Tunnel Facility has supported numerous research projects in marine hydrodynamics. Triantafyllou's laboratory work focuses on biomimetic ocean technologies, particularly robotic systems inspired by marine animals. His famous RoboTuna project has been exhibited at major museums worldwide and represents a landmark achievement in biomimetic underwater robotics.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityUnited States
Michael Bartlett is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech , leading the Soft Materials and Structures Lab within the College of Engineering. His research focuses on bio-inspired materials , soft robotics , and multifunctional composites with applications in adaptive adhesives , stretchable electronics , and self-healing systems . Education: Ph.D., Polymer Science & Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst (2013) B.S.E., Materials Science & Engineering, University of Michigan (2008) His work explores the intersection of soft materials , morphing structures , and functional composites , leveraging techniques like kirigami and liquid metal integration to create innovations such as octopus-inspired underwater gloves and shape-shifting drones . His recent articles highlight advancements in programmable adhesion , liquid metal conductors , and multiscale material design . Scientific Awards: National Academy of Inventors Senior Member (2024) NSF CAREER Award (2023) Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award (2021) Soft Matter Emerging Investigator (2021) DARPA Director’s Fellowship (2020) Adhesion Society Early Career Scientist (2020) DARPA Young Faculty Award (2018) 3M Non-Tenured Faculty Award (2017) Bartlett has mentored over 40 undergraduate students and numerous graduate researchers, resulting in 12 peer-reviewed articles with student co-authors. His lab receives funding from federal agencies like NSF , ONR , and DARPA , as well as industry partnerships. The group also engages in K-12 outreach programs and collaborates with institutions such as University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Iowa State University .
John Baillieul is Distinguished Professor at Boston University with joint appointments in Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering and Electrical & Computer Engineering. He directs experimental laboratories for real-time control of lightweight robotic systems and applies nonlinear control theory to complex multi-body, networked, and bio-inspired systems. Education: Ph.D., Harvard University Research Interests: Baillieul’s work spans robotics, nonlinear control, and networked systems. Early contributions resolved motion-planning for kinematically redundant manipulators; current themes include neuromimetic learning, vision-based navigation, and resilience of infrastructure networks such as power grids. His group couples rigorous geometric control with real-time hardware to create lightweight, high-performance robots and to uncover fundamental information limits in feedback systems. Recent Publication Trends (2021-2025): Over the past five years his output has concentrated on three synergistic directions: (i) neuromimetic and Koopman-based data-driven methods for estimating and controlling nonlinear systems, (ii) vision-based guidance and sparse optical-flow primitives for agile autonomous flight, and (iii) network-theoretic decomposition and information-rate studies for resilient operation of power grids and collective dynamics. Honors & Awards: IEEE Fellow 2025 Roger W. Brockett Control Systems Award Former Editor-in-Chief, IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control Affiliations & Service: He is a member of Boston University’s Center for Information and Systems Engineering (CISE), has served as Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control, and remains active in editorial and organizational roles across the IEEE control systems community.
