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Noah J. CowanView profile

Professor

• Neuromechanics
• Robotics
• Neuroscience
• +5 more

Noah J. Cowan is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University's Whiting School of Engineering, with secondary appointments in Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, and Neuroscience. He is the founder and director of the Locomotion in Mechanical and Biological Systems (LIMBS) Laboratory, part of the Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics. His research focuses on neuromechanics, robotics, and control theory, bridging neuroscience, biomechanics, and engineering. Cowan's work investigates how organisms achieve precise locomotion and applies these insights to advance robotics, neuroprosthetics, and rehabilitation technologies. Education: B.S. Electrical Engineering (Ohio State, 1995), M.S. and Ph.D. Electrical Engineering & Computer Science (University of Michigan, 1997/2001). Postdoctoral fellowship at UC Berkeley (2001–2003) before joining Johns Hopkins. Research Interests: Neuromechanics of motion, bio-inspired robotics, multisensory integration in animals (e.g., electric fish, Drosophila), and sensorimotor control in clinical contexts like cerebellar ataxia. His lab studies how neural circuits interact with biomechanics to produce movement, with applications to robotic design and neurological disorder treatments. Awards & Recognition: Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (2010), IEEE Fellow, NSF CAREER Award (2009), and multiple teaching and research excellence awards at Johns Hopkins. His work has been published in top journals like Nature , Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , and IEEE Transactions on Robotics . Outreach & Mentorship: Longtime mentor for high school and undergraduate students in STEM, leading programs like the Baltimore Ingenuity Project and WISE. Served as team leader for the STEM Achievement in Baltimore Elementary Schools (SABES) initiative. Key Projects: Development of the LIMBS Lab’s VR systems for animal studies, bioelectric navigation technologies for medical devices, and collaborations with clinicians on upper limb movement disorders. His team’s research on electric fish and fruit flies has revealed principles of adaptive control applicable to robotics and AI.

Amit LalView profile

Professor

• Microsystem Engineering
• MEMS and NEMS
• Ultrasonic Sensors
• +12 more

Amit Lal is a Professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Cornell University, with affiliations in Biomedical Engineering, Applied Engineering Physics, and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He is a member of key research centers including Cornell CCMR, NBTC, and KAUST-CU. Education: B.S. in Electrical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1990 Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 1996 Prof. Lal's research focuses on the development of integrated microsystems using micro- and nanoscale fabrication. His work spans ultrasonic MEMS, low-power IoT sensors, atomic microsystems, and bio-robotics. He directs the SonicMEMS Laboratory, advancing technologies in GHz ultrasonics, inertial sensing, and chip-scale manipulation of particles. His interdisciplinary interests include biomedical imaging, solid-state devices, nanotechnology, and plasma science. His recent publications highlight innovation in energy harvesting, MEMS gyroscopes, and biologically integrated systems. The works reflect strong trends in autonomous sensing, miniaturized power sources, and hybrid bio-electromechanical systems, particularly for medical and navigation applications. Scientific Awards and Honors: NSF CAREER Award Whitaker Foundation Award Department of Defense Exceptional Service Award Best Program Manager Award, DARPA IEEE Ultrasonics and Frequency Control Symposium Best Paper Award IEEE NEMS Best Paper Award Robert M. Scharf 1977 Professor, Cornell Engineering HHMI Visiting Scientist, Janelia Farms Intel Fellowship (awarded to advisee) Prof. Lal has advised numerous students who have gone on to win awards and publish impactful research. He has secured significant research funding through DARPA and other agencies, managing and initiating multiple high-impact programs. His leadership extends to service on technical committees for IEEE conferences and journals, including Transducers and the IEEE Sensors Council. He has also contributed to academic recruiting within ECE. He leads the SonicMEMS Laboratory , a multidisciplinary research group focused on transforming sensing, communication, and computation at the microscale. The lab fosters collaboration across engineering and life sciences, pushing the boundaries of what integrated microsystems can achieve.

• Aerodynamics
• Animal Flight Mechanics
• Bio-inspired Robotics
• +3 more

Florian Muijres is an Associate Professor and Chairholder at the Experimental Zoology Group, Wageningen University & Research, where he leads the Animal Flight Lab. His research focuses on the biomechanics, aerodynamics, and flight control of natural flyers such as insects, birds, and bats, with applications in bio-inspired robotics and ecological solutions like mosquito traps and flapping-wing drones. He holds a PhD from Lund University (Sweden) and conducted postdoctoral research at the Dickinson Lab, University of Washington (USA). Research Interests: Merging experimental and computational methods, his work explores primary research on flight mechanics (e.g., mosquito evasion, butterfly gliding) and applied studies (e.g., drone design, pollinator behavior in greenhouses). His lab uses advanced videography and robotic models to study flight dynamics under real-world conditions. Labs & Teams: The Animal Flight Lab collaborates with biologists, physicists, and engineers to investigate flight adaptations in mosquitoes, bumblebees, and pied flycatchers. Projects include developing high-efficiency traps and analyzing flight performance in complex environments.

Imraan FaruqueView profile

Associate Professor

• Biologically-Inspired Flight Control
• Engineered Aerial Autonomy
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
• +2 more

Imraan Faruque is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Oklahoma State University (OSU), part of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology (CEAT). His research focuses on biologically-inspired flight control systems, engineered autonomy for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and the integration of sensory feedback mechanisms in autonomous systems. Education: Faruque holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland (2011 and 2010) and a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Virginia Tech (2006). Research Interests: His work emphasizes bio-inspired solutions for aerial autonomy, including swarm coordination, gust-aware flight control, and human-autonomy interaction. Key areas include unmanned systems design, visual feedback algorithms, and adaptive control strategies derived from insect flight dynamics. Awards: He has received notable accolades such as the ONR Young Investigator Award (2019), AIAA Hal Andrews Young Engineer/Scientist Award (2017), and multiple 'Best in Session' recognitions at major conferences. His team also secured 1st Place in the International Aerial Robotics Championship (2005). Publications: Faruque’s research spans topics like orbital debris management, swarm intelligence, and tornado sensing with UAVs. His work bridges biological principles and engineering, with applications in aerospace, robotics, and environmental monitoring.

Vikram IyerView profile

Assistant Professor

• Robotics
• Ubiquitous Computing
• Sensing & Embedded Systems
• +7 more

Vikram Iyer is an Assistant Professor at the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering and holds an Adjunct Appointment in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Washington. He co-directs the CS for Environment Initiative , focusing on interdisciplinary solutions that bridge computing, biology, and physical systems for environmental sustainability. Education : Ph.D. in Electrical & Computer Engineering (University of Washington), B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (UC Berkeley) Research Interests revolve around bio-inspired wireless systems , environmentally sustainable electronics , and miniaturized autonomous robotics . His work includes: Biodegradable circuit boards Battery-free wireless sensors Insect-scale vision systems Wind-dispersed environmental monitors AI tools for sustainable design Article Trends highlight contributions to green hardware , energy-autonomous robotics , and environmental sensing networks , often integrating machine learning with physical world interaction . Awards include: NSF CAREER Award SIGMOBILE Dissertation Award Marconi Society Paul Baran Young Scholar Best Paper Awards (SIGCOMM 2016, Sensys 2018) Google/Amazon Research Awards Students advised include Kyle Johnson (NSF Fellow), Vicente Arroyos (GEM Fellow), and Qiuyue Xue (co-advised with Shwetak Patel). His lab collaborates with the Networks & Mobile Systems Lab and Urban Innovation Initiative .

• Biomimetics
• Bio-inspired Design
• Animal Flight
• +6 more

David Lentink is a Full Professor of Biomimetics at the University of Groningen , leading the Biomimetics Group within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. His research bridges biomechanics, aerospace engineering, and robotics, focusing on avian flight mechanics and bio-inspired aerial robotics . Previously at Stanford University, he pioneered the development of the Aerodynamic Force Platform and low-turbulence wind tunnels for animal flight studies. Education : PhD in Aerospace Engineering (Stanford), MSc in Mechanical Engineering (Delft), BSc in Mechanical Engineering (Delft). Research Interests : Understanding bird flight biomechanics to design advanced drones, studying evolutionary adaptations in flight, and developing biohybrid robots with real feathers. Scientific Awards : Dutch Academic Year Prize for the Flight Artists (2013). World Economic Forum Young Scientist under 40 (2013). Alumnus of the Young Academy of The Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences. Labs : The Lentink Lab at Groningen’s Linnaeusborg campus integrates bird aviaries, wind tunnels, and maker spaces for bio-inspired robotics development. His team collaborates globally with institutions like Stanford, TU/e, and Sorama.

Matt GarrattView profile

Professor

• Robotics
• Swarm Robotics
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
• +5 more

Professor Matt Garratt is a faculty member at the University of New South Wales (UNSW Canberra), School of Engineering and IT, serving as AI theme lead for the Defence Trailblazer Universities initiative with over $200 million in funding. His primary research focuses on sensing, guidance, and control for autonomous systems within robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles. Garratt's research spans robotics, swarm intelligence, and autonomous systems with emphasis on bio-inspired navigation techniques and adaptive flight control. His work addresses critical challenges including terrain following using vision systems, landing UAVs on moving platforms, and developing self-organizing swarms. He integrates artificial intelligence, computer vision, and machine learning to advance unmanned systems capabilities in complex environments. Analysis of his recent publications reveals strong trends in bio-inspired UAV navigation (particularly honeybee behavior modeling) and swarm robotics applications. His work increasingly incorporates deep learning for perception tasks while addressing real-world challenges like gas plume detection and adversarial robustness in 3D vision systems. The research demonstrates consistent progression toward practical implementation of autonomous systems in dynamic environments. Professor Garratt has secured over $7.7 million in external research funding as Chief Investigator on 33 grants. He actively mentors graduate students with scholarships available for Masters and PhD research in robotics and AI, focusing on: UAV path planning and adaptive control systems Swarm robotics collective motion optimization Bio-inspired autonomous navigation techniques Computer vision for robotic perception He co-founded the UNSW Canberra AIR (AI and Robotics) Group (AIR Lab), which drives research in trusted autonomy, swarm intelligence, and AI integration for defense applications. The lab develops practical solutions for autonomous systems operating in complex, real-world environments while maintaining ethical AI frameworks.

Matthias BeckerView profile

Professor

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Simulation and Modeling
• Distributed Systems
• +6 more

Matthias Becker is a Professor at the Institute for Practical Computer Science within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Leibniz University Hannover, where he has been a core member of the Human-Computer Interaction group since 2019. He serves as Internship Coordinator for Computer Science and Computer Engineering and holds key roles in the Computer Science Examination Board and Selection Committee, actively shaping academic governance and student development. His academic journey began with PhD studies at the University of Bremen (1996-2000) supported by a DFG grant, followed by a postdoctoral permanent position at Leibniz University Hannover (2000-2019), an Associated Assistant Professor role at École des Mines de Nantes (2000), and a Habilitation in Computer Science in 2013. This foundation enabled his transition to a full professorship in 2019. Becker's research spans Human-Computer Interaction, Simulation and Modeling, and Bio-inspired Computing, with applications in agriculture, renewable energy, and manufacturing. His work integrates distributed systems, optimization algorithms, and wireless sensor networks to solve complex real-world problems, such as greenhouse monitoring, wind farm logistics, and tire noise reduction. Recent publications reveal a strategic focus on practical validation of simulation models and cross-domain applications of nature-inspired algorithms. His 15 most recent publications (2018-2024) demonstrate consistent innovation in applying simulation techniques to offshore wind farm installation, agricultural pest management, and sports science. These works emphasize real-world validation, collaborative problem-solving, and the development of domain-specific optimization frameworks that bridge theoretical algorithms and industrial implementation. As Internship Coordinator, Becker facilitates critical industry-academia connections for students, while his examination board responsibilities ensure rigorous academic standards. His leadership in the Human-Computer Interaction group drives research on interactive systems for agriculture, energy, and health, with particular emphasis on user-centered design in complex operational environments like wind farm logistics and greenhouse automation.

Sean HumbertView profile

Professor

• Flight Dynamics and Control
• Bio-inspired Perception and Estimation
• Autonomous Robotics
• +5 more

J. Sean Humbert is a Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, holding a courtesy appointment in the College of Engineering and Applied Science (AES). He serves as Director of the Robotics Program and Faculty Director for the Aerospace and Defense Western Colorado University Partnership Program. His research focuses on bio-inspired robotics, autonomous systems, and advanced control methodologies. Key research areas include flight dynamics, bio-inspired perception, micro-robotics, and soft robotics. He leads the Robotics and Systems Design group, affiliated with the Hypersonic Vehicles IRT. His work integrates bio-mimetic principles with engineering challenges, emphasizing robust control in unstructured environments. Recent publications span topics like soft robotic actuators, distributed sensing, and neural dynamics in robotics. His lab develops cutting-edge technologies for subterranean exploration, UAV navigation, and bio-inspired sensor systems. Collaborations include industry partnerships and interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of robotics, biology, and control theory. Awards and recognitions are not explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. Sean Humbert’s lab is located at ECES 1B14, with an office in ECES 146. His academic contributions bridge theory and application, addressing real-world challenges in autonomous systems and robotics innovation.

• Fluid Dynamics
• Atmospheric Physics
• Particle-laden Flows
• +5 more

Dr. Gholamhossein (Mohsen) Bagheri is a Researcher and Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization , leading the Turbulence and Particles in Fluids group within the Laboratory for Fluid Physics, Pattern Formation and Biocomplexity . His work bridges fluid dynamics , atmospheric physics , and environmental health , focusing on turbulent, particle-laden flows in natural and indoor systems. His research explores how turbulence governs the dispersion of respiratory particles , volcanic ash , microplastics , and cloud microphysics . Key projects include the Max Planck CloudKite (airborne measurements of clouds), HoloTrack (3D droplet tracking), and WinDarts (planetary boundary layer turbulence). His group also investigates indoor aerosol dynamics , contributing critical insights into Covid-19 transmission and ventilation strategies. Publications highlight a broad scope: 2025 papers on Palabos Turret simulations, AeroVolc volcanic ash sampling, and curved fiber torques in turbulence; 2024 studies on microplastic fibers and inertial particle orientation ; 2023 work on respiratory aerosols and wind instrument emissions ; and earlier research on ash aggregation , cloud droplets , and infection risk in indoor spaces . Collaborations span Michael Wilczek , Eberhard Bodenschatz , and interdisciplinary teams. His studies on human exhaled particles (2022) revealed age-dependent emission patterns, while honeybee flight dynamics (2022) demonstrated turbulence adaptation. The CloudKite platform has advanced climate modeling by reducing uncertainties in aerosol-cloud interactions . Despite no listed awards, his work has influenced policy during the pandemic and environmental pollution research .

Emily BairdView profile

Professor

• Visual Ecology
• Insect Behavior
• Neuroethology
• +3 more

Emily Baird is a Professor at the Department of Zoology, Stockholm University , leading interdisciplinary research at the intersection of sensory ecology , neuroethology , and comparative morphology . Her work focuses on how insects like dung beetles and bumblebees process visual information to guide behavior in diverse environments. Key Collaborations : Dlife Project with University of Southern Denmark and University of Kiel (Human Frontiers Science Project) INVISMO Project with Lund University (Swedish Research Council) Research Themes : 3D micro-CT analysis of insect eyes Neural mechanisms for straight-line orientation Flight control in cluttered environments Mechanical principles of dung beetle ball rolling Techniques : Behavioral experiments, X-ray microtomography, computational modeling, ray-tracing simulations.

T. Thang Vo-DoanView profile

Lecturer

• Biorobotics
• Cyborg Insects
• Bio-inspired Robotics
• +13 more

Dr T. Thang Vo-Doan is a Lecturer at the University of Queensland in the School of Mechanical & Mining Engineering . He directs the UQ Biorobotics Lab and serves as an affiliate of both the Future Autonomous Systems and Technologies and the Queensland Brain Institute . PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (2016) M.Eng. in Manufacturing Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (2010) B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (2008) His research focuses on biohybrid robotics , integrating biological systems with technology through cyborg insects , bio-inspired robotics , and fast lock-on tracking systems. He explores insect biomechanics and brain imaging in untethered insects , developing platforms for search-and-rescue missions and environmental monitoring. Recent work trends include: 2025: On-demand climbing control for cyborg beetles 2024: High-resolution insect tracking and soft textile muscles 2023: Intelligent insect–computer hybrid robots 2022: Autonomous navigation and robotic leg design 2018: Ultralightweight living robots Scientific honors: Human Frontier Science Program Cross-disciplinary Fellowship (2019-2022) He supervises projects on: Insect-machine hybrid robots Insect-inspired robotics Fast lock-on tracking Insect locomotion biomechanics Current grants include: NHMRC IDEAS Grant (2025-2028): Infrared and AI for Ross River virus surveillance Queensland Corrective Services Grant (2024-2027): Wastewater drug misuse analysis

Alexandra RutzView profile

Assistant Professor

• Bioelectronics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• +3 more

Alexandra Rutz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis . She joined the university in March 2021. Her affiliations include the Institute of Materials Science & Engineering and the Center for Regenerative Medicine . She can be reached at rutzalexandral@wustl.edu , with her lab located in Whitaker Hall, Room 235 and office in Room 390D. Education: PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University (2016) MS in Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University (2014) BS in [unspecified field], University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (2011) Research Interests: Professor Rutz’s work emphasizes nature-inspired design to advance bioelectronics via materials engineering and fabriation-based approaches . Her lab develops bioelectronic scaffolds for robust biointerfaces and long-lived medical devices, merging materials science with biomedical applications . She also explores principles of odor-guided navigation in brain-machine interfaces through collaborative projects. Scientific Awards: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship Whitaker International Postdoctoral Fellowship Advising & Grants: While no formal advisees are listed, her postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge (Division of Electrical Engineering) was supported by prestigious fellowships. She contributed to a National Science Foundation grant ($4.3 million) led by Barani Raman in 2023, investigating brain-machine interfaces for insects. Her work highlights transdisciplinary collaboration between engineering and life sciences. Labs & Teams: Her lab in Whitaker Hall focuses on electronic tissue engineering . She collaborates with institutions like the Center for Regenerative Medicine and leverages external funding for innovative projects.

• Insect neuroethology
• Sensory systems in dipterans
• Flight control and stability
• +3 more

Professor Jessica Fox is a faculty member in the Department of Biology at Case Western Reserve University, where she conducts cutting-edge research on insect sensory systems and flight control mechanisms. Her work bridges neuroscience, biomechanics, and ethology to unravel how flies process sensory information for navigation and behavior. Her research program focuses on: Neural encoding in dipteran sensory systems Integration of haltere mechanosensation and visual inputs Flight stability and gaze control mechanisms Evolutionary adaptations in insect sensory organs Neuromodulation of sensorimotor pathways Recent publications demonstrate a consistent emphasis on haltere function as a biological gyroscope, revealing how flies dynamically tune sensory processing during flight. Her experimental approaches combine tethered flight assays, optogenetics, high-speed videography, and neural recordings to dissect sensorimotor transformations across diverse dipteran species. Professor Fox leads the Fox Lab at Case Western Reserve University, which maintains active collaborations with neuroscience and engineering groups to develop bio-inspired robotics models based on insect flight principles. The lab emphasizes comparative studies across fly species to identify conserved and specialized neural mechanisms.

• Collective behaviour
• Theoretical and Computational Biology
• Decision theory
• +7 more

Professor James A.R. Marshall is a Professor of Theoretical and Computational Biology at the University of Sheffield's School of Computer Science, where he also serves as Director of the Centre for Machine Intelligence. He leads the Behavioural and Evolutionary Theory Lab (BET Lab), an interdisciplinary research group focused on understanding behavior through mathematical and computational approaches. His academic journey includes previous positions at the University of Bristol before joining Sheffield in 2010. Marshall's research spans collective social insect behavior, evolutionary theory, decision theory, robotics, and theoretical neuroscience. He applies mathematical and computational approaches to understand how and why behaviors evolve, with particular interest in social insect colonies, swarm intelligence, and biomimetic applications for robotics. His work often bridges biology and computer science, developing algorithms inspired by natural systems. He has made significant contributions to understanding confidence-weighted decision-making, quorum sensing in swarms, and magnitude-sensitive reaction times in multi-alternative choices. His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward applying insights from biological systems to robotics and AI, particularly through projects like Brains on Board and Opteran Technologies. His work increasingly focuses on neuromorphic control systems that mimic insect brains for autonomous navigation, demonstrating how constraints in biological systems can lead to robust engineering solutions. The interdisciplinary nature of his research is evident in publications spanning computational neuroscience, robotics, animal behavior, and theoretical biology. EPSRC Peer Review College Member (2010-present) Member of the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship Panel College (2019-present) Editorial Board, Swarm Intelligence (2017-present) Associate Editor, PLoS Computational Biology (2020-present) Marshall has successfully mentored numerous researchers including HaDi MaBouDi, Andreagiovanni Reina, and Alexander Cope, while securing substantial research funding including EPSRC grants totaling over £4 million. His lab has produced the spinout company Opteran Technologies, which has secured over £12 million in funding to develop natural intelligence technology for autonomous systems. The BET Lab maintains strong connections with Sheffield Robotics and focuses on testing theoretical models in physical robotic systems while developing computational models of biological processes.