Find Academic Supervisors

Jeannette BohgView profile

Assistant Professor

• Robotics
• Machine Learning
• Computer Vision
• +3 more

Jeannette Bohg is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University, directing the Interactive Perception and Robot Learning Lab. Previously, she was a group leader at the Autonomous Motion Department (AMD) of the MPI for Intelligent Systems (2012-2017). She holds a PhD from KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Stockholm) and degrees from Chalmers University and TU Dresden. Her research focuses on perception, learning, and real-time multi-modal methods for autonomous robotic manipulation and grasping, aiming to bridge principles of human sensorimotor coordination with robotic implementation. Education: PhD in Robotics (KTH), MSc in Art & Technology (Chalmers), Diploma in Computer Science (TU Dresden) Research interests include developing goal-directed, real-time robotic systems capable of meaningful feedback for execution and learning. Key areas are dexterous manipulation, imitation learning, and cross-embodiment policy transfer. Notable contributions include the TidyBot platform and work on force-aware surgical robotics. Awards include the 2019 IEEE ICRA Best Paper Award, 2019 IEEE RA Early Career Award, and 2020 RSS Early Career Award. Her lab explores intersections of robotics, ML, and computer vision. Advising: Actively mentoring students/postdocs in manipulation, perception, and learning. Grants and collaborations span NSF, Stanford AI Lab, and industry partnerships. Future work emphasizes robust real-world deployment and human-robot collaboration. Labs/Teams: Leads the Interactive Perception and Robot Learning Lab, contributing to Stanford’s AI ecosystem. Previously managed the MPI AMD group, fostering interdisciplinary research in autonomous systems.

• Extreme Environmental Physiology
• Human Adaptation to Stressful Environments
• Environmental Health
• +3 more

Edward Ashworth is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Sydney School of Health Sciences, University of Sydney. He is affiliated with the Thermal Ergonomics Laboratory and the Heat and Health Research Incubator. His research focuses on human adaptations to extreme environments, including heat, altitude, hyperbaric conditions, and space-related stressors. Key projects include improving sleep quality in hot environments and enhancing physical work capacity for outdoor workers. Edward's research interests span environmental physiology, with a focus on thermal tolerance, radiation injury mitigation, and the physiological effects of extreme conditions. He has contributed to studies involving nitrogen kinetics tracking using PET imaging, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and robotic surgery applications. Awards: Young Investigator Award (2023), Art of Science Contest 1st Prize (2024), Australia Space Biology Summit 1st Place (2022), and Sporting Blue (Auckland University of Technology). Associations: The Physiological Society and American Physiological Society. His work integrates clinical trials, statistical research design, and translational approaches to address challenges in environmental health, cardiovascular disease, and healthy ageing. Current projects aim to optimize thermal tolerance strategies for military and occupational settings.

Rodrigo VenturaView profile

Associate Professor

• Robotics
• Artificial Intelligence
• Human-Robot Interaction
• +4 more

Rodrigo Ventura is an Associate Professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), University of Lisbon. He is also a senior researcher at the Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR-Lisbon), leading the Space and Aeronautics thematic line. His research focuses on the intersection of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, emphasizing human-robot interaction, space robotics, and cognitive architectures. He coordinates the Minor in Space Sciences and Technologies at IST and the MBE on Space Systems for Tecnico+. As Adjoint Faculty at the International Space University (ISU), he contributes to global academic initiatives. His work includes experiments on the International Space Station and participation in analog space missions. Research interests span biologically inspired systems, machine learning, and teleoperation interfaces. Recent publications address reinforcement learning for UAVs, microgravity experiments, and pseudo-haptic feedback for robotic control. He teaches subjects like Artificial Intelligence and Decision Systems, Satellite Engineering, and Autonomous Systems.

Keenan AlbeeView profile

Assistant Professor

• Robotic Motion Planning
• Autonomous Systems
• Optimal Control
• +5 more

Keenan Albee is a Robotics Technologist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and an incoming Assistant Professor at the University of Southern California (starting Fall 2025). His research focuses on autonomous robotics for extreme environments including lunar missions, microgravity, and underwater operations. Education: Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics (Autonomous Systems), MIT (2022) S.M. in Aeronautics and Astronautics, MIT (2019) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University (2017) Albee’s work integrates optimal control , reinforcement learning , and motion planning to develop autonomy for mobile robotic systems operating under uncertainty. His expertise spans space robotics , microgravity systems , and underwater robotics , with a focus on environment-aware algorithm design. Recent research includes parametric information-aware motion planning (RATTLE algorithm), distributed multi-agent exploration, and robust control for uncooperative targets. His publications highlight on-orbit validation of autonomy algorithms via NASA’s Astrobee platform and upcoming lunar missions. Scientific Awards: NASA Space Technology Research Fellowship (2022) Albee actively develops open-source autonomy frameworks and will establish the Laboratory for Autonomous Systems in Exploration and Robotics (LASER) at USC. His work bridges theoretical control methods with real-world deployment, including first-of-its-kind achievements in space robotics.

Philipp ReissView profile

Professor

• Lunar Exploration
• Planetary Resources
• Space Instrumentation
• +3 more

Prof. Philipp Reiss is a Professor of Lunar and Planetary Exploration Technologies at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), part of the TUM School of Engineering and Design. His academic journey includes a doctorate in lunar exploration (2018) and postdoctoral leadership of a research group, followed by ESA work on lunar mission instruments. He was appointed to his current role in 2022. Education: Bachelor's/Master's in Aerospace Engineering from Bremen University of Applied Sciences and TUM Doctorate in Lunar Exploration (TUM, 2018) Research Focus: Development of instruments for in-situ resource characterization (e.g., water detection on the Moon) Simulation of heat/mass transport in extraterrestrial environments Technologies for extreme environment exploration Legal and ethical frameworks for space resource utilization Recent Article Trends: Recent work emphasizes lunar water cycle analysis, space resource extraction technologies, and ESA mission instrument development. Key projects include PROSPECT payload design and thermal extraction of volatiles from regolith. Awards and Roles: ERC Grant Awardee (2024), Honorary Fellow at TUM Institute for Advanced Study Principal Investigator at ORIGINS Excellence Cluster (2022–present) Member of ESA’s PROSPECT science team (2019–present) Contributions to UN space resource legal discussions Advising & Grants: Supervises research projects on lunar rover systems and resource utilization. Secured funding through ERC grants and ESA collaborations. Advises on international space policy initiatives. Labs/Teams: Leads the Lunar and Planetary Exploration Professorship group at TUM, collaborating with ESA, JAXA, and the European Lunar Symposium. Active in developing planetary exploration tools like the PROSPECT permittivity sensor and MULE instrumentation.

Nathanial WigginsView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Artificial Intelligence
• Mixed Reality
• Complex Dynamical Systems
• +6 more

Dr. Nathanial Wiggins is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Houston in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, with additional roles as Distinguished Professor of Engineering and Mathematics at San Jacinto College and Adjunct Professor of Mathematics at University of Houston - Clear Lake. He is affiliated with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). Ph.D. in Systems and Engineering Management, Texas Tech University M.S. in Mathematical Science, University of Houston – Clear Lake B.S. in Mathematics and Russian Studies, University of Colorado, Boulder Dr. Wiggins' research focuses on artificial intelligence, mixed reality, and complex dynamical systems. He develops systems that scaffold knowledge from repetition to utilization, particularly in neural networks and intelligent infrastructure. His work intersects with aerospace, oil and gas, and defense industries, emphasizing student-driven projects and collaborative learning frameworks. His publications span mixed reality applications in education, swarm robotics for Mars exploration, neural network methodologies, and aerospace systems like microgravity flame suppression and battery cooling. Keywords include AI, computer science, and engineering education, with sub-fields like neural networks and systems integration. SJC Gold Level Honoraria, Institutional Impact Award, 2019 IEEE CCWC Best Speaker Award, Las Vegas, 2019 Roueche Excellence Award, League for Innovations, 2013 NISOD Award, Community College Organization, 2013 Edu-STEM Award, Texas Space Grant Consortium, 2012 NASA Microgravity University recognition, 2012 Dr. Wiggins leads grants including NSF Bridges to STEM Careers and NASA collaborations (Swarmathon, Microgravity University). He founded the Artificial Intelligence Technology Labs, integrating peer mentoring and hands-on research to enhance STEM education.

• Space Robotics
• Control Theory
• Computer Vision
• +4 more

Pedro Roque is a Postdoctoral Researcher at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, affiliated with the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP) and associated with the Division of Decision and Control Systems (DCS). He obtained his Ph.D. in 2024 from the same division under the supervision of Prof. Dimos Dimarogonas, Prof. Mikael Johansson, and Prof. Jana Tumova. His research focuses on practically applicable theoretical results in robotics and control, with emphasis on space and aerial systems. Dr. Roque is particularly interested in developing algorithms that directly contribute to system performance and enhanced capabilities. He currently leads the setup of a Space Robotics Laboratory at KTH, associated with the Space Center and the WASP NEST DISCOWER project. He is an advocate for open-source software and hardware, contributing to NASA Astrobee and PX4 projects, with his research tested on the International Space Station and indoor flight arenas. Dr. Roque's work demonstrates a clear progression from theoretical foundations to practical implementation in space environments. His recent publications show an increasing focus on multi-agent coordination in microgravity, with significant contributions to model predictive control for space robotics applications. The research spans from fundamental control theory to complete system implementation, reflecting his commitment to bridging theory and practice. ICRA 2022 Outstanding Coordination Award for work on decentralized model predictive control for collaborative UAV bar transportation Dr. Roque actively mentors Master's students in Space Robotics, Control, and Vision, with supervision details available on his personal website. He has collaborated extensively with NASA Astrobee and PX4 projects, and his DISCOWER project involves collaboration with 3 Ph.D. students, 2 Master's students, 6 Professors, and one Post-doc. He also completed a 4-month internship at JPL within the Maritime and Multi-Agent Systems group. He leads the Space Robotics Laboratory at KTH, associated with the Space Center and the WASP NEST DISCOWER project, which has already demonstrated capabilities to Digital Futures, SAAB AB, SAAB Inc., and Purdue scholars. The laboratory focuses on weightless robotics, collaborative robotics (Space Cobot), and exploration robotics (MoonHopper), with practical testing on the International Space Station.

Joel GeorgeView profile

Associate Professor

• Aerospace Engineering
• Flight Dynamics and Control
• Rocket Propulsion
• +5 more

Joel George is an Associate Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), where he conducts advanced research in aerospace vehicle dynamics, navigation, and control systems. His work spans theoretical studies, experimental validation, and practical applications in both atmospheric flight and space exploration domains. Dr. George's research focuses on several critical areas of aerospace engineering: Hybrid rocket propulsion systems and thrust control mechanisms Spacecraft landing technologies, including soft landing applications Orbital mechanics, particularly periodic orbits around asteroids Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications for microgravity experiments Propeller modeling for small UAV systems Geophysical flows research as part of IIT Madras's Centre of Excellence His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward innovative propulsion systems with practical space applications. Dr. George's work on hybrid rocket motors shows particular promise for safer vertical takeoff and landing systems both in space exploration and terrestrial aviation. His research on UAV-based microgravity platforms offers cost-effective alternatives to traditional space-based microgravity research methods. As a dedicated mentor, Dr. George supervises several PhD students including Anandu Bhadran (hybrid rocket motors), Rishi (asteroid orbital dynamics), and Siddhardha (UAV microgravity platforms). His collaborative work extends to partnerships with Prof. Ramakrishna and other researchers at IIT Madras. Within the Geophysical Flows Lab, a Centre of Excellence at IIT Madras, Dr. George contributes his expertise in UAV design, automation, and environmental monitoring. The lab employs a unified approach combining field measurements, climate modeling, and laboratory studies to advance understanding of air-sea interactions in the northern Indian Ocean, with applications to weather prediction and climate science.

Olfa Lopez-D’AngeloView profile

Researcher

• Granular Rheology
• Additive Manufacturing
• Space Technology
• +3 more

Dr. Olfa Lopez-D’Angelo is a researcher at the Department of Multiscale Simulation of Particulate Systems at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. Her research focuses on granular rheology, additive manufacturing for space applications, and the behavior of materials under microgravity conditions. She leads the Rheologie granularer Materialien unter Weltraumbedingungen project (2023–2026), funded by the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). Her work bridges theoretical physics, experimental engineering, and space technology. Key research interests include granular fluid dynamics, powder-based manufacturing processes in low-gravity environments, and the structural analysis of metamaterials. She has contributed to pioneering studies on acoustically propelled macroparticles and granular piston-probing in microgravity. Her interdisciplinary approach is evident in collaborations with institutions like ESA and DLR, as well as her involvement in projects such as the VIP-DROP2 module for droplet dynamics experiments. Awards: Granular Matter Gordon Research Conference Poster Prize (2022) ELGRA Research Prize (2021) Fly Your Thesis! 2019 (2018) ESA Networking/Partnering Initiative Fellowship (2017) Dr. Lopez-D’Angelo actively disseminates her work through international conferences (e.g., DPG, IAC) and public engagement initiatives, including the podcast Talk That Science . Her research emphasizes practical applications in space exploration, such as in-situ resource utilization and advanced manufacturing systems for extraterrestrial environments.

• Intelligent Control Systems
• Discrete Event Dynamic Systems
• Robotics
• +1 more

Pedro Lima is an Associate Professor at the Lisbon Higher Technical Institute (IST) of the Technical University of Lisbon. He serves as the Portuguese National Delegate to the European Space Agency’s Programme Board for Human Spaceflight Microgravity and Exploration and is President/founding member of the Portuguese Robotics Society. His research focuses on intelligent control systems, discrete event dynamic systems theory, and planning under uncertainty for large-scale complex systems like multi-robot teams. He coordinates the Intelligent Systems group at the Institute for Systems and Robotics. During his research stay at UC3M (2010), he developed decision-theoretic approaches for human-robot interaction involving robot collectives.

David AkinView profile

Professor

• Space Systems
• Human Factors in Space
• Telerobotics
• +4 more

David Akin is a Professor and Director of the Space Systems Laboratory at the University of Maryland's A. James Clark School of Engineering, within the Department of Aerospace Engineering. He holds an AIAA Associate Fellow and Distinguished Lecturer title, with professional roles in multiple NASA committees and AIAA technical groups. His research focuses on space systems, EVA robotics, and human factors in exploration, supported by NSF grants and collaborations with NASA programs like ASTEP and RASC-AL. Education: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Aeronautics & Astronautics from MIT Research interests include planetary exploration robotics (e.g., BioBot suit), telerobotics, lunar base design, and space utility vehicles. Key projects involve Martian sampling systems, morphing spacesuits, and rover-based EVA support. His work bridges academia and industry through student competitions (e.g., winning RASC-AL awards) and advanced laboratory facilities like the Neutral Buoyancy Research Facility. Recent articles emphasize BioBot mobility systems, lunar habitat logistics, and exoskeleton teleoperation. Awards include AIAA recognition and leadership in NASA's Mars Exploration Program. Labs include the Space Systems Lab and Maryland Robotics Center, advancing technologies for next-generation space missions.

Angel Abbud-MadridView profile

Professor

• Space Resources
• Microgravity Science
• Aerospace Technology
• +3 more

Angel Abbud-Madrid is a Professor of Practice in Mechanical Engineering and Director of the Center for Space Resources at the Colorado School of Mines. He leads research in space resource utilization, human/robotic exploration, and interdisciplinary education through the Space Resources Graduate Program. With 35+ years of NASA low-gravity experiment experience, he has contributed to ISS and Space Shuttle missions, earning the NASA Astronauts’ Personal Achievement Award (2004). His leadership roles include President of the Space Resources Roundtable, member of The Hague Space Resources Governance Working Group, and National Academies' Planetary Protection Committee. Education: B.S.E. (Mechanical/Electrical Engineering) from Monterrey Tech (1983), M.S.E. (Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering) from Princeton (1990), Ph.D. (Mechanical Engineering) from University of Colorado Boulder (1996). Research focuses on Space Resources , Microgravity Science , and Planetary Science . Recent work addresses lunar and asteroid resource prospecting, international collaboration frameworks, and ISRU (In Situ Resource Utilization) technologies. He advises student organizations including AIAA, Astronomy Club, and Rocket Club, while holding a Private Pilot License for single-engine aircraft. Scientific contributions include over 30 peer-reviewed articles and reports on planetary protection, space policy, and resource utilization. He has held adjunct roles at University of Luxembourg and University of Adelaide, emphasizing global education in space sectors.

Kirsten AlbrachtView profile

Professor

• Biomechanics
• Neuromuscular Control
• Muscle-Tendon Mechanics
• +9 more

Kirsten Albracht is a Professor at the Institute of Movement and Neuroscience at the German Sport University Cologne. She conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of biomechanics, neuromuscular physiology, and space medicine, with a strong focus on human adaptation to altered gravity environments. Her work is supported by multiple externally funded and core research projects. Research Interests: Her research centers on muscle-tendon mechanics, neuromuscular control during locomotion, and physiological adaptation in extreme environments such as spaceflight and high-G aviation. She investigates how changes in gravity affect biomechanical performance and musculoskeletal health, particularly in astronauts and pilots. Her fingerprint highlights expertise in muscle, tendon, joint function, running, and exercise physiology. Recent Publications: Her most recent work explores musculoskeletal challenges in deep space exploration, neuromuscular changes under altered gravity, and protocols for assessing cervical spine risks post-spaceflight. These studies, published in high-impact journals like NPJ Microgravity and Journal of Applied Physiology , reveal consistent themes in space physiology, locomotion biomechanics, and countermeasure development. Scientific Awards: No specific scientific awards were mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Dr. Albracht supervises students, including bachelor's theses, and leads or co-leads major research projects such as MoLo2 , The Moon Gym , and studies on physiological adaptation and pilot spinal loading. These projects are funded by third parties and involve collaboration with institutions like the German Aerospace Center (DLR). She actively participates in academic events as a speaker, session chair, and reviewer. Labs and Teams: She is affiliated with the Centre for Health and Integrative Physiology in Space (CHIPS) and collaborates extensively with the German Research Centre of Elite Sport (momentum). Her research group works closely with engineers, clinicians, and space agencies to develop training systems and health monitoring protocols for astronauts and athletes.

Lukasz MezykView profile

Researcher

• Rocket Propulsion
• Spacecraft Design
• Thermal Decomposition
• +4 more

Lukasz Mezyk is a researcher at the Division of Aircraft Engines , Institute of Heat Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology. He specializes in advanced propulsion systems for spacecraft with a focus on resistojet and cold gas thrusters. Email: lukasz.mezyk@pw.edu.pl Room: 303 Professional Membership: Polish Combustion Institute, Space Technology Projects Expert Research Focus : Dr. Mezyk's work centers on: Resistojet thruster development Green propellant technologies Thermal decomposition of hydrogen peroxide Spacecraft attitude control systems Supercapacitor-powered propulsion Microgravity robotics propulsion Publication Trends : His recent work emphasizes resistojet optimization using supercapacitors and green monopropellants, with significant contributions to thermal decomposition mechanisms and spacecraft robotics applications. Awards : I degree Team Award for organisational achievements (2018) Teaching : He instructs courses on astronautics, rocket propulsion, and spacecraft design, while supervising numerous diploma theses and serving on academic committees. Organizational Roles : Dr. Mezyk serves as secretary of diploma exams and contributes to training programs for space technology projects, including satellite design phases and propulsion systems education.

Daniel LeidnerView profile

Professor

• Robotics
• Artificial Intelligence
• Autonomous Systems
• +5 more

Daniel Leidner is a Cooperation Professor at the University of Bremen and a researcher at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) where he has been contributing to the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics since 2011. He earned his doctorate in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics from the University of Bremen in 2017. Since 2017, he has led the Semantic Planning Group and the Fault-Tolerant Autonomy Architectures group at DLR, focusing on advanced task planning for autonomous robotic systems and enhancing the reliability of robotic operations in dynamic environments. Leidner's research interests span multiple areas in robotics and artificial intelligence. His work emphasizes developing robust and resilient robotic systems capable of autonomous operation in complex environments. He specializes in creating systems that can not only handle predictable scenarios but also flexibly respond to unforeseen events. His ERC Starting Grant project RECOVER.ME aims to equip robots with metacognitive abilities to autonomously manage hardware malfunctions by integrating formal reasoning with Vision-Language Models. This innovative approach enhances the resilience and efficiency of space robots, reducing the need for manual intervention during missions and leveraging insights from cognitive psychology for improved problem-solving capabilities. Leidner's research portfolio includes significant projects such as RECOVER.ME, FUTURO, EASE, OPERA, Smile2gether, Surface Avatar, and CoViPa. His publications demonstrate a strong focus on autonomous task planning, human-robot interaction, fault tolerance, and metacognitive capabilities in robotic systems. Recent publications highlight advancements in space teleoperation, assistive robotics, and cognitive reasoning for resilient robotic systems. ERC Starting Grant (2024) for project RECOVER.ME Georges Giralt PhD Award (Best European PhD Thesis in Robotics) Helmholtz Doctoral Prize MIT Technology Review Innovator under 35 Award Leidner has served as an advisor to the German Federal Government from October 2023 to July 2024, where he played a crucial role in developing a national strategy for AI-based robotics. His leadership in the Semantic Planning Group and Fault-Tolerant Autonomy Architectures group at DLR demonstrates his significant contributions to advancing robotic capabilities in challenging environments. His work bridges theoretical advances in cognitive robotics with practical applications in space exploration, healthcare, and industrial automation.