Alan Barhorst

Alan Barhorst is a Professor and Department Head of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Louisiana. He earned his Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University. His research integrates robotics, dynamics, and biomechanics, with applications in control systems, medical devices, and aerospace engineering.

Dr. Barhorst's expertise spans:

• Robotics and mechatronics (mobile robots, manipulators)
• Dynamics and vibrations (non-holonomic systems, elasto-dynamics)
• Biomechanical engineering (ACL impingement, retinal trauma)
• Signal processing and control algorithms (wavelet analysis, sliding mode control)

His recent publications (2022–2025) focus on robust control of mobile robots (omni-wheeled systems, trajectory tracking), advanced dynamics modeling (non-holonomic constraints, canonical momenta), and biomechanics applications (exoskeletons, medical trauma analysis). Earlier work includes wind turbine aerodynamics and structural health monitoring.

Awards & Recognition:

• J.T. Oden Faculty Fellowship (UT Austin, 2016)
• Fellow, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (2013)

He teaches courses including Robot Dynamics, Nonlinear Vibrations, and Control Systems, and has supervised engineering internships.