Alan Fern

Alan Fern is a Professor of Computer Science and Robotics in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Oregon State University. He leads research in artificial intelligence, focusing on reinforcement learning, planning, and robotics applications like humanoid robotics and agricultural AI. His work includes co-directing the Dynamic Robotics Lab and leading the AgAID National AI Institute for agricultural solutions. Fern holds a Ph.D. from Purdue University and has contributed to over 100 publications. His recognitions include the NSF CAREER Award and multiple best paper awards.

Education:

• B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Maine (1997)
• M.S. & Ph.D., Computer Engineering, Purdue University (2000 & 2004)

Research Interests:

His research spans machine learning, planning, and robotics. Key areas include:

• AI for humanoid robotics (e.g., bipedal locomotion on Cassie)
• Reinforcement learning algorithms and applications
• Agricultural AI for specialty crops
• Explainable AI and anomaly detection

Awards:

• 2017 College of Engineering Research Collaboration Award
• 2013 AAAI Outstanding Paper Award
• 2006 NSF CAREER Award

Advising & Labs: Supervised over 50 students. Key collaborations include the Dynamic Robotics Lab (with Jonathan Hurst) and AgAID. His teams address challenges like robot navigation, policy learning, and AI ethics.

Labs/Teams: Dynamic Robotics Lab, AgAID National AI Institute, and contributions to computational sustainability initiatives.