Amir H. Behbahani

Amir H. Behbahani serves as a Research Fellow within the Division of Biology and Biological Engineering (BBE) at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where he contributes to the Michael Dickinson Laboratory's interdisciplinary research. His mechanical engineering expertise intersects with biological systems analysis, driving innovations in sensor design and biomechanics that bridge engineering principles with animal behavior studies for human applications.

Dr. Behbahani's academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), completed in 2018. His doctoral research focused on ring-type resonator optimization for gyroscopic applications, establishing his technical expertise in vibration dynamics and microfabrication.

His research program spans Mechanical Engineering, Biological Systems, and Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS), with specialized focus on resonator design, frequency tuning methodologies, and gyroscopic sensor development. He investigates how mechanical principles observed in animal locomotion can inform engineering solutions, particularly in MEMS device optimization and biological sensor applications.

Publication analysis reveals two complementary research streams: technical MEMS contributions (2014-2019) addressing resonator dynamics and frequency control challenges, and policy-oriented work (2020) examining postdoctoral vulnerabilities during global crises. This dual focus demonstrates integration of engineering precision with academic community advocacy, particularly regarding visa policies and pandemic impacts on research careers.

Within the Michael Dickinson Lab, Dr. Behbahani collaborates on projects analyzing insect flight biomechanics and sensorimotor control systems, applying his engineering perspective to biological questions. This environment fosters cross-disciplinary innovation through regular integration of mechanical design principles with neurobiological experimentation.