Craig Beal

Craig Beal serves as Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Bucknell University, teaching core courses including System Dynamics, Robotics, and Vehicle Dynamics and Control. His research integrates theoretical control systems with practical automotive applications, particularly through the university's P1 electric vehicle testbed.

Education:

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Bucknell University, 2005
• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, 2007
• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, 2011

Professor Beal's research spans vehicle dynamics, mechatronics, and control system implementation, with emphasis on safety-critical scenarios at handling limits. His work bridges theoretical modeling of nonlinear systems with real-world vehicle stabilization challenges, while also advancing engineering education through innovative laboratory development and ethics pedagogy. The integration of electric drive-by-wire technology enables novel investigations into friction estimation and collision mitigation.

Publication analysis reveals two dominant research streams: vehicle control systems (80% of works) focusing on stabilization during critical maneuvers and friction estimation, and engineering education (20%) addressing laboratory design and professional ethics. Recent work shows increasing emphasis on real-time state estimation and low-friction surface dynamics.

Scientific Awards:

• Jane W. Griffith Faculty Fellow

Secured National Science Foundation MRI Grant 1726283 for vehicle safety instrumentation, enabling wheel force transducer integration on the P1 platform. Actively mentors students through Senior Design projects and the P1 research program, which operates as a collaborative hub for advanced vehicle dynamics experimentation.

The P1 Garage operates a student-built electric drive-by-wire vehicle with custom instrumentation including dual-antenna GPS, 6-DOF IMU, and wheel force transducers. Partnering with Penn State's Larson Transportation Institute, this platform supports research on specialized test tracks including a 1-mile oval and handling course, facilitating high-speed dynamics studies up to 30 m/s.