Fred J. Looft

Fred J. Looft is a Teaching Professor at The Global School of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). He holds academic roles in multiple departments, including Systems Engineering (as Academic Director) and Robotics Engineering (co-founder of WPI's RBE program). His positions also span Electrical and Computer Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Interdisciplinary & Global Studies.

Education: BS (1973), MS (1976), and PhD (1979) in Engineering from the University of Michigan.

Research & Education Focus: Looft specializes in project-based learning, systems engineering integration into curricula, and applying engineering solutions to sustainability challenges. His technical interests include robotics, biomedical systems, and space-flight technologies.

Leadership & Recognition: Key figure in establishing WPI's Robotics Engineering program and Systems Engineering Academic Director. Mentions in media for advising student projects in Iceland addressing transportation congestion. Notable participation in the President’s IQP Awards as a finalist.

Advising & Grants: Advises undergraduate/graduate capstone projects in SE and RBE. No specific grants listed, but contributions to interdisciplinary education are highlighted.

Labs & Teams: Integral to Systems Engineering and Robotics programs at WPI. Collaborates with global project centers, including Iceland, integrating real-world engineering challenges into student projects.