Henri P Gavin

Henri P. Gavin is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Duke University, holding the W.H. Gardner Jr. Chair. He also holds a joint appointment in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science. His research focuses on system identification, control systems, seismic isolation, and multiagent dynamics. He teaches courses such as CEE 251L (Uncertainty, Design, and Optimization) and ECE 391 (Projects in Electrical and Computer Engineering).

Gavin earned his B.S.E. from Princeton University (1986), M.Sc.Eng. from the University of Michigan (1988), and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan (1994).

His research interests span control theory, structural dynamics, and optimization, with notable contributions to semi-active control systems and rolling isolation technologies. He has authored over 200 publications, including seminal works on decentralized control of multiagent systems and stochastic response surface modeling.

Awards include the Bass Connections Award for Outstanding Leadership (2023), Yoh Family Bass Professorship (2013), and the Walter L. Huber Research Prize (2005). He directs the Structural Dynamics and Seismic Response Suppression Lab, emphasizing practical applications in earthquake engineering and energy systems.

Gavin's academic leadership includes serving as the W.H. Gardner Jr. Chair of CEE and contributions to interdisciplinary initiatives like the Bass Connections program. His work bridges theoretical advancements and real-world engineering solutions, particularly in disaster-resilient infrastructure and robotics.