Henry Astley

Henry Astley is an Assistant Professor of Biology and Polymer Science at the University of Akron, with joint affiliation to the Biomimicry Research & Innovation Center (BRIC). His research integrates biology and physics to study locomotion biomechanics across diverse organisms including snakes, frogs, and early tetrapods.

Dr. Astley employs motion capture, robotics, and computational modeling to investigate how morphology, neuromuscular control, and environmental interactions enable movement. His work has significant applications in biomimetic robotics, particularly for extraterrestrial exploration and underwater mobility.

Recent publications demonstrate advances in understanding undulatory motion, muscle-tendon dynamics, and terrain adaptation strategies. His laboratory develops innovative instrumentation like underwater force plates and utilizes robotics to test biological hypotheses.

Funded by NSF CAREER and other grants, his research program trains students in interdisciplinary approaches to organismal biomechanics.