Maria Tomas-Rodriguez

Dr. Maria Tomas-Rodriguez is a Senior Lecturer in Avionics at the Department of Mathematics and Engineering, School of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, City University of London. She holds a PhD in Control Systems Engineering from Sheffield University (2005) and an MPhil in Aeronautical Engineering from Imperial College London (2008). Her career spans roles at Imperial College (Postdoctoral Research Associate, 2005–2007), Sheffield University (Research Assistant, 2003–2005), and part-time Visiting Researcher status at Imperial College since 2007.

• Education:
  • BSc Physics (Automatic Calculus), Universidad Complutense de Madrid (1999)
  • MSc Control Systems Engineering, Sheffield University (2001)
  • PhD Control Systems, Sheffield University (2005)
  • MPhil Aeronautical Engineering, Imperial College London (2008)

Her research focuses on control systems for nonlinear dynamics in aerospace and mechanical applications. Key areas include rotorcraft stability, two-wheeled vehicle control, floating offshore wind turbine dynamics, and iterative control algorithms. She leads the Stage 1 program at City University and serves as President of New-ACE (New Academics in Control Engineering).

Recent publications highlight her expertise in semi-active structural control for floating wind turbines using genetic algorithms and inerters, achieving vibration suppression rates up to 45.4%. Her work also explores interconnected suspension systems in sports motorcycles and nonlinear aerodynamic modeling for helicopters.

Professional memberships include the UK Automatic Control Council (since 2011) and editorial roles for Revista Iberoamericana de Automatizacion Industrial (2017–present). She has delivered keynote speeches at conferences in Spain, Italy, and the UK, emphasizing dynamic stability analysis and adaptive control systems.