Mark W. Spong

Mark W. Spong is a Professor in the Department of Systems Engineering at the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, holding the Excellence in Education Chair. He served as dean of the school from 2008 to 2017.

His educational background includes:

• DSc in Systems Science and Mathematics from Washington University (1981)
• MS in Systems Science and Mathematics from Washington University (1979)
• MS in Mathematics from New Mexico State University (1977)
• BA in Mathematics and Physics from Hiram College (1975)

Dr. Spong's primary research focuses on nonlinear control theory and robotics, where he established foundational theoretical frameworks for robot control. His work transformed robotics from fiction to fact, producing innovative solutions that became classic results in the field, with over 250 publications and four books.

His distinguished awards include:

• 2011 Pioneer in Robotics and Automation Award from the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society
• 2007 IROS Fumio Harashima Award for Innovative Technologies
• Senior Scientist Research Award from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
• John R. Ragazzini Education Award
• O. Hugo Schuck Award
• IEEE Third Millennium Medal
• Distinguished Member Award from the IEEE Control Systems Society

Dr. Spong has advised numerous graduate students though specific names are not provided in the available text, and grant funding details were not specified.

He directs the Laboratory for Autonomous Robotics and Systems (LARS) at UT Dallas, conducting cutting-edge research in robotics and autonomous systems.