Michelle Dunn

Dr. Michelle Dunn is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering at Swinburne University of Technology, where she leads research in robotics and signal processing. She serves as the academic lead for the Swinburne Rover Team and the lead of Space Robotics within the Swinburne Space Technology and Industry Institute. Her interdisciplinary work bridges engineering, space technology, industrial monitoring, and cultural heritage conservation.

• School: School of Engineering
• University: Swinburne University of Technology
• Academic Rank: Senior Lecturer

Dr. Dunn's research is centered on robotics and signal processing, with key interests in Space Robotics, Collaborative Robotics, Lunar Dust Mitigation, and Assistive Technologies. She applies signal analysis techniques to diverse fields including steelmaking, where she uses acoustic and vibration signals to monitor processes, and art conservation, where she integrates spectroscopy and imaging to analyze paintings. Her work combines experimental modeling, sensor development, and data analytics to solve real-world engineering challenges.

Her recent publications span robotics in agriculture, lunar dust mitigation, additive manufacturing defect detection, and acoustic monitoring in steelmaking. These works reflect a strong trend toward applying robotics and advanced signal processing to practical, interdisciplinary problems. She frequently collaborates with industry and government agencies, securing funding from the ARC and Department of Industry, Science and Resources.

Scientific awards include:

• Vice-Chancellor's Teaching Excellence (Higher Education) Award (2018)
• Vice-Chancellor's Teaching Excellence (Higher Education) Award (2013)

Dr. Dunn actively supervises PhD and Master’s students across diverse projects, including heat flow monitoring, assistive mobility devices, UAV-based parking systems, and EEG-based voice detection. She has been principal investigator on multiple ARC-funded grants, such as the ARC Training Centre for Collaborative Robotics in Advanced Manufacturing and projects focused on sound and vibration monitoring in steelmaking. Her research contracts include development of portable parasite detection systems and cuffless blood pressure monitoring.

She leads and contributes to laboratory-based research in the Swinburne Space Technology and Industry Institute, focusing on space robotics and lunar dust mitigation. Her team also operates experimental setups for acoustic and vibration monitoring in industrial models, supporting innovation in steelmaking and manufacturing.