Noah Thomas Jafferis

Noah Thomas Jafferis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Francis College of Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell. He directs research at the Shared Robotics Lab (Southwick Hall, Room 401) with expertise in micro-robotics, piezoelectric systems, and bio-inspired engineering. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Princeton University (2012) and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Yale University (2005).

Research interests focus on millimeter-scale mechanisms including flying robots, piezoelectric actuators/sensors, bio-inspired systems, and energy-efficient fabrication techniques. Key areas include:

• Untethered micro-robotic systems and flapping-wing vehicles
• Piezoelectric actuation design for high power density and efficiency
• Meso-scale manufacturing and 3D printing applications
• Biomechanics of insect-scale locomotion and bio-hybrid systems

Publication analysis reveals concentrated work in piezoelectric motor design, flapping-wing aerodynamics, and bio-inspired microrobotics. Recent research (2023-2024) shows expanded focus on biomechanical properties of insect vibrations alongside continued piezoelectric actuator innovation.

Laboratory leadership includes the Shared Robotics Lab at UMass Lowell, specializing in micro-robotics prototyping and piezoelectric system development. Professional activities feature numerous invited talks at institutions including MIT, Harvard, and international conferences on microrobotics and bio-inspired systems.