Reid Andrew Baxter

Reid Andrew Baxter is a Lecturer and Chancellor's Fellow in the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, Faculty of Engineering. He is also a recipient of the Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship, supporting his research in acoustically powered soft robotics and bio-inspired sensors.

• Doctor of Engineering in Bio-inspired Sound Localization at the microscale, University of Strathclyde (awarded 2017)
• Bachelor's in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, University of Strathclyde (2008–2012)

His research focuses on bio-inspired acoustic sensing, 3D-printed smart materials, and soft robotics. He investigates directional transduction mechanisms in insects to develop miniaturized directional microphones and novel cochlear implants. His work integrates piezoelectric and conductive layers in 3D-printed structures to create multifunctional sensors and actuators, enabling new possibilities in medical devices and robotics.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend in bio-inspired acoustic systems, particularly in insect and arachnid mechanoreception, frequency filtering in biological ears, and 3D-printed ionic gel microphones. His work bridges biology, engineering, and materials science, aiming to replicate natural sensing mechanisms in artificial systems. Key themes include directional hearing, MEMS, cochlear implants, and soft robotics.

His scientific recognition includes:

• 2023 IEEE Sensors Journal Best Paper Runner-Up Award

Dr. Baxter leads multiple research projects, including the development of patterned ionogel sensors and ultrasonic oil condition monitoring systems. He has served as Principal Investigator and Co-investigator on several Doctoral Training Partnerships, supporting PhD students in interdisciplinary research. His grants reflect strong industry and academic collaboration, particularly with the Centre for Ultrasonic Engineering and Hemideina. He is actively supervising and accepting new PhD students.

His research is centered within the Centre for Ultrasonic Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, where he collaborates closely with Professor James Windmill and other researchers. His lab focuses on bio-inspired sensor design, 3D printing of functional materials, and acoustic metamaterials, forming a dynamic interdisciplinary team advancing the frontiers of smart sensors and soft robotics.