Robert Full

Robert Full is a Full Professor of Integrative Biology at the University of California, Berkeley. He leads the Poly-P.E.D.A.L. Laboratory, focusing on the biomechanics and energetics of animal locomotion. His work integrates principles from biology, robotics, and engineering to study movement in diverse organisms and inspire innovative designs.

Full earned his undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees from SUNY Buffalo, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Chicago and Harvard University. He has held prestigious roles including Chancellor's Professor and director of a biological visualization center. His awards include the NSF Presidential Young Investigator Award (1990) and AAAS Fellowship (2011).

Research interests span bioinspired robotics, neuromechanical systems, and ecological biomechanics. Notable contributions include elucidating principles of locomotion in squirrels, geckos, and insects, and applying these insights to robot design. His lab explores how animal movement strategies inform engineering solutions for complex environments.

Awards highlight his contributions to teaching and research: UC Berkeley Distinguished Teaching Award (1996), Goldman Professorship, and American Academy of Arts and Sciences membership (2016). His work bridges disciplinary boundaries, emphasizing interdisciplinary education and community engagement through programs like 'Eyes toward Tomorrow.'

Full's research has been featured in major media, including CNN, NBC, and Discovery Channel. He maintains an active lab at Berkeley's Valley Life Sciences Building, with office hours Tuesdays and Thursdays.