Sandesh Bhat

Sandesh Bhat is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. He specializes in robotics for upper extremity assistance and rehabilitation, with a focus on understanding human movement mechanics and developing assistive technologies. Dr. Bhat is passionate about collaborating with students and healthcare partners to enhance recovery and improve quality of life for patients.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Systems Engineering from Arizona State University (2021)
• M.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Arizona State University (2017)
• B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Mumbai University (2016)

Dr. Bhat's research focuses on applying dynamical systems theory to human movement analysis, particularly in the context of rehabilitation robotics. His work bridges the gap between theoretical mathematics and practical rehabilitation applications, developing novel approaches to analyze and assist human movement. He has made significant contributions to understanding upper extremity biomechanics and developing assistive devices for patients with brachial plexus injuries and other neuromuscular conditions.

His publication history reveals a clear evolution from fundamental mathematical approaches to human gait analysis toward direct clinical applications in upper extremity rehabilitation. Recent work demonstrates increasing sophistication in translating dynamical systems theory into practical assistive technologies, with particular emphasis on powered exoskeletons and orthoses for patients with nerve injuries.

Dr. Bhat's exceptional contributions have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards:

• Outstanding Poster, 2025 (Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic)
• Editor's Choice, 2025 (The Journal of Hand Surgery)
• Kelly Research Fellow, 2023-24 (Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic)
• Julian M. Bruner Award, 2023 (American Society of Surgery of the Hand)
• Outstanding Abstract and Poster, 2023 (Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic)
• Clinical Biomechanics Award, 2022 (North American Congress on Bio-mechanics)

Dr. Bhat actively mentors students and collaborates with healthcare professionals to translate research into clinical applications. His work involves significant grant funding from various sources to support the development and testing of novel rehabilitation technologies, with particular focus on reducing metabolic cost for patients through improved device functionality.

He is establishing the Robotics for Assistive Systems and Rehabilitation laboratory, which will serve as a hub for interdisciplinary research at the intersection of biomechanics, robotics, and clinical rehabilitation, with operations commencing in Fall 2025.