Thomas Consi

Thomas Consi is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Northeastern University. He holds a PhD in Biology from Columbia University. His research focuses on bio-inspired robotics, marine engineering, and educational robotics platforms. He has developed innovative tools like Fishbots and robotic towing tanks to enhance hands-on learning in fluid mechanics and mechatronics.

Dr. Consi has contributed to projects such as the Great Lakes Urban Coastal Observing System (GLUCOS), amphibious robots for coastal studies, and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) modeled after marine life. He emphasizes practical applications of robotics in environmental monitoring and wildlife tracking, including UAVs for sturgeon localization and sensor networks for thermal stratification studies in Lake Michigan.

His work bridges engineering education and real-world challenges, mentoring students in competitions like the MATE International ROV Competition. Under his guidance, multiple cohorts of engineering students have received PEAK Experiences Awards and URF Scholarships for undergraduate research. His teaching philosophy integrates interdisciplinary approaches, demonstrated through courses on mechatronics and biomimetic design.