Tyler Susko

Tyler Susko is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from MIT, an MEng and BS from Lehigh University. His research focuses on Dynamic Systems and Control, Robotics Education, and rehabilitation robotics, including the MIT-Skywalker prototype for gait rehabilitation and the variable friction shoe for post-stroke therapy. He has received the Mechanical Engineering Department's Outstanding Faculty award multiple times (2016-18, 2020, 2022).

Dr. Susko teaches 9 engineering design courses at UCSB, including the mechanical engineering capstone course. He advises ~40 student projects annually, including the UCSB Hyperloop team and outreach programs like the Isla Vista Elementary School robotics initiative. His work bridges academia and industry, with prior experience at Ingersoll Rand and startups. He is affiliated with the UCSB Engineering Capstone Lab and Lab D4H (Design for Humans).

His research spans biomedical robotics, K-12 STEM education, and collaborative design methodologies. Notable contributions include award-winning power tool design and service-learning programs that enhance engineering identity in elementary students.