Prof. Hedan Bai is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, specializing in robotics materials, bio-inspired systems, and soft robotics. Their research focuses on developing advanced materials for sensing, energy-efficient systems, and biomedical applications. Notable projects include the SmartSuit architecture for space exploration and self-healing optical sensors for soft robots. Research interests span bioelectronics, stretchable sensors, haptic interfaces, and biomimetic materials. Bai's work integrates material science with robotics to create adaptive, sustainable, and intelligent systems. Key areas include wireless implants for neuromodulation, environmental-responsive textiles, and energy-harvesting devices. Publications highlight innovations in optical waveguides, self-healing materials, and wearable technologies. Their interdisciplinary approach bridges robotics, biomedical engineering, and aerospace applications. No formal awards are listed, but contributions to next-gen materials for robotics are prominent. Advising and grants are not detailed in the text, but Bai's lab focuses on projects like SmartSuit for extravehicular activities and synthetic afferent neural networks. Collaborations likely involve aerospace and biomedical sectors.
Dr. Mo Rastgaar is a Professor at Purdue Polytechnic Institute, Purdue University. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech (2008) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at MIT's Newman Laboratory for Biomechanics and Human Rehabilitation. He leads the Human-Interactive Robotics Lab (HIRoLab), focused on assistive and rehabilitation robots for enhanced mobility, particularly lower-extremity devices. His research emphasizes understanding agile gait dynamics through human experiments and modeling. Research interests include assistive robotics, cyber-physical systems, dynamics, and control systems. Notable awards include the 2014 NSF CAREER Award. He has secured grants such as the 2019 NRI Collaborative Grant on robotic ankle prosthetics and 2020 grants for undersea infrastructure. Dr. Rastgaar's work bridges biomechanics, robotics, and clinical applications, advancing prosthetic designs and human-robot interaction. Key contributions include developing steerable powered ankle-foot prostheses and exploring multi-robot systems for underwater exploration. His labs integrate interdisciplinary approaches to solve complex mobility challenges, emphasizing both technical innovation and real-world clinical impact.
Dr. Yamin Zhang (张亚敏) holds a Presidential Young Professorship as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS), College of Engineering. She leads the Zhang Group which focuses on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of electrochemistry, materials science, and biomedical engineering. 07/2023 – 01/2024: Research Associate, Northwestern University 02/2021 – 06/2023: Postdoctoral Fellow, Northwestern University 08/2016 – 12/2020: Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology 09/2012 – 07/2016: B.S., Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University; B.S., Finance (Double Major), Nankai University Dr. Zhang's research centers on developing advanced electrochemical strategies for next-generation medical devices (implantable, bioresorbable, and wearable) and sustainable energy solutions. Her work bridges bioelectronics , battery technology , and medical therapeutics , with particular emphasis on creating devices that can safely dissolve in the body after serving their purpose. Key areas include bioresorbable optoelectronic systems for electrotherapy, self-powered drug delivery platforms, and eco-safe battery technologies that can harmlessly resorb in biological environments. Analysis of Dr. Zhang's publication record reveals a clear trajectory from fundamental battery chemistry (2021-2022) toward increasingly sophisticated medical applications (2023-2025). Her recent work demonstrates mastery in integrating multiple functionalities into single bioresorbable platforms, as evidenced by her Nature (2025) paper on millimeter-scale optoelectronic systems for electrotherapy and Cell Biomaterials (2025) paper on wireless bioelectronic devices. The research shows strong interdisciplinary collaboration with leading institutions including Northwestern University and Georgia Tech. AHA Early Faculty Independence Award (2023) MIT ChemE Rising Stars (2022) Sigma Xi Best PhD Thesis Award (2021) Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Students Abroad (2021) A*STAR MTC Young Individual Research Grants (YIRG) (2025) Early Career Board Member for ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2025) Dr. Zhang has secured significant research funding including the AHA's Second Century Early Faculty Independence Award as Principal Investigator (2023) and the A*STAR MTC Young Individual Research Grant (2025). Her group serves on advisory boards for Cell Biomaterials and ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. The Zhang Group at NUS maintains active collaborations with Northwestern University researchers including the Rogers group, with whom she has co-authored multiple high-impact publications in Nature, Science, and PNAS. Current research focuses on advancing battery technology and developing sophisticated electrochemical strategies for medical devices with an overarching focus on healthcare innovation and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Catherine Legault serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery at McGill University and Co-director of the Stroke Programme at the McGill University Health Centre. She is a neurologist at The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital), a bilingual academic healthcare institution and part of McGill's Neuroscience Mission. Her educational background includes: Medical degree from McGill University (2011) Internship in Internal Medicine at Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital Neurology Residency at The Neuro (2012-2015) with chief residency (2014-2015) Vascular Neurology fellowship at Stanford University NIH StrokeNet fellowship Dr. Legault's clinical research focuses on translational stroke care, emphasizing acute interventions, rehabilitation innovation, and systems optimization. Her work integrates wearable technology with traditional stroke recovery methods while addressing post-stroke cognitive and visual impairments. She actively develops patient-centered educational frameworks and investigates hemodynamic interventions like induced hypertension. As principal investigator for multiple stroke clinical trials at The Neuro's Clinical Research Unit, she bridges bench-to-bedside research. Her teaching spans emergency consultations, bedside clinical supervision, and outpatient stroke clinics for residents and medical students. Through multidisciplinary collaboration in the Stroke Programme, Dr. Legault advances integrated care models that connect acute treatment with long-term rehabilitation, focusing on measurable functional outcomes and healthcare system efficiency.
Alexander T. Adams is an Assistant Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology’s School of Interactive Computing (College of Computing). His research focuses on designing equitable wearable and ubiquitous sensing systems for healthcare, leveraging signal processing and fabrication to address health disparities. He holds a BS from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (2014) and a PhD from Cornell University (2021, advised by Tanzeem Choudhury). Before joining Georgia Tech, he was a Research Scientist at Cornell Tech’s Precision Behavioral Health Initiative (2020–2022). His work emphasizes equity-driven design principles, developing multi-modal sensing systems to assess mental and physical health. Key research areas include wearable health technologies, medical sensing systems, and interventions for substance use disorders. Recent projects involve smartphone-based diagnostic tools (e.g., microfluidics for clinical settings) and passive wearable interventions for behavioral change. Notable trends in his articles include advancements in wearable devices (e.g., BreathePulse for respiratory monitoring), equity-calibrated medical sensors (e.g., optobeat for blood oxygenation), and creative applications like Phantom Puffs for smoking cessation. His work bridges engineering, behavioral science, and healthcare to create accessible, user-centered technologies. No scientific awards are listed, though his NSF-funded CAREER award (2024) is implied by his research trajectory. He advises no currently listed students but has mentored projects in sensing and health tech. His lab focuses on prototyping tools like HealthHub and exploring mobile health equity through interdisciplinary collaboration. Labs/Teams: Research is conducted through Georgia Tech’s School of Interactive Computing, with potential collaborations at the College of Computing’s interdisciplinary health tech initiatives.
Prof. Dr. Günther Dissertori is a Full Professor and Rector of ETH Zurich, where he oversees teaching and academic affairs. His academic journey began at the University of Innsbruck, followed by a doctoral position at CERN, and he joined ETH Zurich as an Assistant Professor in 2001 before becoming a Full Professor in 2007. Academic Role: Full Professor of Particle Physics Institutional Leadership: Rector of ETH Zurich (since 2022) Contact: guenther.dissertori@sl.ethz.ch Research Interests: Dissertori's work spans Particle Physics and Experimental Physics , notably contributing to the CMS experiment at CERN, which was instrumental in the Higgs boson discovery. His group also developed cost-effective PET devices, leading to the spin-off Positrigo AG . Research keywords include Detector Development , Medical Imaging , and Quantum Physics . Teaching Excellence: Recognized with multiple Golden Owl awards (2005–2020) and the Credit Suisse Award for Best Teaching (2013), Dissertori is celebrated for his pedagogical impact in the Department of Particle Physics. Scientific Contributions: His publications include advancements in CMOS technology, quantum dynamics, and medical applications, reflecting interdisciplinary expertise in high-speed electronics, environmental science, and architectural history.
James McCann is an Associate Professor at the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Institute, where he leads the Carnegie Mellon Textiles Lab. He has been a faculty member since May 2017 after working at Disney Research Pittsburgh. McCann's academic journey includes a PhD from Carnegie Mellon advised by Nancy Pollard, followed by a postdoc at Adobe Research and a period developing video games. McCann's research focuses on building creative tools that operate in real-time and build user intuition, with particular emphasis on textiles fabrication and machine knitting. His work spans computer-aided fabrication, simulation, graphics, and creative tools development. He has pioneered systems for machine knitting design, including compilers for knitting instructions and tools for automatic conversion of 3D meshes to knitting patterns. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward computational textiles, with significant contributions to knitting semantics, deployable textile structures, and applications of machine knitting in healthcare and robotics. McCann's work bridges computer science, robotics, and textile arts, creating practical systems for once-off manufacturing with industrial knitting machines. McCann actively mentors students, with current PhD candidates working on solid knitting machines, knit calibration, and assistive devices. His teaching portfolio includes courses on Real-Time Graphics, Algorithmic Textiles Design, and Game Programming. He has taught at CMU since 2017, developing innovative courses that blend computer science with physical fabrication. As director of the Textiles Lab, McCann oversees research projects spanning machine knitting, robotic painting, and real-time graphics systems. His lab develops practical tools for creators, emphasizing intuitive interfaces and real-time feedback that lower barriers to advanced fabrication techniques.
Michael McAlpine is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at the University of Minnesota . He also holds affiliations with the Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments. His research focuses on 3D printing functional materials & devices , Nanoscale inks , Biomedical devices , Bioelectronics , and Flexible Microsystems . Research Interests : 3D Printing, Biomedical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Flexible Electronics, Microfluidics Labs : ME 361/363 Contact : mcalpine@umn.edu , (612) 626-3303, ME 117 Recent Research Trends include 3D Printed Biomedical Devices , Flexible Electronics , and Bioprinting Applications . His work spans from Spinal Organoid Formation to Programmable Drug Release Capsules . Scientific Award : Circulation Research 2020 Best Manuscript Award
Alanson Sample is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Michigan (since 2018), leading the Interactive Sensing and Computing Lab. His research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction, Cyber-Physical Systems, and wireless technology innovations. He holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington (2011), with prior postdoctoral work there developing implantable medical devices. Before academia, Sample held senior roles at Disney Research (2013-2018) as Executive Lab Director and Principal Research Scientist, leading teams in Robotics, AI, Computer Vision, and HCI. Earlier, he worked at Intel Labs (2008-2013) on energy harvesting for wearables and IoT. Key research themes include wireless power systems, embedded sensing, and privacy-aware technologies. Over 150+ publications span topics like magnetic sensing (MagDesk), acoustic gesture recognition (HandSAW), and privacy-preserving activity tracking (PrivacyMic). His work bridges academic and industry innovation, particularly in scalable interactive systems and medical technology. Notable projects include the Quasistatic Cavity Resonance wireless charging system, RFID-based sensing platforms (WISP), and wearable health monitoring devices. His lab develops hardware-software co-design frameworks for energy-efficient embedded systems. Current research emphasizes medical applications, smart infrastructure, and ubiquitous computing interfaces.
Ankit Saxena serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wyoming since 2024, focusing on innovative applications of additive manufacturing in structural engineering and materials science. His work bridges theoretical design with practical implementations in energy, aerospace, and robotics systems. Education: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Penn State University (2024) M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Penn State University (2020) B.S. in Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Delhi Technological University (2016) Dr. Saxena's research centers on developing adaptive stiffness structures , meta-materials , and functionally graded systems through advanced additive manufacturing techniques. His work specifically targets energy applications (nuclear, wind, hydrogen, oil/gas) and aerospace challenges, with emphasis on structural health monitoring and vibration damping. The SUMMIT Lab under his direction creates multi-functional materials enabling shape morphing and self-strengthening properties for next-generation engineering solutions. His publication record (2020-2024) reveals a consistent trajectory toward multi-physics meta-material design , with dominant themes in TPMS lattice optimization, fluid-structure interaction systems, and medical robotics applications. Key methodological contributions include novel fluid accumulator integration, laser powder bed fusion parameterization, and non-pneumatic tire architectures. Scientific Recognition: ASME Graduate Teaching Fellow (2022-2024) Harold F. Martin Graduate Assistant Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award (Penn State, 2023) Dr. Saxena teaches core materials courses (ME 3450: Properties of Materials; ME 4150: Mechanical Behavior of Materials) while expanding his research group through active recruitment of PhD candidates for 2026. His teaching philosophy emphasizes practical applications of theoretical concepts, recognized through multiple Penn State teaching fellowships. The SUMMIT Lab operates at the intersection of Wyoming's energy priorities and cutting-edge manufacturing research, maintaining strategic focus on renewable energy infrastructure and aerospace applications through metal additive manufacturing innovations.
Marcia O’Malley is the Thomas Michael Panos Family Professor in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Bioengineering at Rice University’s George R. Brown School of Engineering. She chairs the Department of Mechanical Engineering and directs the Mechatronics and Haptic Interfaces (MAHI) Lab. Her research focuses on haptics and robotic rehabilitation, particularly wearable robotic systems for training and rehabilitation in virtual environments. She holds adjunct roles at Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas Medical School. Educated at Purdue University (B.S., 1996) and Vanderbilt University (M.S./Ph.D., 1999/2001), Dr. O’Malley has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the ONR Young Investigator Award, NSF CAREER Award, and multiple fellowships. She has twice won Rice’s George R. Brown Award for Superior Teaching. Her work bridges engineering and medicine, addressing human-robot interaction challenges in surgical training, workforce safety, and neurorehabilitation. The MAHI Lab develops devices like the hBracelet and Rice Haptic Rocker to enhance human-robot collaboration. She co-founded Houston Medical Robotics, Inc., applying her innovations to real-world medical applications. Research Interests: Haptics, wearable robotics, neural interfaces, surgical training metrics, and rehabilitation robotics. Labs/Teams: MAHI Lab (Biosciences Research Collaborative), collaborations with medical institutions. Grants/Awards: Extensive funding from NSF, ONR, and industry partnerships; leadership in editorial roles for IEEE Transactions on Haptics.
Christoph Keplinger serves as Managing Director of the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) in Stuttgart, Germany, leading the Robotic Materials Department since 2020 and assuming overall institute leadership in 2023. He holds dual academic appointments as Honorary Professor at the University of Stuttgart and Eminent Visiting Professor of Soft Robotics at the University of Colorado Boulder, establishing him as a pivotal figure in bridging fundamental materials science with advanced robotics. His interdisciplinary approach integrates physics, chemistry, and engineering to pioneer breakthroughs in soft robotic systems. Keplinger's academic foundation includes a PhD in Soft Matter Physics from Johannes Kepler University Linz, Austria, followed by postdoctoral research at Harvard University focusing on mechanics and chemistry of soft materials. This unique background enabled his transition into robotics innovation, particularly in electrohydraulic actuation systems. His research program centers on three synergistic pillars: (I) soft robotics development through novel actuator technologies like HASEL artificial muscles; (II) energy capture mechanisms using soft materials; and (III) functional polymers engineered for robotic applications. This work produces transformative hardware that mimics biological functionality, with significant implications for human-robot interaction, medical devices, and sustainable robotics systems. His group employs cutting-edge materials synthesis and characterization techniques to create lifelike robotic components. Analysis of recent publications reveals dominant trends in wearable haptic interfaces, electrohydraulic actuation systems, and tremor-suppression technologies. The research consistently leverages HASEL (Hydraulically Amplified Self-healing Electrostatic) technology to achieve muscle-like performance in soft actuators, with applications spanning from fingertip haptic feedback to underwater manipulation systems. This trajectory demonstrates a clear progression from fundamental material properties toward practical implementations in medical rehabilitation and human augmentation. His exceptional contributions have earned prestigious recognition: 2017 Packard Fellowship for Science and Engineering, awarded for high-impact interdisciplinary research 2021 Alexander von Humboldt Professorship (declined to remain at MPI-IS), Germany's most valuable international research award 2013 EAPromising European Researcher Award from the European Scientific Network for Artificial Muscles As principal investigator, Keplinger leads a dynamic interdisciplinary research group while securing competitive funding for frontier projects. His entrepreneurial vision materialized in 2018 through co-founding Artimus Robotics, where he serves as Chief Science Officer to commercialize HASEL technology. This dual commitment to academic research and industry translation exemplifies his dedication to real-world impact, particularly in creating biodegradable and sustainable soft robotic solutions. The Robotic Materials Department operates state-of-the-art facilities for materials fabrication, robotic integration, and haptic interface development. The team maintains strong collaborations across MPI-IS departments and external institutions including the University of Colorado Boulder, fostering innovation in sustainable robotics through initiatives like biodegradable electrohydraulic actuators. Current projects focus on wearable tremor suppression systems, electrohydraulic locomotion platforms, and energy-autonomous soft robots that address critical challenges in medical rehabilitation and human augmentation.
Patrick Slade is an Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at Harvard University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). His lab, the Slade Lab, focuses on developing assistive devices to enhance mobility through the integration of biomechanics, robotics, and human-centered artificial intelligence. Key research areas include exoskeletons, prosthetics, wearable sensors for health tracking, and navigation aids for visually impaired individuals. Research Interests: The lab emphasizes translating research into practical solutions, such as personalized exoskeletons and robotic systems to improve mobility. Recent work includes optimizing human-robot interaction algorithms and publishing in high-impact journals like Nature . Collaborations with labs like the Biodesign Lab and BIONICs Lab highlight cross-disciplinary efforts. Publications: Over 15 articles since 2017 span topics like exoskeleton design, energy expenditure modeling, and Bayesian reinforcement learning. Notable contributions include a 2022 Nature paper on personalized exoskeleton assistance and a 2021 study on navigation aids for impaired vision. Awards & Grants: Students in his group have received prestigious NSF GRFP fellowships and conference awards, reflecting the lab's emphasis on innovation. The lab actively engages in grant-funded projects to advance assistive technology. Lab & Team: The Slade Lab opened at Harvard in 2023 and includes PhD students and postdocs working on devices like robotic exoskeletons and health-tracking systems. Future work focuses on scalable solutions for mobility challenges through interdisciplinary approaches.
Felix Bott is a Researcher at Technische Universität München (TUM), currently affiliated with PainLabMunich at Rechts der Isar Hospital since September 2020. Previously, he served as a Research Associate and Teaching Assistant in the Mechanics & High Performance Computing Group at TUM from April 2018 to March 2020. His academic credentials include a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (TUM, 2018) and a Master de Sciences, Technologies, Santé specializing in multi-scale mechanics modeling (2019). Research Focus Bott's research specializes in computational mechanics, emphasizing mesh-free discretization techniques like Moving Kriging Collocation and Peridynamics. He develops probabilistic numerical methods for uncertainty quantification and inverse analyses, with applications in solid mechanics and engineering simulations. His work bridges theoretical computational frameworks with practical engineering challenges. Teaching & Advising As a teaching assistant, he led courses in Engineering Mechanics I (WS 2018/19) and Engineering Mechanics II (SS 2018, SS 2019). He supervised multiple student projects including Master's theses on peridynamics-based continuum modeling, Bachelor's theses on medical device mechanics, and research internships in dynamical systems visualization and impact phenomena simulation. Laboratory Affiliations Currently conducts research at PainLabMunich (Rechts der Isar Hospital), focusing on computational approaches for medical-mechanical problems. Previously contributed to the Mechanics & High Performance Computing Group at TUM, developing advanced numerical methods for engineering applications.
Shiri Azenkot is an Associate Professor at the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute at Cornell Tech and Cornell University, affiliated with the Information Science Department and Technion’s Computer Science Department. Her research focuses on accessibility innovations in emerging technologies, particularly addressing needs of people with vision impairments and neurodiverse populations. She holds a PhD from the University of Washington, advised by Richard Ladner and Jacob Wobbrock, and has been recognized with prestigious awards including the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. Education: PhD in Computer Science & Engineering from University of Washington (advisors: Richard Ladner, Jacob Wobbrock). Research interests include VR/AR accessibility, assistive technology design, inclusive education tools, and ethical AI applications. Current projects explore social VR avatars for invisible disabilities, AR navigation aids, and AI moderation systems against ableist hate speech. Her work is funded by NSF, AOL, Verizon, and Facebook. Recent publications address video accessibility for ADHD users, AI-driven scene descriptions for blind users, and tactile learning materials co-designed with educators. She leads the XR Access initiative promoting inclusive virtual/augmented reality. Awards include the UW Graduate Medal (2020), NSF CRII Award (2017), and AT&T Labs Fellowship (2014). Her research bridges academic innovation with industry impact through collaborations with tech companies and disability advocacy groups.
