Andrew Schulz, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Researcher at Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems
​
I am researching comparative biomechanics and haptics using biomimicry to create sustainable wildlife solutions with materials and computer vision.
My name is Andrew Schulz, and I have recently graduated with my Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, GA, studying soft matter and robotics inspired by the elephant trunk. Additionally, I worked to utilize computer vision and frugal hardware to advance wildlife conservation by developing conservation tools. I am currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in the Haptic Intelligence department under the direction of Dr. Katherine Kuchenbecker. I am studying the sensory systems of animals to create new devices, sensors, and materials. Additionally, I am working on developing new sustainability initiatives through research and education utilizing edge devices in the classroom and in research studies. Aside from that, I enjoy doing science communication in my work and have a true passion for working and collaborating with Zoo facilities, museums of natural history, and aquariums. I am actively looking for a tenure-track position at a research-focused institution to study bio-inspired systems of sensing and actuation to design new technologies. Additionally, I am hoping to work in an interdisciplinary engineering department that allows me to continue pursuing utilizing computer vision and frugal science for sustainable development. Some of my research projects are highlighted below.
Elephants develop wrinkles through form and function
Andrew Schulz, Noemie Reveyaz, Lena Kaufmann, Cindy Ritter, Thomas Hildebrandt, Michael Brecht
bioRXiV, Pre-print is out 2023
Conservation Tools: The Next Generation of Engineering-Biology Collaborations
Andrew Schulz*, Suzanne Stathatos, Cassie Shriver, Benjamin Seleb, Emily Weigel, Young-Hui Chang, Saad Bhamla, David Hu, Joseph Mendelson
The Journal of the Royal Society Interface 2023
A Year at the Forefront of Hydrostat Motion
Andrew Schulz*, Margaret Zhang, Nikole Schneider, Krishma Singal
Biology Open 2023
Bioinspired Robotics can Foster Nature Conservation
Mrudul Chellapurath, Pranav Khandelwal, Andrew Schulz
Frontiers in Robotics & AI 2023
Second Harmonic Generation Imaging Reveals Entanglement of Collagen Fibers in the Elephant Trunk Skin Dermis
Andrew Schulz, Magda Plotcyzk, Sophia Sordilla, Madeline Boyle, Krishma Singal, Joy S. Reidenberg, David Hu, Claire Higgins
bioRXiV
Intradisciplinary Growth of Sustainability-Minded Engineers through Conservation Technology
Andrew Schulz*, Cassie Shriver, Anika Patka, Caroline Greiner, Benjamin Seleb, Rebecca Watts-Hull, Carol Sullivan, Julia M. Sonnenberg-Klein, Roxanne Moore
bioRXiV, Pre-print is out 2023
Science Communication is more important now than ever with miscommunication and a lack of scientific literacy throughout the world. I work through a variety of platforms, including Social Media, Live Streaming, Conservation Education Programs, Volunteering, and more. To find out more about my different science communication, see the events and tabs below.
Currently, we are working to increase the Conservation Technology (CT) community of scientists, engineers, and technologists at Georgia Tech through a course known as Tech4Wildlife. This course has expanded to a student organization and we are working on understanding how other universities, organizations, and educators can implement interdisciplinary CT into their teaching.
Learn More (Illustration done by B. Seleb)
We have a group of interdisciplinary high school, undergraduate, and masters students from around the globe! Currently, no research assistantships are opening on our team, but if you'd like to check out the team, see them below! Above is a picture from Fall 2022!
CONTACT ME
Want to collaborate or find out more about my work?
Please send me an Email: andrew.schulz1994@gmail.com