Quests (Projects)

Biomechanics of tissues across length scales

Biological structures surround us, and we use them to our advantage every day. We sense with our skin and hair, move with our muscle-tendon units while watching birds use their wings to traverse the skies. Each of these structures is a complex biological composite that bypasses the traditional trade-offs of human made materials through functional relationships of stiffness, porosity, or geometry. Through investigating biological tissues of collagen and keratin I study how the morphology interplays with the mechanics of the material. This includes traditional SEM, TEM, microCT, and nanomechanics. 

Bio-inspired material intelligence

By understanding the connection between micro and macro behavior of the biological structures we can apply them to diverse scenarios allowing these micro-macro behavior connections to solve the challenges encountered when developing and controlling robotic systems. Often the hardware solutions generate hardware benefits, but in recent years the use of machine learning and robotics has steadily increased due to the high software capabilities. I am studying how we can take the material intelligence from biological systems and apply it to help humankind through robotics and sensors.

Comparative biomechanics & haptics 

Currently biomechanics does not leverage some of the functional intelligent materials in the body for device inspiration. I investigate differences of the skin, muscle, and tendon structures and sensors between both humans and other animals to inspire the next generation of passive and active healthcare devices I want to leverage these skills to understand at the micro-tissue scale how we can use devices to counteract the material decay in our body. As we age our skin, muscles, tendons, and bones start to break down and studying how animals deal with this complexities can help! 

Engineering-scientists-zoo collaborations

Interdisciplinary, intradisciplinary, transdisciplinary are all common words used to describe research collaborations, but it is quite challenging to engage in long-term collaborative teams and projects. My research aims all leverage interdisciplinary and intradisciplinary collaborations and research outcomes and helping the research, non-profit, and beyond communities collaborate is something I have continued to work on. 

Sustainablity of robotics and materials

Traditional engineering practices and education do not focus on sustainability. In recent years with the United Nations (UN)'s Sustainable Development Goals, there has been a shift towards engineerings thinking more about sustainability and design. Through looking at bio-inspired research of materials and robots we can inspire new generations of engineers to design and build open-source sustainable solutions. 

Conservation tools and technologies

The recent increase in public and academic interest in preserving biodiversity has led to the growth of the field of conservation technology. This field involves designing and constructing tools that use technology to aid in the conservation of wildlife. I have worked with engineers, computer scientists, biologists, and beyond to develop conservation tools for interdisciplinary project-based solutions.