Research Overview
Most of my research progress has been in the field of soft robotics. I studied this subject while completing my doctoral degree in the Active Materials and Smart Living Laboratory. I developed a novel sensor type known as the soft polymeric gel sensor as well as worked on pneumatic networks, hydraulically amplified self healing electrstatic actuators (HASELs), electrohydraulic actuators powered by induced interfacial charge (EPICs), and piezoeletrics.
At Mission Support and Test Services, the Applied Physics group is pushing the bounds of modern interferometry for shock physics experimentation. Optimizing SNR and increasing absolute photometric senstivity are the current topics of interest.
Other projects that do not fit into these two larger categories include robotic platform development for Savannah River National Laboratory and the Department of Energy and modular 3D printer designs for NASA.
Summary (Google Scholar)
Journal Papers: 5 Book Chapters: 1 Conference Works: 19 Patents: 1 (in review)
Current Active Materials and Smart Living Laboratory members (2022).
Detailed Research
Soft Robotics
Soft Robotics
Soft Robotics
This was the topic I studied in graduate school and developed a novel sensor type based on plasticized polymers. Additional work was completed on soft actuators and piezoelectrics.
Optics
Soft Robotics
Soft Robotics
Work has begun on pushing the bounds of modern interferometers for shock physics experimentation including optimizing SNR and photometric sensitivity.
Other
Soft Robotics
Other
Other research projects include modular 3D printing systems intially developed for space applications (NASA) and robotic platform design for sensor systems (DOE).