Title: The JetZero / USAF Blended Wing Body Flight Demonstration Project Abstract: The blended wing body aircraft concept emerged from US Industry / NASA working group discussions that concluded in 1984.  Dennis Bushnell (NASA Langley) was the secretariat of the working group and shortly afterwards, he initiated ground and flight tests and system studies with US Industry…

Abstract: Preparing for careers beyond the Ph.D. involves learning how to communicate research expertise, navigate professional hiring processes, and translate academic experiences into skills valued by employers. This workshop will begin with a brief overview of Accelerate to Industry Plus (A2i+) at NC State, a professional development initiative that supports graduate students and postdoctoral scholars…

Abstract: As Artificial Intelligence transforms the digital landscape, the next frontier lies in Physical AI and robotics, where intelligence is not just a software layer but is fundamentally integrated into the system's hardware morphology. In this talk, I propose a framework for achieving "Effortless and Resource-aware Autonomy" by leveraging the synergy between control theory, optimization,…

Abstract: Advances in data-driven and learning-based methodologies have enabled unprecedented autonomy in many engineered systems, but intelligent modeling and control of fluid flows have yet to be realized. Motivated by the enormous potential of intelligent interactions between engineered systems and fluid flows across many applications, my research seeks to bridge the gap between data-driven, computational,…

Title: From Additive Complexity to Intrinsic Intelligence: Designing Reliable Robotic Manipulation for the Real World Abstract: Conventional robots are often brittle because we try to manage uncertainty by accumulating discrete layers of complexity—from additional sensors and mechanisms to elaborate control algorithms. In this talk, I propose a different approach called "Intrinsic Embodied Intelligence," which achieves…

Abstract: Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) are revolutionizing engineering and science by enabling precise prediction and accelerated optimization across manufacturing, robotics, transportation, aerospace, and healthcare. However, as many real-world autonomous systems operate in dynamic and uncertain environments, prediction and offline optimization alone are insufficient. To fully realize these capabilities in complex physical systems, digital…

Abstract: Cyber-physical systems (CPS) integrate physical processes, cyber components, and communication networks to enable close interaction between computation and the physical world. These systems underpin a wide range of critical applications, including robotics, power systems, and transportation infrastructures. Due to their tight coupling of physical and cyber elements, CPS are inherently vulnerable to faults, disturbances,…

Abstract: Autonomous systems are rapidly transitioning from controlled research environments into real-world applications, including drones, self-driving vehicles, and service robots. However, their broad deployment depends not only on achieving high performance, but also on assurance—the ability to guarantee safe, reliable, and predictable behavior in the face of uncertainty. In this talk, I outline my vision…

Abstract: Autonomous vehicles and robots operating in human-centric environments must tightly couple perception, reasoning, and control to interact safely and effectively with the physical world. This talk presents my research on advancing physical AI, learning-based systems that reason about and act within real-world dynamics, to enable scalable and deployable autonomy for mobility and robotics. I…

Abstract: For decades, researchers have sought technologies that understand and support human movement with the same sensitivity and adaptability that humans exhibit to maintain mobility in the real world. Achieving this requires systems that are perceptive, adaptive, and scalable. In this talk, I will present my research toward this vision, beginning with fundamental principles of…