Laura Paez
Home Lab:
Biorobotics Lab (BIOROB), with Prof. Auke Ijspeert
Home University:
EPFL, Switzerland
Visiting Lab:
Lauder Lab, with Prof. George Lauder
Visiting University:
Harvard University, USA
Year of visit:
6 months in 2021
Project:
Understanding the dynamics of roll motions in anguilliform swimmers
1. Were you able to fulfill all your planned objectives?
Yes. I have worked on multiple bioinspired robots, but I always wanted to work along with biologists, to understand the way they approach research from a scientific standpoint. And another view beyond engineering to understand how a robot can be used to understand animals and, at the same time, how a robot can be improved by taking inspiration from animals.
2. Did this experience inspire/enable you to continue your career?
Yes. But more than my career, this experience broadened my thinking. Biologists and engineers approach research in different ways. As engineers, we focus on problem solving, while biologists deepen their knowledge by understanding questions such as how and why. This combination will be very powerful for me in the future.
3. Did your host lab contribute to the quality of your research?
Yes, they provided me with very insightful ideas and discussions, but also equipment. Given the good facilities they have, it was possible to try out different ideas quickly. They also helped me to better understand the animals and how they deal with problems in their environment.
4. Do you feel your association with NCCR Robotics has had an overall impact on your studies and future career?
NCCR Robotics has provided me not only with the means to persue my career and increase my network of contacts, but also to promote my project and my experiences, exposing me in public events and websites.
5. What are you currently working on and what are your plans for the future?
I am currently working on a publication with the results of this exchange program. In the next few months I plan to finish my PhD and write my thesis.