University of North Texas 
People
Director
Dr. Amir Jafari
Associate Professor Biomedical Engineering
Google Scholar
Education:
PhD in Robotics Engineering, Italian Institute of Technology, 2011
M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, IUT 2007
B.S in Industrial Engineering, IUT 2003
Research Interests:
Soft Robotics
Compliant and Variable Compliance Actuation
Human-Friendly Exoskeleton
Rehabilitation Robotics
Biography:
Dr. Jafari Received his Ph.D in Robotics in 2011 from Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Genova, Italy. From 2011 to 2013, he was a postdoctoral researcher at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH in Zurich. He then moved to Agency for Science, Research and Technology A*STAR in Singapore in 2014 as a Research Scientist. Since 2016 he is an Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering at UTSA.
Dr. Jafari's research focuses on novel solutions and devices that can contribute to the advancement of emerging technologies in soft robotics for physical Human-Robot Interaction pHRI applications, such as rehabilitation robotics. The technology requirement for these type of robotic systems is fundamentally different than those that have been developed for industrial applications. Softness is "the key factor" in developing any robotic platform that is supposed to physically interact with humans. In particular, Dr. Jafari is focusing on the actuation part of such systems and is currently working on 1) novel artificial muscles, 2) compact and robust variable stiffness actuators, 3) autonomous surgical systems, and 4) understanding the role of walking surface compliance on human gait, energy expenditure and muscle activations.
At the undergraduate level Dr. Jafari teaches Mechatronics and at the graduate level he teaches Advanced Robotic Design. This course introduces students to modeling, analysis, and design of compliant actuators Series Elastic Actuators (SEAs) and Variable Stiffness Actuators (VSAs), and their applications in robotic systems. In his spare time, he enjoys outdoor activities, walking, swimming and playing with his kids.
Education:
PhD in Robotics Engineering, Italian Institute of Technology, 2011
M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, IUT 2007
B.S in Industrial Engineering, IUT 2003
Research Interests:
Soft Robotics
Compliant and Variable Compliance Actuation
Human-Friendly Exoskeleton
Rehabilitation Robotics
Biography:
Dr. Jafari Received his Ph.D in Robotics in 2011 from Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Genova, Italy. From 2011 to 2013, he was a postdoctoral researcher at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH in Zurich. He then moved to Agency for Science, Research and Technology A*STAR in Singapore in 2014 as a Research Scientist. Since 2016 he is an Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering at UTSA.
Dr. Jafari's research focuses on novel solutions and devices that can contribute to the advancement of emerging technologies in soft robotics for physical Human-Robot Interaction pHRI applications, such as rehabilitation robotics. The technology requirement for these type of robotic systems is fundamentally different than those that have been developed for industrial applications. Softness is "the key factor" in developing any robotic platform that is supposed to physically interact with humans. In particular, Dr. Jafari is focusing on the actuation part of such systems and is currently working on 1) novel artificial muscles, 2) compact and robust variable stiffness actuators, 3) autonomous surgical systems, and 4) understanding the role of walking surface compliance on human gait, energy expenditure and muscle activations.
At the undergraduate level Dr. Jafari teaches Mechatronics and at the graduate level he teaches Advanced Robotic Design. This course introduces students to modeling, analysis, and design of compliant actuators Series Elastic Actuators (SEAs) and Variable Stiffness Actuators (VSAs), and their applications in robotic systems. In his spare time, he enjoys outdoor activities, walking, swimming and playing with his kids.
Graduate Students
Daniel Johnson
PhD Student Biomedical Engineering
Education:
B.S. in Physics, SFA State University, 2017
M.S. in Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, 2021-2023
Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, 2024-Present
Research Interests:
Soft Actuators
Prosthetics
Machine Learning
Bio:
Daniel received his B.S. in Physics at Stephen F. Austin with minors in Math and Astronomy in 2017. With previous work experience in EMT and Computer Networking, he began his M.S. in Biomedical Engineering and aimed to combine his knowledge into the field of Soft Robotics. For his Master's Thesis he is designing a novel thermoactive soft actuator that has potential to be used in Rehabilitation Robotics.
B.S. in Physics, SFA State University, 2017
M.S. in Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, 2021-2023
Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, 2024-Present
Research Interests:
Soft Actuators
Prosthetics
Machine Learning
Bio:
Daniel received his B.S. in Physics at Stephen F. Austin with minors in Math and Astronomy in 2017. With previous work experience in EMT and Computer Networking, he began his M.S. in Biomedical Engineering and aimed to combine his knowledge into the field of Soft Robotics. For his Master's Thesis he is designing a novel thermoactive soft actuator that has potential to be used in Rehabilitation Robotics.
Undergraduate Students
Anita Stephanie Akpu
Undergraduate Student Biomedical Engineering
Research Interests:
Prosthetics, Robotics
Bio:
Anita Stephanie Akpu is an international student hailing from Nigeria, majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a focus on the biomechanics track. She completed her high school education at Premier Academy, Abuja, Nigeria in 2022. During her junior year there, she was actively involved in projects centered around RC planes and drones. Currently, Anita is engaged in research and development related to treadmill and robotic arm projects.
Prosthetics, Robotics
Bio:
Anita Stephanie Akpu is an international student hailing from Nigeria, majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a focus on the biomechanics track. She completed her high school education at Premier Academy, Abuja, Nigeria in 2022. During her junior year there, she was actively involved in projects centered around RC planes and drones. Currently, Anita is engaged in research and development related to treadmill and robotic arm projects.
Rachel Evers
Undergraduate Student Biomedical Engineering
LinkedIn
Research Interests:
Robotics, Artificial Intelligence
Bio:
Rachel Evers is a dedicated biomedical engineering student with a fervent passion for robotics and research. As she pursues her bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Rachel is deeply enthusiastic about the development of innovative medical technologies with the potential to enhance patient care and save lives. With a robust academic foundation and a commitment to effecting positive change in the industry, she is optimistic about the myriad possibilities awaiting in this ever-evolving field.
In recent years, Rachel has delved into the world of robotics, particularly through her involvement in the VEX robotics competition. This experience has further ignited her interest in the vast potential robotics holds for biomedical engineering. Beyond robotics, Rachel is also keenly interested in the evolution of AI and its impending impact on healthcare.
Research Interests:
Robotics, Artificial Intelligence
Bio:
Rachel Evers is a dedicated biomedical engineering student with a fervent passion for robotics and research. As she pursues her bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Rachel is deeply enthusiastic about the development of innovative medical technologies with the potential to enhance patient care and save lives. With a robust academic foundation and a commitment to effecting positive change in the industry, she is optimistic about the myriad possibilities awaiting in this ever-evolving field.
In recent years, Rachel has delved into the world of robotics, particularly through her involvement in the VEX robotics competition. This experience has further ignited her interest in the vast potential robotics holds for biomedical engineering. Beyond robotics, Rachel is also keenly interested in the evolution of AI and its impending impact on healthcare.
Kendra Green
Undergraduate Student Biomedical Engineering
LinkedIn
Research Interests:
Robot Operating System, Robotic Platforms
Bio:
Kendra Green is a sophomore majoring in Biomedical Engineering with double minors in Computer Science and Mathematics. She began her college journey at The University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst but transferred to UNT this fall. Kendra's primary focus is on the software and programming aspects of robotics. She is enthusiastic about initiating solo projects by the start of the next semester.
Research Interests:
Robot Operating System, Robotic Platforms
Bio:
Kendra Green is a sophomore majoring in Biomedical Engineering with double minors in Computer Science and Mathematics. She began her college journey at The University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst but transferred to UNT this fall. Kendra's primary focus is on the software and programming aspects of robotics. She is enthusiastic about initiating solo projects by the start of the next semester.
Arian Moridani
Undergraduate Student Biomedical Engineering
LinkedIn
Research Interests:
Soft Actuators, TwAS, Rehabilitation Engineering
Bio:
Arian Moridani is a senior at UNT, majoring in Biomedical Engineering with minors in Mathematics and Life Sciences. Within the lab, he is currently focused on a materials paper and has recently begun setting up a motion capture system. Arian possesses a keen interest in the intersection of Medicine and Technology. Outside of his academic pursuits, one of his hobbies includes exercising at the Recreation center.
Research Interests:
Soft Actuators, TwAS, Rehabilitation Engineering
Bio:
Arian Moridani is a senior at UNT, majoring in Biomedical Engineering with minors in Mathematics and Life Sciences. Within the lab, he is currently focused on a materials paper and has recently begun setting up a motion capture system. Arian possesses a keen interest in the intersection of Medicine and Technology. Outside of his academic pursuits, one of his hobbies includes exercising at the Recreation center.
Joanna Thirunilathu
Undergraduate Student Biomedical Engineering
Research Interests:
TwAS, Soft Actuators
Bio:
Joanna Thirunilathu is currently a junior majoring in biomedical engineering. She earned her associate degree in science just last May. Joanna has expressed keen interest in contributing to the treadmill or the soft actuator projects, though she remains open to any project that aligns with her availability.
TwAS, Soft Actuators
Bio:
Joanna Thirunilathu is currently a junior majoring in biomedical engineering. She earned her associate degree in science just last May. Joanna has expressed keen interest in contributing to the treadmill or the soft actuator projects, though she remains open to any project that aligns with her availability.
High School Students
Bonnie Chan
High School Student Biomedical Engineering
Research Interests:
Soft Robotics, Variable Impedance Actuators
Bio:
Bonnie is a high school junior currently enrolled at the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (TAMS). While focusing on visual arts and design, he explores the field of engineering. Through research in the ARM Lab at UNT, Bonnie hopes for new developments in human-to-machine interactions.
Soft Robotics, Variable Impedance Actuators
Bio:
Bonnie is a high school junior currently enrolled at the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (TAMS). While focusing on visual arts and design, he explores the field of engineering. Through research in the ARM Lab at UNT, Bonnie hopes for new developments in human-to-machine interactions.
Luis Espinosa
High School Student Mechanical Engineering
LinkedIn
Research Interests:
Soft Actuators, Variable Impedance Actuators
Bio:
Luis Espinosa is a dedicated student at both the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science and the University of North Texas. He is pursuing the Mechanical Engineering Technologies track and is actively involved in a myriad of STEM-related projects and extracurricular activities. Among these are his participation in a robotics team, the NASA HAS program, and the TAMS aerospace engineering club.
Research Interests:
Soft Actuators, Variable Impedance Actuators
Bio:
Luis Espinosa is a dedicated student at both the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science and the University of North Texas. He is pursuing the Mechanical Engineering Technologies track and is actively involved in a myriad of STEM-related projects and extracurricular activities. Among these are his participation in a robotics team, the NASA HAS program, and the TAMS aerospace engineering club.
Xinyu He
High School Student Biomedical Engineering
Research Interests:
Thermo-active Soft Actuators
Bio:
Xinyu (Hebe) He is a high school junior at the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (TAMS), where she is on the Computer Engineering track. Her current project is centered on Soft Robotics. Outside of her academic endeavors, Hebe has a keen interest in robotics competitions. She is an active member of both the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) and the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC).
Thermo-active Soft Actuators
Bio:
Xinyu (Hebe) He is a high school junior at the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (TAMS), where she is on the Computer Engineering track. Her current project is centered on Soft Robotics. Outside of her academic endeavors, Hebe has a keen interest in robotics competitions. She is an active member of both the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) and the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC).
Aditya Jain
High School Student Biomedical Engineering
LinkedIn
Research Interests:
Soft Robotics & Actuators, Variable Impedance Actuators, Inmoov (Humanoid Robot)
Bio:
Aditya is a junior at the Texas Academy of Math and Science (TAMS) and currently pursuing computer science. He has interests in mechanical and electrical engineering as well as computer science as to its application to robotics. He is currently exploring the field of Soft Robotics and Actuators at ARM and working to explore their various applications.
Research Interests:
Soft Robotics & Actuators, Variable Impedance Actuators, Inmoov (Humanoid Robot)
Bio:
Aditya is a junior at the Texas Academy of Math and Science (TAMS) and currently pursuing computer science. He has interests in mechanical and electrical engineering as well as computer science as to its application to robotics. He is currently exploring the field of Soft Robotics and Actuators at ARM and working to explore their various applications.
Santiago Loza
High School Student Biomedical Engineering
LinkedIn
Research Interests:
Soft Actuators, iOS Development, Machine Learning, Variable Impedance Actuators
Bio:
Santiago Loza is a junior at the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (TAMS) and is currently on the computer science track. His interests are mostly in machine learning and robotics. He has received scholarships to attend computer science and cybersecurity camps at UNT for free. He is working towards pursuing a career as a software engineer.
Research Interests:
Soft Actuators, iOS Development, Machine Learning, Variable Impedance Actuators
Bio:
Santiago Loza is a junior at the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (TAMS) and is currently on the computer science track. His interests are mostly in machine learning and robotics. He has received scholarships to attend computer science and cybersecurity camps at UNT for free. He is working towards pursuing a career as a software engineer.
Ramya Motati
High School Student Biomedical Engineering
LinkedIn | Google Scholar
Research Interests:
Silicone Elastomers, Thermo-active Soft Actuators
Bio:
Ramya Motati is currently a TAMS senior specializing in the General Science and Mathematics track. Within the lab, she has contributed to two significant projects: the thermo-active soft actuators review and the analysis of silicone elastomers. Beyond this lab, Ramya boasts extensive research experience in solvation chemistry, deepening her understanding of chemical principles. She aspires to earn both a bachelor's and doctorate degree in biomedical engineering, specifically focusing on orthopaedic engineering. Outside the academic realm, Ramya cherishes time spent in nature, whether it's hiking, biking, or simply taking a leisurely walk.
Research Interests:
Silicone Elastomers, Thermo-active Soft Actuators
Bio:
Ramya Motati is currently a TAMS senior specializing in the General Science and Mathematics track. Within the lab, she has contributed to two significant projects: the thermo-active soft actuators review and the analysis of silicone elastomers. Beyond this lab, Ramya boasts extensive research experience in solvation chemistry, deepening her understanding of chemical principles. She aspires to earn both a bachelor's and doctorate degree in biomedical engineering, specifically focusing on orthopaedic engineering. Outside the academic realm, Ramya cherishes time spent in nature, whether it's hiking, biking, or simply taking a leisurely walk.
Akshay Sunkara
High School Student Biomedical Engineering
Research Interests:
Machine Learning, Robotics
Bio:AkshaySunkara@my.unt.edu
Akshay Sunkara is a dedicated student at the Texas Academy of Math and Science. He holds a deep passion for Computer Science and Robotics, with a particular emphasis on machine learning projects. Akshay is eager to contribute to the ARM research lab and is keenly interested in expanding his knowledge in the field of soft robotics.
Machine Learning, Robotics
Bio:AkshaySunkara@my.unt.edu
Akshay Sunkara is a dedicated student at the Texas Academy of Math and Science. He holds a deep passion for Computer Science and Robotics, with a particular emphasis on machine learning projects. Akshay is eager to contribute to the ARM research lab and is keenly interested in expanding his knowledge in the field of soft robotics.
Nathan Tan
High School Student Biomedical Engineering
Research Interests:
Soft Robotics, Inmoov (Humanoid Robot), Variable Impedance Actuators
Bio:
Nathan currently studies computer science as a junior at the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science(TAMS). He wants to pursue biomedical and mechanical engineering.
Soft Robotics, Inmoov (Humanoid Robot), Variable Impedance Actuators
Bio:
Nathan currently studies computer science as a junior at the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science(TAMS). He wants to pursue biomedical and mechanical engineering.
Shuopu Wang
High School Student Biomedical Engineering
LinkedIn
Research Interests:
Soft Robotics, Variable Impedance Actuators, SPOT (quadraped robot)
Bio:
Shuopu is a junior at the Texas Academy of Mathematics of Science (TAMS). He is the captain of World Champion First Tech Challenge Team 8565 and was selected to represent Team USA in the FIRST Global Challenge (Robotics Olympiad) in Geneva, Switzerland composed of 192+ national teams. Under his lead, the team has won various regional, state, and world-level awards. Outside of robotics, Shuopu extends his passion to research at UNT, with a central focus on enhancing the capabilities of robots to serve humanity and robotics.
Research Interests:
Soft Robotics, Variable Impedance Actuators, SPOT (quadraped robot)
Bio:
Shuopu is a junior at the Texas Academy of Mathematics of Science (TAMS). He is the captain of World Champion First Tech Challenge Team 8565 and was selected to represent Team USA in the FIRST Global Challenge (Robotics Olympiad) in Geneva, Switzerland composed of 192+ national teams. Under his lead, the team has won various regional, state, and world-level awards. Outside of robotics, Shuopu extends his passion to research at UNT, with a central focus on enhancing the capabilities of robots to serve humanity and robotics.
Victor Xu
High School Student Biomedical Engineering
Victor is a junior at the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (TAMS). He is the
CAD (computer aided design) lead of the 2022 World Champion First Tech Challenge Team
8565 Technicbots, which was selected to represent the United States in the 2022 FIRST
Global Challenge robotics olympiad, hosted in Geneva, Switzerland. At UNT, Victor
conducts biomedical engineering research on soft robotics.
Alumni
Trevor Exley - Postdoctoral Researcher at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
Nafiseh Ebrahimi
Carolyn Day
Professor Jae Hoon LEE- Ehime University (Sabbatical)
Analisa Roland- MS student
Gautham Ganapathinarayanan Muthukumaran- MS student
Christian Warhmund- MS student
David Olazaba- MS student
Travis Horstman- MS student
Stephen Apolinar- MS student
Harrison Hierro- MS student
Sebastian Sanchez- MS student
Khalid Allaif- Undergrad student
Abdullah Bu Khader- Undergrad student
Majed Baflah- Undergrad student
Syed Ali- Undergrad student
Hugo Perez- Undergrad student
Quan Nguyen- Undergrad student
Hector Martinez- Undergrad student
Kyle Lamoureux- Undergrad student
Whitney Matthews- Undergrad student
Isaac Sanchez- Undergrad student
Essie Lee- Undergrad student
James Schad- Undergrad student
Ivan Paredes- Undergrad student
Levi Jordan- Undergrad student
Thomas Miller- Undergrad student
Ari Richtberg- Undergrad student
Salem Alsanan- Undergrad student
Mohammed Ali- Undergrad student