ProfessorStefanie Gutschmidt

Fundamental research activities include nonlinear dynamics of collective, resonant arrays and multi-physics interactions of coupled oscillators (e.g. fluid-structure interactions, MEMS, nano- and atomic-scale force interactions, piezo-electric actuation/sensing, acoustics, etc.). 

Application-oriented research activities are ranging from nano/micro to macro-scale systems including: AFM array technology, N/MEMS sensor technology (particularly for low noise sound and insulin detection), and, more recently, reservoir computing, then also underwater robotics to monitor waterways, bi-plane, kite and mono-wing aerodynamics, tree-traversing and -cutting robotics for safe wood harvesting.

An overarching research theme that relates to the group's ongoing work on moving objects and the fascination of sound, can be summarized as “sound and motion”. Research work on "sound and motion" is carried out in the two established research laboratories, Dynamics Systems Lab and the Listening Lab. The research group in its core team includes (on average) 5-6 PhD candidates, 1-3 Master and 4-8 Bachelor (Hons) students.

The group collaborates locally, nationally and internationally with people in the fields of mathematics, fluid-dynamics, acoustics and bio-acoustics, ecology, neuromorphic computing, computer-science, controls and mechatronics, NEMS and MEMS technology and fabrication, otolaryngology and audiology.