Ryan St. Pierre
Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
University at Buffalo
ryans@buffalo.edu
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Postdoc Carnegie Mellon University
Ph.D. University of Maryland
B.S./M.S. Northeastern University
Reed Truax
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering
B.S./M.E. Rochester Institute of Technology - Mechanical Engineering
My research is focused on designing robust controllers for legged locomotion when subjected to
sensing and computation constraints that are often found on micro-robots. Outside of the lab I spend
my time swimming, climbing, hiking, and woodworking.
Audra Smith
Ph.D. Aerospace Engineering
B.S. Carrol University - Physics
Hi! I am Audra Smith and aerospace engineering Ph.D. student, with a background in applied physics.
I am currently conducting research on robotic metamaterials. In my free time, I enjoy making high
power rockets, writing calligraphy, and watching films.
Aniket R Vishwakarma
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering
M.S. University at Buffalo - Mechanical Engineering
Hello! My name is Aniket R Vishwakarma. I am pursuing a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering in the
Multiscale/Multiphysics Theory and Simulation Lab with Dr. Jiaoyan Li and Robot Form and Function
Lab with Dr. Ryan St. Pierre. My research interests include 'Applied mechanics of Elastic and
Hyperelastic materials,' with extensions in Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid
Dynamics (CFD), High-Performance Computing, soft robots, and stretchable electronics. I was also a
member of the 'Society of Automotive Engineers INDIA (SAE-INDIA)' throughout my undergrad and have
been pleased to be a member of the Formula Student community ever since. I enjoy watching movies,
cooking, traveling, trying new foods, and following Formula 1.
Megdess Negussie
M.S. Mechanical Engineering
B.S. Computer Engineering
Hey, my name is Meg. I am an artist turned engineer hailing from Rochester, NY Interested in
biomechanics and physics, but outside the
lab, I enjoy reading, taking apart antique machines, and accumulating extremely nice stationery.
Senan Demel
M.S. Computer Science and Engineering
B.S. Electrical Engineering
Hi! I'm Senan Demel, a UB CSE student with a background in electrical engineering and a love for
clean energy and programming. I'm currently working as an Analyst at a company that builds battery
energy storage systems and solar projects. Some of my interests/hobbies include playing acoustic
guitar, competing in semi-pro/pro level esports, and playing board games with friends. Very excited
to expand upon my previous work in developing mesh networks, network analyzers, and PID controllers
for the Buffalo Bytes!
Yagmur Aykanat
M.S. Aerospace Engineering
B.S. Aerospace Engineeringa and B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Hi! I'm Yagmur Aykanat and I'm currently a masters student studying aerospace engineering. My
research focuses on human robot interaction by improving the robot's responses to people's
interactions with it. Outside of the lab, I love to hiking, traveling, and trying new things!
Nolan Skowronski
B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Hello! My name is Nolan Skowronski. I am an undergraduate student studying Mechanical
Engineering at
the University at Buffalo. In the lab, I am focused on small scale jumping robots, but I also
have
an interest in solar powered robots. Outside the lab however, I love being in nature by hiking,
camping, kayaking, biking, and snowboarding.
Le Quoc Viet Pham
B.S. Computer Engineering
Xin Chao, my name is Viet, and I am an international student from Vietnam.
It has been nearly a year since the day I landed in the US to study abroad, everything was
fascinating (even though I'd suffered a lot).
Robotics is an interesting field for me, and I just started my journey recently. I hope that I
can
explore and learn more through new projects.
Besides that, I love playing sports, reading (comic) books, and traveling.
Scarlett Kreit
B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Hi! My name is Scarlett and I'm a third-year mechanical engineering student. My research is
focused on using a two-spring torque reversal system to create jumping robots. Outside of the
lab, my hobbies include crafting, gardening, and watching hockey.
James Do
B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Hi, I'm James and I'm an international student from Vietnam. I'm studying Mechanical Engineering. Right now I'm very interested in working on robots and getting to understand more about how they work as well as learn to make them. Outside of classrooms, I'm also interested in watching formula 1, singing, and playing video games.
Peter Zhang
B.S. Computer Engineering
Hello! My name is Peter Zhang and I'm majoring in Computer Engineering. I was majoring in computer science, but I found out I have a strong passion for working with circuits and hardware, especially robots. So, I'm here! In the future, I hope I will have the chance to get involved with more robots and learn how to make my own robot. Additionally, I like cooking and making my own food, it's another way for me to be creative and hands-on.
Noah Schneiderman
B.S. Computer Engineering
Hey, my name is Noah. I'm an undergraduate student majoring in Computer Engineering. I like to play the guitar and piano. In the lab I am helping with the upgrade process of the Buffalo Byte from v1 to v2.
Samuel Smullen, M.S. Mechanical Engineering 2025
Brigid Hickey, M.S. Mechanical Engineering 2025
Aniket Nitin Burde, M.S. Robotics 2024
Aniket Vishwakarma, M.S. Mechanical Engineering 2023, Ph.D. student at the University at
Buffalo
Yaswanth Narayana, M.S. Mechanical Engineering 2023, Arrow Systems, Inc.
Shashwat Singh, M.S. Robotics 2023, Ph.D. student at Carnegie Mellon University
Yaghnya Reddy Kuchikulla, M.S. Mechanical Engineering 2022, Remora
Amin Malek Pour, M.S. Mechanical Engineering 2022, GE Transport
Leanne Jamieson, M.S. Mechanical Engineering 2022
Vasilisa Ignatova, B.S. Computer Engineering 2025, Ph.D. student at Cornell University
Volodymyr Semenov, B.S. Computer Engineering 2025, Epic Systems
Kyle Pestar, B.S. Mechanical Engineering & B.S. Electrical Engineering 2025
Eric Xie, B.S. Computer Science 2025
Gianna Germain, B.S. Mechanical Engineering 2025, National Grid
Megdess Negussie, B.S. Computer Engineering 2024, M.S. student at the University at Buffalo
Junyu Lu, B.S. Mechanical Engineering 2024, M.S. student at the University of California,
Berkeley
Yuki Wu, B.S. Aerospace Engineering 2024, M.S. student at the University of Southern California
Patrick Harrington, B.S. Aerospace Engineering 2023, General Dynamics Mission Systems
John Cemay, B.S. Aerospace Engineering 2022, CAE USA