About Me  

EDUCATION

I earned my Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering (flight dynamics and control) from the University of Michigan in 1995, alongside an M.A. in Mathematics completed the same year. I also hold an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Michigan (1993).

My doctoral research focused on motion planning and feedback control for nonholonomic dynamic systems, with applications to attitude control of underactuated multibody spacecraft. My Ph.D. advisor was Professor Harris N. McClamroch.

CAREER

I joined the University of Michigan’s Department of Aerospace Engineering in January 2010 where I have been appointed as a Full Professor (with tenure) since September 2013, and as a Pierre T. Kabamba Collegiate Professor of Aerospace Engineering since September 2023.  

My current research aims at advancing control theory for systems with state and control constraints, including Model Predictive Control and Reference Governors.  I also focus on the modeling, dynamics, and control for advanced spacecraft, aircraft, automotive vehicles, and engines and propulsion systems.  

Before returning to the academia, I spent nearly 15 years at Ford Research and Advanced Engineering in Dearborn, Michigan, progressing from Postdoctoral Researcher to Technical Leader in Powertrain Control. My work at Ford centered on control of advanced internal combustion engines and powertrain systems to improve transient response and drivability, increase fuel and energy efficiency, and reduce emissions. From 2002 to 2009, I have led research groups "Electronic Valve Actuation Engine Controls," "Electronic Valve Actuation and Variable Displacement Engine Controls," and "Modern Control Methods and Computational Intelligence" at Ford R&A.