People

SRI's innovative thinking depends directly on the individuals who work here. Meet members of our team and learn why they joined SRI - you may discover that you would like to join the team, too. Visit Careers @ SRI for descriptions of current openings.

Focus @ SRI:
I design, simulate, and operate robots and other systems based on SRI's electroactive polymer artificial muscle (EPAM) technology.

Title:
Senior Research Engineer, Advanced Transducers Program

Day in the Life @ SRI:
If I'm not in the lab running robots or helping with experiments, I'm probably writing a white paper or proposal to clients about biologically inspired robots that use legs to walk, flapping wings to fly, or fins to swim. Or giant repair tentacles for spacecraft. The sorts of things that make people ask, "No really, what do you do?"

Before SRI:
I worked for a semiconductor manufacturer in San Jose. I'd like those years of my life back, please. Yes, I'll take in-store credit.

Academics:
B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University

Why SRI?
I work at SRI because of the brilliance and dedication of the staff, the lack of Dilbert-esque office morons, and the freedom to pursue even the most ridiculous ideas (assuming funding can be found). Did I mention giant repair tentacles for spacecraft?

Inspiration and Motivation:
I am always inspired that what we do here can have a major positive impact. The motivation primarily comes from watching, talking to, and learning from my coworkers.

Away from the Office:
Like other relatively new homeowners, I find that an immense amount of time goes directly into the house or yard. When I can squeeze in an hour or two, I'll either play the sax or hit a club, concert, or symphony. My wife and I have been fostering Border Collies through Border Collie Rescue, and are training our own to run agility courses.

Languages:
English (the Queen's, not the President's), a bit of Spanish, and a handful of the cuter Russian words (e.g., "pachemoo" (why) and "patamooshta" (because).

Proudest Professional Accomplishment:
Having been the Stanford Band's Interim Faculty Director for four years, it's hard to beat conducting the National Anthem in front of tens of thousands of people in Stanford Stadium, or at the 2000 Rose Bowl. Even if the Air Force Thunderbirds miss their cue.

Words of Wisdom for New SRI Team Members:
Your coworkers are experts in their fields. One or more of them have the answers to any questions you have, and they are invariably happy to talk to you and provide insight. Just start calling.

Favorites:
Border Collie Rescue of Northern California
Homestar Runner