My research focuses on three primary areas: Dynamics: Focus on precise, cost-effective modeling, both model- and data-based, to optimally analyze multi-body dynamical systems. Controls: Study advanced control techniques for deployable multi-body dynamical systems and robots. Passive control stabilizes dynamical systems against disturbances and uncertainties, while active control focuses on robust and precise control laws and path planning to reduce control energy and sensor and actuator costs while maintaining performance. Aerospace Systems: Design lightweight, deployable, automated aerospace systems to minimize costs and volume.

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Work Experience

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Assistant Professor, Aug. 2023 - Present

Department of Aerospace Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Postdoctoral Researcher, May 2021 - July 2023

Education

Texas A&M University, College Station, May 2021    
Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering

Huazhong University of Science and Technology
M.S., Design and Manufacture of Ships and Marine Structures, 2016
B.S., Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, 2013    

   

Awards

• Outstanding Guest Editor, BIROB, 2025  
• 2024 Reviewers of the Year Award, ASME J. Mechanisms Robotics  
• Best Paper Award, 18th SFSS, 2024      
• Best Presentation Award, EMI-IC, 2023      
• First Prize, 11th ICRME, 2022  
• Finalist, NASA RASC-AL, 2021  
• AERO Graduate Excellence Fellowship, TAMU, 2020    
• National Scholarship, 2014

     

Contact

Email: muhaochen@uky.edu
Office: +1 859-2577-2233
Tel: +1 979-985-8285
Grehan 113A, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506