I obtained a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Robotics) from Washington State University (WSU) advised
by Prof. John P. Swensen. I am currently a Clare Boothe Luce assistant professor of robotics at
Saint Louis University. My research at SLU involves developing robots for healthcare and education purposes.
Current Research
My main research focus at SLU is on developing systems & robots for healthcare and educational purposes,
and we mainly focus on
developing a safe and efficient human-robot interaction for assistive and rehabilitation robots, human intention detection
and developing better ways to improve
robotics, mechatronics, and AI education. These involve research at the intersection of robotics, machine learning,
control theory, artificial intelligence, game development, psychology, physical therapy, and education.
Interested in working in my lab? Contact me (through email) if:
You are an undergraduate or master's student enrolled at SLU and you are looking for research experience in Robotics
You are applying to a Ph.D. program at SLU and you would like to be advised by me
Here are some essential skills and qualities:
Being a team player, positive, creative, organized, and principle-centered person
A solid foundation in robotics (robot kinematics, dynamics, control, and perception)
Proficiency in at least one programming language (Python (preferred), C++, or MATLAB)
Familiarity with Robot Operating System (ROS)
Familiarity with machine learning techniques, computer vision, natural language processing, and AI algorithms
for developing intelligent and adaptive robotic systems
Experience with integrating various sensors
(e.g., cameras, depth sensors, force sensors) into robotic systems and processing sensor data
Knowledge of software development
principles, software architecture, and version control systems
Strong research background (showcased by publications), analytical thinking, and experiment design & data analysis skills
Photography & videography skills are a plus
Please include your CV, link to publications, your website, or GitHub page (if applicable). Feel free to refer to
my research statement
and my commitment to
diversity, equity & inclusion to have an
understanding of the theme of my research.
Tips for successful emails from potential students:
Describe your research and projects in a coherent way and then lead your discussion to how they can be applied to the research in
my lab.
Back up your research and projects with descriptive photos and especially videos.
If you have publications from your research, highlight them.
Show that you are an up-and-coming independent researcher and a self-learner. This can be shown by
research internships, joining clubs that allow hands-on experience, etc.
CBL Assistant Professor of Robotics Email: madi.babaiasl [at] slu [dot] edu
My Ph.D. Research
My main research focus during Ph.D. was on developing fracture-directed steerable needles, which are a new type of
steerable needles that can be directed to a target location by making a fracture in the soft tissue and then following with
the superelastic needle with applications in surgery and biopsy. My Ph.D. research led to a patent titled
"Fracture-directed steerable needles" .
Fracture-directed steerable needle projects (stylet&tube and waterjet) webpages and codes:
Judge for Society of Women Engineer SWE's WE Local Awards (the Rising Star 2018, 2019),
Poster and Rapid Fire Competitions (WE18, WE19, WE20), Mission Awards (2018), Emerging Leader Award (2020)
