Assistant Professor
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Growing up, Zach J. Patterson had a number of engineering role models in his life, most notably, his grandfather. Paired with an interest in math and science, pursuing a career in engineering made complete sense.
As an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Patterson’s primary research interest is robotics.
“The goal of my work is to produce new robots and control algorithms that are capable of more gracefully and naturally interacting with the world around them,” he shared. “To this end, I work on projects in robot design, especially with the goal of incorporating soft robot technology into mature systems.”
Patterson’s work also integrates the latest advances in the control literature into robot control applications. In addition to all of that, Patterson designs bioinspired robots with the goal of learning how animals move to improve machine design.
He brings all of this expertise to the classroom through his class Nonlinear Dynamics and Control (EMAE 485), a graduate level course that teaches students the theoretical basis of control for complex systems, with a special emphasis on robotics as an application. The course merges theory with practice with a core goal to teach students how to practically apply theoretical concepts.
What are you most looking forward to at Case Western Reserve University?
I am thrilled to join Case and especially EMAE because of the strong bioinspired robotics community here. I am also excited about the possibilities for cross-disciplinary collaboration, particularly with an eye towards healthcare applications, an area of particular strength for Case Western [Reserve] and the city of Cleveland.
Do you have any personal goals, hobbies, family, interests that you would like to share?
I am originally from Western PA and am a proud child of the rust belt. Although I do root for the Steelers (please don't hold that against me). Outside of work I also enjoy playing piano, reading, and exploring Cleveland's vibrant brewery scene.
What’s one piece of advice you have for students? Or what’s a great piece of advice you’ve received?
Be humble and don't be afraid to ask questions. Intellectual humility and curiosity will get you a long way. I don't have all the answers and neither does anybody else.
Learn more about Patterson's work on his lab site.