CV

Below is an abridged version of my CV. You can email me to recieve the full version.

Education

• Ph.D., M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Alabama, 2024

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Alabama, 2019

Experience

• Visiting Scholar (August 2024 – Present)
  • Agile Robotics Lab, University of Alabama
• Graduate Research Assistant (January 2019 – August 2024)
  • Agile Robotics Lab, University of Alabama
• Undergraduate Research Assistant (June 2018 – May 2019)
  • Structural Acoustics Lab, University of Alabama
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Team Lead (February 2017 – March 2018)
  • Assistagrow, a Remote Startup

Skills

• Relevant Expertise: statistical analysis, machine learning, computer vision (e.g., visual tracking, image segmentation, pose estimation), data visualization, modeling / simulation
• Programming Languages: MATLAB, Python, C++ (Arduino)
• Hardware: microcontrollers, inertial sensors, 3D printing, PCB prototyping, soldering, CNC machining
• Software: Git, LaTeX, CAD / FEA (Fusion 360, SolidWorks, Inventor), Arduino, Cura
• Languages: English (native), Spanish (proficient, C1)

Publications

Environment-Centric Learning Approach for Gait Synthesis in Terrestrial Soft Robots

C. Freeman, A. N. Mahendran, and V. Vikas, “Environment-Centric Learning Approach for Gait Synthesis in Terrestrial Soft Robots,” in IEEE Transactions on Robotics, vol. 41, pp. 2144-2163, 2025, doi: 10.1109/TRO.2025.3548543.

Multi-Gait Locomotion Planning and Tracking for Tendon-Actuated Terrestrial Soft Robot (TerreSoRo)

A. N. Mahendran, C. Freeman, A. H. Chang, M. McDougall, P. A. Vela, and V. Vikas, “Multi-Gait Locomotion Planning and Tracking for Tendon-Actuated Terrestrial Soft Robot (TerreSoRo),” 2023 IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS), Detroit, MI, USA, 2023, pp. 2542-2549, doi: 10.1109/IROS55552.2023.10341926.

Topology Design and Optimization of Modular Soft Robots Capable of Homogenous and Heterogenous Reconfiguration

C. Freeman, J. Conzola, and V. Vikas, “Topology Design and Optimization of Modular Soft Robots Capable of Homogenous and Heterogenous Reconfiguration,” Journal of Computational and Nonlinear Dynamics, vol. 18, no. 6, Apr. 2023, doi: 10.1115/1.4062265.

Topology and morphology design of spherically reconfigurable homogeneous Modular Soft Robots (MSoRos)

Freeman, Caitlin, Michael Maynard, and Vishesh Vikas. “Topology and Morphology Design of Spherically Reconfigurable Homogeneous Modular Soft Robots.” Soft Robotics, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 52–65, 2023, doi: 10.1089/soro.2021.0125.

Shape-centric Modeling for Soft Robot Inchworm Locomotion,

A. N. Mahendran, C. Freeman, A. H. Chang, M. McDougall, P. A. Vela, and V. Vikas, “Multi-Gait Locomotion Planning and Tracking for Tendon-Actuated Terrestrial Soft Robot (TerreSoRo),” 2023 IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS), Detroit, MI, USA, 2023, pp. 2542-2549, doi: 10.1109/IROS55552.2023.10341926.

Presentations

• Paper Presentation, “Topology Design and Optimization of Modular Soft Robots (MSoRos) Capable of Homogenous and Heterogenous Reconfiguration,” 2023 ASME International Design and Engineering Technical Conferences & Computers and Information in Engineering Conference (IDETC/CIE 2023), Boston, MA, USA, August 22, 2023.
• Competition Presentation, “Tendon-actuated exoskeleton for scoliosis rehabilitation,” 2021 IEEE RAS Seasonal School on Rehabilitation and Assistive Robotics Based on Soft Robotics (SofTech-Rehab 2021), Virtual, June 18, 2021.
• Undergraduate Magnum Opus, “Towards Increasing STEM Retention at the University of Alabama,” Dr. Robert E. Witt University Fellows Program Collecting Place, Tuscaloosa, AL, May 2019.