Alumnus Xiaobo Tan named Withrow Distinguished Scholar at Michigan State

Alumnus Xiaobo Tan (EE Ph.D. 2002) is the recipient of the 2018 Withrow Distinguished Scholar Award (senior category) from the Michigan State University College of Engineering. The award recognizes the scholarship contributions of a faculty member who has been at MSU for more than five years, and holds the rank of professor.

Tan is a Foundation Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Michigan State University and director of the Smart Microsystems Laboratory there. At Maryland, Tan was advised by Professor John Baras (ECE/ISR) and Professor P. S. Krishnaprasad (ECE/ISR).

An expert in automatic control systems, he has made significant contributions to modeling and control of smart materials, and is internationally recognized for his seminal work in developing fish-like robots for underwater sensing. He has successfully blended deep theoretical concepts into his research with practical approaches to provide innovative solutions to complex problems. His research is interdisciplinary, spanning controls, dynamics, materials, fabrication, and robotics. He has established extensive collaborations at MSU and beyond with electrical and mechanical engineers, computer scientists, environmental scientists, and ecologists.

Published March 22, 2018