What does winning the Kevin P. Granata Award mean to you?

Receiving the Kevin P. Granata Award is a great honor. Kevin Granata was an extraordinary scientist whose work bridged engineering, biomechanics, and neuroscience, and he also made a lasting impact through his dedication to mentoring and teaching. To be recognized with an award that values both scientific excellence and mentorship is particularly meaningful to me. I see this recognition as a reflection not only of my own efforts, but also of the outstanding students, collaborators, mentors, and participants who have contributed to this work throughout the years.

What research did you receive the award for, and what makes this work particularly significant or impactful?

The award recognizes my contributions to bio-inspired robotics and human-centered assistive technologies. Our research draws inspiration from the principles underlying human sensorimotor control to design artificial limbs that interact seamlessly and safely with both the user and the environment. By combining insights from neuroscience, biomechanics, and robotics, we aim to move beyond restoring basic functionality and instead enable more dexterous, intuitive, and natural interactions for individuals with limb loss.

What would you like to change or achieve through your research in the future?

My long-term vision is to contribute to a future in which assistive technologies are no longer perceived as external tools, but rather as integrated extensions of the body and self. Achieving this requires advances not only in robotics and artificial intelligence, but also in our understanding of how the brain adapts to and incorporates technology.

What message would you like to share with young researchers who are considering a career in your field?

I would encourage young researchers to embrace interdisciplinarity, remain curious, and not be afraid to step outside their comfort zone. The most impactful discoveries often emerge at the interface between fields. Above all, connect your work to real-world challenges and the people it can impact, ensuring that users’ needs remain at the center of the design choices and scientific process.