My research interest lies at the intersection of robotics, control theory, machine learning, and state estimation. I am interested in developing algorithms that can help maneuver robots safely and precisely while performing desired tasks. I firmly believe that the development of both theory and experiments are crucial to realize the true potential of robotics research.

I am currently a PhD candidate in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maryland (UMD), College Park. I am advised by Dr. Yancy Diaz-Mercado, who leads the Collaborative Controls and Robotics Lab (CCRL) at UMD. I also collaborate with Dr. Axel Krieger from Johns Hopkins University, who leads the Intelligent Medical Robotic Systems and Equipment Lab (IMERSE).

I also interned at Intuitive Surgical Inc. (California, USA) as a Human-Robot Physical Interaction Intern during my PhD. Prior to joining CCRL, I was employed as a Research & Development Engineer with Actasys (Brooklyn, NY, USA), where I worked on enhancing sensor capabilities for ADAS applications. I also received my M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from UMD in 2019, during which, I was advised by Dr. Amr Baz. Prior to joining UMD in 2017, I completed my B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering (with first class distinction) from Nirma University, India, in 2017.

Feel free to connect with me via Linkedin or via email at sraval@umd.edu, surajraval324@gmail.com.