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Chris Gerdes is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University, where he has significantly contributed to the study of vehicle safety and the ethical implications of government policy related to autonomous vehicles. His research explores how vehicles move and how humans interact with driving technologies, aiming to design future vehicles that operate cooperatively with their drivers. His notable laboratory projects include the X1, a student-built electric steer-by-wire test vehicle; Takumi, a modified Toyota Supra capable of autonomous drifting in tandem; and Marty, an electrified, automated, drifting DeLorean. Gerdes was also the Chief Innovation Officer for the United States Department of Transportation, where he helped develop the Federal Automated Vehicle Policy. His academic journey includes a BSE in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and a PhD from UC Berkeley. Gerdes has received numerous awards such as the Rudolf Kalman Award from ASME and the CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation. His work has led to several patents related to vehicle platooning systems and semi-autonomous vehicular convoys, underlining his expertise in innovative vehicle technology.
Stanford University • Stanford, CA
Professor of Mechanical Engineering with focus on vehicle dynamics and safety.
United States Department of Transportation • Washington, D.C.
Responsible for innovation strategies in transportation policy.
The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.