Dr. Max Donelan

Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Max Donelan. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Max Donelan is a Principal Investigator at the SFU Locomotion Lab, where his research primarily focuses on understanding the mechanics and control of locomotion in humans and animals. His work includes studying the energetic costs of walking, the role of size in movement control, and the development of innovative rehabilitation techniques such as the exoskeletons designed to harvest energy from motion. His comparative studies on various species—ranging from kangaroos to elephants—provide insights into locomotion that contribute to both theoretical knowledge and practical applications in robotics and rehabilitation. His inventions, including an iPhone app that helps control running pace through music, illustrate the intersection of technology and biology in movement science. Throughout his career, Donelan has contributed significantly to the field of biomechanics, publishing numerous articles in leading journals and engaging with popular science media to disseminate his findings.

Research Interests

Experience

Principal Investigator

2010-01-01 — Present

SFU Locomotion Lab • Burnaby, BC, Canada

Lead research projects focusing on locomotion biomechanics, innovation in rehabilitation technology, and comparative studies of movement across species.

Patents

Methods and Systems for Control of Human Locomotion

US16299120 2019-09-05

Patent for methods and systems designed to control human locomotion.

Methods and Systems for Control of Human Cycling Speed

US16297300 2019-08-29

Patent for methods and systems for controlling the speed of human cycling.

Requirements for Simon Fraser University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:93
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or related field
Application Checklist
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of Reference
  • Statement of Intent
  • Writing Sample
Specialization Notes

Department of Philosophy