Dr. Patricio Vela

Professor

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Biography

Patricio Vela was born in Mexico City, Mexico, and grew up in California. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1998 and a Doctorate in 2003 from the California Institute of Technology, where his graduate research focused on geometric nonlinear control and robotics. Dr. Vela joined Georgia Tech as a post-doctoral researcher in computer vision before joining the ECE faculty in 2005. His research interests encompass geometric perspectives on control theory and the role of computer vision in achieving control-theoretic objectives in (semi-)autonomous systems. His work covers control of nonlinear systems, typically in the context of robotic systems, with specific interests in geometric estimation control, computer vision, and robotics. He also explores applied differential geometry and biologically inspired mechanics within his research framework.

Research Interests

Awards

#2005

HENAAC Promising Engineer

Requirements for Georgia Institute of Technology

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:19
Reading
Required:19
Writing
Required:19
Speaking
Required:19
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:5.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7.5
Prerequisites
Undergraduate degree in computer science or related field
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
Specialization Notes

Department of Computer Science: GRE scores are optional for Fall 2026.