Dr. Quan Nguyen

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Quan Nguyen is an Assistant Professor in the Aerospace Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science departments at the University of Southern California. He earned his Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University in 2017, where he received the Doctoral Dissertation Award. Prior to his role at USC, he was a Postdoctoral Associate at the Biomimetic Robotics Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His research interests focus on control optimization approaches for highly dynamic robotics, including nonlinear control, trajectory optimization, real-time optimization-based control, and robust adaptive control. Nguyen's work includes groundbreaking projects such as the bipedal robot ATRIAS, which was highlighted by major media outlets, and the MIT Cheetah 3 robot, which showcased advanced robotic locomotion capabilities. He has received several accolades for his contributions to the field, including recognition at the American Control Conference and the Robotics: Science & Systems conference. Nguyen continues to push the boundaries of robotics through innovative research and teaching.

Research Interests

Experience

Postdoctoral Associate

2017-01-01 — 2018-01-01

Biomimetic Robotics Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology • Cambridge, MA

Conducted postdoctoral research in robotics, focusing on control optimization for dynamic systems.

Awards

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Charles Lee Powell Foundation Faculty Research Award

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Carnegie Mellon University Doctoral Dissertation Award

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Robotics: Science Systems (RSS) Systems Paper Award Finalist

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American Control Conference (ACC) Presentation Session

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.