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About

Meliha Bozkurttas is a leading researcher in the field of bio-inspired robotics and fluid dynamics, whose work bridges the gap between biological locomotion and engineered underwater vehicles. Her research focuses on understanding the mechanics of fish pectoral fin swimming—particularly in the bluegill sunfish—and translating those principles into flexible propulsors for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Her most influential work, “Locomotion with flexible propulsors: I. Experimental analysis of pectoral fin swimming in sunfish” (2006, 150 citations), provides a foundational framework for analyzing fin kinematics, material properties, and fluid dynamics. She extended this into applied engineering with “The Development of a Biologically Inspired Propulsor for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles” (2007, 133 citations), which demonstrated how coordinated fin movements can create three-dimensional force vectors for superior maneuverability. Bozkurttas also pioneered the use of low-dimensional models, such as proper orthogonal decomposition, to simplify and scale fin performance, as seen in her 2009 paper (92 citations). Her work has directly influenced the design of biorobotic fins that mimic sunfish motions for propulsion and maneuvering, making her a key figure in advancing agile, fish-like AUVs.