Hello, I'm Tanmay Desai, a passionate robotics enthusiast currently embarking on a Ph.D. journey in Robotics at the Colorado School of Mines under the guidance of Dr. Iris Bahar. I recently earned my Master's degree in Computer Science from CS@CUBoulder in May 2023.

My research interests lie at the intersection of Motion Planning, Control Theory, and Manipulation in the realm of robotics. I am driven by the challenge of optimizing algorithms in software and leveraging hardware acceleration to achieve fifth-level autonomy for real-world deployment.

I am fortunate to be advised by Dr. Iris Bahar, whose mentorship guides my exploration of cutting-edge advancements in robotics. During my Master's program, I had the opportunity to delve into diverse projects and collaborations, laying the foundation for my current Ph.D. research.

My primary goal is to contribute to the realization of fifth-level autonomy by bridging the gap between software optimization and hardware acceleration. I am fascinated by the potential impact this can have on the field, opening doors to unprecedented applications and advancements in robotics technology.

I am serving as a Director of Academic Affairs in Graduate Student Government at the Colorado School of Mines.  In this position, I actively advocate for graduate students, develop mentorship programs to ease transitions into academic life and collaborate across departments to address student needs. These experiences have refined my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.