Madison, Wisconsin, United States
I grew up in the German countryside, where building and fixing equipment with my hands sparked a lifelong interest in engineering. That early curiosity grew into something bigger when I started working on an electric race car in high school. By the time I entered university, I became involved in hands-on research early on, joining a manufacturing institute where I discovered not only a love for manufacturing systems but also an important realization: to truly improve those systems, we need better ways to make sense of the vast data they produce. Today, my research lies at the intersection of advanced manufacturing and dynamic materials, especially in the emerging field of 4D printing-where objects don't just exist in space, but also evolve over time. I'm developing new materials and control systems that allow printed parts to respond to stimuli like magnetic fields, enabling morphing medical implants, or adaptive structures for space and deep-sea exploration. My lab combines in-situ sensing, 3D scanning, machine learning, and control theory to build closed-loop systems capable of precision, repeatability, and real-time adaptability. This work draws on principles from materials science, mechanical engineering, and data-driven modeling to create what I call “digital-first systems”-ones that integrate design, manufacturing, and usage from the outset. A common thread throughout my career has been the impact of mentorship. As a PhD student, I mentored over 25 undergraduates, including students who initially had low GPAs and limited direction but later pursued PhDs at top-ranked universities. These kinds of transformations bring me the most fulfillment. I currently mentor a large group of undergraduate and graduate researchers, involving them directly in all aspects of the research - from designing equipment to developing algorithms. I also bring my lab’s data and devices into the classroom, K-12 schools, and the community, using case studies and workshops to inspire and teach about complex engineering problems. Looking ahead, I aim to help define the field of 4D printing-not just as a novel extension of 3D printing, but as a transformative platform for smart, responsive systems. I'm especially interested in finding transformative applications that will demonstrate its broader impact. Whether it’s contributing to sustainability in agriculture or designing resilient systems for extreme environments, my work is always grounded in a larger question: how can we use manufacturing innovation to solve critical societal challenges?
Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering
For details see www.michael-biehler.com
wbk Institute of Production Science
Advanced Programming - Application of Business Software
Advanced Programming - Application of Business Software
Advanced Programming - Application of Business Software