Dr. Hugh Herr '90
Professor, MIT Media Lab
Rock climber. Engineer. Biophysicist.
“In 2011, TIME magazine coined Herr the “Leader of the Bionic Age” because of his revolutionary work in the emerging field of biomechatronics – technology that marries human physiology with electromechanics.”
Current City: Concord, NH
MU Degree(s): B.A. in Physics
’Ville for Life Snapshots
- By age 8, had scaled the face of the 11,627-foot Mount Templein the Canadian Rockies, and by 17 was acknowledged to be one of the best climbers in the United States.
- Earned a master's degree in mechanical engineering at MIT, followed by a PhD in biophysics from Harvard University.
- While a postdoctoral fellow at MIT in biomedical devices, began working on advanced leg prostheses and orthoses, devices that emulate the functionality of the human leg.
- Professor at the MIT Media Lab where he directs the Biomechatronics research group and co-directs the K. Lisa Yang Center for Bionics. At the center, he focuses on developing wearable robotic systems that serve to augment human physical capability. Most of what he designs is not for him, but for others to whose difficulties he can relate.
- Published over 120 peer-reviewed papers in the field of rehabilitation science.
- Named Time magazine Top Ten Inventions in 2004.
- 2014 Millersville University Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient.
- Continues to stay involved at Millersville by conducting a class for math/physics students and faculty.
- Millersville University Keynote Speaker at the 2011 Commencement.