Student Impact: Meet Gilbert Bahati
Graduate Fellowship Recipient Advances Robotic Technology at World-Class Caltech Lab
Gilbert Bahati, a mechanical engineering PhD candidate in Professor Aaron D. Ame's world-class AMBER lab, is grateful to the support of Caltech Fund donors for making his dream of advancing sciences through mathematical pathways a reality.
Growing up in Zambia as a Burundian refugee, access to meaningful and impactful education was important to Gilbert Bahati from a young age. Through the generous support of donors at the Caltech Fund, he pursued ambitious goals that can only be achieved here at Caltech.
Currently, as a PhD candidate in mechanical engineering, he works in the world-class AMBER lab with his supervisor Professor Aaron D. Ames on developing theoretical constructs for mechanical systems. These mathematical pathways—which Bahati programs into JPL satellites, spacecraft, assistive prosthetics, and autonomous vehicles—work to ensure the robots' autonomy and safety while still allowing them to achieve their intended objectives.
Bahati's personal and educational experiences have motivated him to help others who face similar circumstances. In addition to this Caltech doctoral studies, Bahati volunteers as a math tutor for underserved children through the Pasadena-based STEAM Coders program.
As a beneficiary of the Graduate Fellowship, Bahati is grateful for the strong educational support that allowed himself and other hardworking individuals to excel in their fields.
"I am immensely proud to work alongside the very best and most dedicated scientists, advisors, and faculty in the Institute's world-class mechanical engineering research labs. Your generosity allows students like me to devote themselves to advancing science without the distracting burden of excessive debt.