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Photo of Eric J. Barth

Eric J. Barth

Faculty Head

Hank Ingram House

Faculty Head of Hank Ingram House Eric Barth (he, him, his) is a professor of mechanical engineering and professor of neurological surgery. He teaches courses in automatic controls for robotics and mechatronic systems. His current research focuses on soft robots and MRI-compatible surgical robots. Soft robots are a new class of robots that are rubbery and are excellent at interacting with objects and people. He is investigating the treatment of epilepsy with MRI-compatible robots by replacing open brain surgery with a robotically steered helical needle that is inserted through the cheek while being monitored by the MR scanner. Professor Barth grew up in Los Angeles and studied at UC Berkeley and Georgia Tech. Professor Barth, his wife Helen Bird, and their twins Nola and Kira are excited to join Hank residents in building a community together.