Boris Benedikter

I am an Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Oklahoma State University, based at the OSU-Tulsa campus. My research lies at the intersection of control theory, optimization, and machine learning, where I develop methods for trustworthy autonomy in safety-critical aerospace and robotic systems.

My work brings together two complementary strengths. Control theory and optimization provide mathematical structure, reliability, and formal guarantees. Artificial intelligence and machine learning give autonomous systems the ability to learn from data and adapt to uncertain or changing environments. My goal is to combine these capabilities without sacrificing the safety and predictability required when intelligent systems leave simulation and operate in the real world.

My research includes computationally efficient methods for real-time trajectory planning and control as well as learning-enabled approaches for aerospace autonomy. Applications span spacecraft guidance and control, UAV navigation, advanced air mobility, robotic systems, and space domain awareness.

At OSU, I am building a research program focused on safe-by-design learning-enabled guidance, navigation, and control, and I am especially interested in connecting fundamental mathematical research with experimental validation and real-world flight testing.

Research is only one part of what draws me to academia. I am equally committed to teaching and mentorship, and I aim to create a collaborative environment where students are encouraged to ask difficult questions, develop independent ideas, and grow into confident, creative, and ethical researchers and engineers.