Curriculum vitae

Degrees Dr. sc. nat., Dipl. Biol.

Current position Research fellow biomimetics
Advanced Concepts Team (DG-PI)
European Space Agency
Noordwijk
The Netherlands

Education

Dissertation with Prof. Ruediger Wehner, University of Zurich, CH (2/2007) on Neuromechanic aspects of desert ant navigation.

Diploma Technical Biology and Biomimetics, Saarland University, Saarbrucken, DE (9/2002)
Diploma thesis on biological material composites with Prof. Antonia B Kesel

Secondary Abitur, Ludwigsgymnasium Straubing, DE (6/1995)

Professional experience

Research fellow Advanced Concepts Team, European Space Agency, Noordwijk, NL (since 3/2007)

Research assistant Institute of Zoology, University of Zurich, CH (3/2003{2/2007)

Technical assistant Saarland University, Saarbruecken, DE (4/2000{4/2003)

Working student Biomimetics project, BMW AG, Munich, DE (4/1999{9/1999)

Alternative service ISB, Diakonisches Werk, Regensburg, DE (10/1995{10/1996)

Qualications

Languages German (mother tongue), English (fluent, written and spoken), Italian (conversational), Dutch (beginner), Spanish (passive)

IT-skills MatLab, R, DreamWeaver, CorelDraw, LaTeX, WINanalyze, Mac OsX, WinXP, MS-Office, OpenOffice, Keynote, IDEAS, Gimp

Technology Quantitative atomic force microscopy; Instron material testing; kinematic analyses (high-speed video cinematography, tracking techniques); scanning electron microscopy; neuroethological techniques; basic neurophysiological techniques

Management Head of a field research station in Tunisia (2004-2006), Deputy team leader, Management of international research projects, Organisation of a strategic workshop (since 2007)

Space related research activities 

Parabolic flight ESA's Advanced Concepts Team evaluated the potential of non-invasive brain-machine interfaces for space applications. Within these activities I was principal investigator of a joint study between ACT and EPFL, a research institute in Switzerland. Onboard the 47th parabolic flight campaign we tested EEG-based brain-machine interfaces in microgravity.

Ariadna scheme  Within this programme, I successfully initiated and/or participated in seven dierent studies:
- Path planning strategies inspired by swarm behaviour of plant root apexes. Ariadna study 09/6401, open call.
- Quantifying the landing reaction of cockroaches. Ariadna study 08/6302, University of Applied Sciences, Bremen, Germany.
- Neuromorphic computation of optic  ow data. Ariadna study 08/6303, Universite de la Mediterrane, Marseille, France.
- Neuromorphic computation of optic  ow data. Ariadna study 08/6303, ETH and University of Zurich,  Switzerland.
- Machine/animal hybrid controllers for space applications, Ariadna study 07/6301, Campus Biomedico, Roma, Italy.
- Bio-inspiration from Plants' Roots. Ariadna study 06/6301, European Space Agency, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa and Laboratory for Plant Neurobiology, Firenze, Italy.
- Attaching mechanisms and strategies inspired by spiders' legs. Ariadna study 06/6201, Udine University, Italy.

Additional information

Research stays Tunisia (2004, 2005, 2006, neuroethological eld research, co-organiser and responsible organiser); Lab of Motion Sciences, Prof. Reinhard Blickhan, Jena (2003, kinematic studies); Greece (2003, neuroethological eld research)

Memberships Society of Experimental Biology (since 2003); Society for Technical Biology and Biomimetics (since 1998)

Awards Honorable mention Bionik Award 2008

Press e.g. ESA Communications Office (2/2008); Ciel et Espace (2/2008); Deutsche Welle TV (1/2008); New Scientist (11/2007); Deutschlandfunk (9/2007); National Public Radio Washington (4/2006); Eurekalert Press Release (4/2006); Spiegel (2003)

References

available upon request

Publications

Peer-reviewed papers

2009

Gasparetto A, Vidoni R, Seidl T. Passive control of attachment in legged spacerobots. Applied Biomechanics & Biomimetics online first.
doi: 10.1080/11762320902940219

Gasparetto A, Seidl T, Vidoni R. A mechanical model for the adhesion of spiders to smooth surfaces. Journal of Bionic Engineering. 6(2):135-142. doi: 10.1016/S1672-6529(08)60110-9

Benvenuto A, Sergi F, Di Pino G, Seidl T, Campolo D, Accoto D, Guglielmelli E. Beyond biomimetics: towards insect/machine hybrid controllers for space applications. Advanced Robotics 23(7-8):939-953. doi:10.1163/156855309X443034

2008

Seidl T, Wehner R. Walking on inclines: how do desert ants monitor slope and step length? Frontiers of Zoology 5:8. doi:10.1186/1742-9994-5-8

2006

Seidl T, Wehner R. Visual and tactile learning of ground structures in desert ants. Journal of Experimental Biology. 209:3336-3344. doi: 10.1242/jeb.02364

Seidl T, Knaden M,Wehner R. Ant odometry: is active locomotion a prerequisite for path-integration? Journal of Comparative Physiology A, 192:1125-1131. doi:
10.1007/s00359-006-0148-z

2004

Kesel AB, Martin A, Seidl T. Getting a grip on spider attachment: an AFM approach to microstructure adhesion in arthropods. Smart Materials and Structures
13:512-518. doi:10.1088/0964-1726/13/3/009

2003

Kesel AB, Martin A, Seidl T. Adhesion measurements on the attachment devices of the jumping spider Evarcha arcuata. Journal of Experimental Biology 206:2733-2738. doi: 10.1242/jeb.00478
 

Book chapters

2009

Millan R, Ferrez P, Seidl T. Validation of Brain-Machine Interfaces during Parabolic Flight. Brain Machine Interfaces for Space Applications: Enhancing Astronaut
Capabilities, In: International Review of Neurobiology, Elsevier, 86:189-197.
(doi:10.1016/S0074-7742(09)86014-5) (invited article)

Di Pino G, Seidl T, Benvenuto A, Sergi F, Campolo D, Accoto D, Rossini PM, Guglielmelli E. Interfacing insect brains for space applications. Brain Machine
Interfaces for Space Applications: Enhancing Astronaut Capabilities, In: International
Review of Neurobiology, Elsevier 86:39-47. (doi:10.1016/S0074-7742(09)86003-0). (invited article)

Invited papers

2008

Menon C, Seidl T, Broschart M. Biomimetic approach to advanced space missions. Journal of the British Interplanetary Society 61(8):334-338. (Presented at
the 5th IAA Symposium on Realistic Near-Term Advanced Scientic Space Missions,
International Academy of Astronautics, Aosta, 2007)

Conference papers

2009

Seidl T, Vidoni R, Gasparetto A. Spider attachment for space applications. Bionik: Patente aus der Natur, Proceedings of the 4th Bionik Kongress, Bremen,
7.-8. November, 2008, 2009.

2008

Benvenuto A, Sergi F, Di Pino G, Campolo D, Accoto D, Guglielmelli E, Seidl T. Conceptualization of an Insect/Machine Hybrid Controller for Space Applications. IEEE International Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechatronics
(BioRob 2008).

Seidl T, Mugnai S, Corradi P, Mondini A, Mattoli V, Azzarello E, Masi E, Pandol C, Mazzolai B, Laschi C, Dario P, Mancuso S. Plant roots as models for spacecraft anchoring systems. Proceedings of the 59th International Astronautical Conference, Glasgow, Paper-Nr: IAC-08.D3.3.7.

Gasparetto A, Vidoni R, Seidl T. Kinematic study of the spider system in a biomimetic perspective. IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots
and Systems, Nice.

Seidl T. Ant navigation and path nding. Proceedings of the 2nd ACT Workshop on Innovative Concepts, 31. Jan, 2007, Noordwijk, The Netherlands, In: Acta
Futura, 4, 102-106.

2007

Rossini L, Seidl T, Izzo D, Summerer L. Beyond astronaut's capabilities: a critical review. Proceedings of the 58th International Astronautical Conference,
Hyderabad.

Seidl T, Girimonte D. A planetary landing device inspired by gliding cockroaches. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Flying Insects and Robotics, Ascona, 105-106.

2002

Martin A, Seidl T, Kesel AB. Das mikro-mechanische Haftsystem der Spinne Evarcha arcuata. Akad. Wiss. Lit., Mainz, Germany: Biona-Report 16:226-230.
Kesel AB, Seidl T, Dillinger, SCG. Funktionale Resilineinlagerung in der Kutikula von Ixodes ricinus (Acari, Ixodidae). Akad. Wiss. Lit., Mainz, Germany: Biona-Report 16:204-209.

Kesel AB, Seidl T, Phillipi, U. Materialeigenschaften biologischer Mikrostrukturen: Analyse und Modellierung. Akad. Wiss. Lit., Mainz, Germany: Biona-Report 16:210-215.

Seidl T, Kesel AB. Charakterisierung funktionaler Oberflaecheneekte der Arthropodenkutikula
mittels AFM - Eine Methodenevaluation. Akad. Wiss. Lit., Mainz, Germany: Biona-Report 16:231-237.

2001

Seidl T, Goeken M, Kesel AB. Mikrokongurierte Wachsauflagen der Insektenkutikula: Ein Beispiel multifunktionaler Oberflaechenbeschichtung. Akad. Wiss. Lit., Mainz, Germany: Biona-Report 15:335-339.

Abstracts

2009

Barth A, Speck T, Seidl T. Oscillation damping in plant stems. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology A (accepted).

2007

Seidl T, Wehner R. Desert ants monitor surface roughness while running. Comparative
Biochemistry and Physiology A 146:S137{S138. (doi: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2007.01.269) (A7.29).
 

Seidl T. Biomimetic studies for future space missions. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology A 146:S138. (doi: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2007.01.270) (A7.30).

2006

Seidl T. Ants running on inclines: path integration and stability. Journal of Biomechanics 39(Suppl. 1):S361.

Seidl T. Vertical object avoidance reaction in desert ants. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology A 143:S92.

Weihmann T, Seidl T, Wehner R, Blickhan R. Ants running at dierent inclinations: postural adaptations in the sagittal plane. Proceedings of the 99. Annual
Meeting of the German Zoological Society, Muenster.

2005

Seidl T, Weihmann T, Blickhan R, Wehner R. Kinematic analysis of ants runningat different inclinations: Footfall patterns and tripod geometry. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology A 141:S150.

Seidl T, Wehner R. Ant odometry: is locomotor activity a predominant prerequisite? Proceedings of the 6th Meeting of the German Neuroscience Society/30th
Goettingen Neurobiology Conference, 68B.

Seidl T. Kinematic analysis of ants running at dierent inclinations: walking stability and leg length. (Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the German Zoological Society, Bayreuth, Germany.

2004

Seidl T, Weihmann T, Blickhan R, Wehner R. A kinematic analysis of ants running at different inclinations. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, 137/A(3/Suppl):S102-S103.

2002

Seidl T, Dillinger SCG, Goeken M, Kesel AB. The surface of insect cuticle: a topography analysis using AFM. Zoology 105(Suppl. V):38.

Unpublished work

2007

Seidl T. Neuromechanic aspects of desert ant navigation. PhD thesis, Institute of Zoology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.

2002

Seidl T. Neue Ansaetze zur Charakterisierung biologischer Werkstoe am Beispiel der Arthropodenkutikula. MSc thesis, Institute Technical Biology and Biomimetics, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany.

2001

Seidl T. Kutikulaere Wachsauflagen der Insektenfluegelmembran: Eine Betrachtung mittels Raster-Kraftmikroskopie. Studienarbeit, Institute for Technical Biology and Biomimetics, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany.

Oral presentations

2008

Seidl T. Wuestenameisen und Schaben: Ungeziefer oder Technologietraeger? Bionik Symposium, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, November 25.-26., Villach, AT. (invited)

Seidl T. Plant roots as models for spacecraft anchoring systems. 59th International Astronautical Congress, 29. September - 3. October, Glasgow, UK.

Seidl T. Sensorik und Navigation bei der Wuestenameise Cataglyphis fortis. Symposium
within the Excellence Cluster Cognitive Interaction Technology, May 29., Bielefeld. (invited)

Seidl T. Insekten: Ideengeber fuer Weltraumapplikationen. Bionik und Verkehrstechnologie, Bundesministerium fuer Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie, April 3., Vienna. (invited)

Seidl T. Autonomous micro-neuro-mechanical systems: How desert ants nd their way. DSTL Workshop on bio-inspired autonomous systems, March 26.-27., Southampton. (invited)
 

Seidl T. Insect navigation and path nding. 2nd Workshop on Advanced Concepts, ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands (invited)

2007

Seidl T. Biomimetic approach to advanced space missions. 5th Symposium on Realistic Near-Term Advanced Scientic Space Missions, Aosta, Italy. (invited)

2006

Seidl T. Ants running on inclines: path integration and stability. 5th WCBCongress (29.7.-4.8.2006) Munich, Germany.

Seidl T. Vertical object avoidance reaction in desert ants. 2005 Annual Main Meeting of the Society of Experimental Biology, Canterbury, UK.

Seidl T. Short range navigation in desert ants. CALZONE2-Seminar, ETH-Zurich, Switzerland.

Seidl T. Neuromechanic mechanisms or short range navigation. Oberseminar, Dept. Neurobiology, Ulm University (invited).

2005

Seidl T. Kinematic analysis of ants running at dierent inclinations: walking stability and leg length. Annual Meeting of the German Zoological Society, Bayreuth,
Germany.

2004

Seidl T. Estimating distance and inclination: a biomechanic approach. Lunch seminar, Dept. Neurobiology, Inst. Zoology, Zurich University, Switzerland.

2003

Seidl T. A functional analysis of some structures of the arthropod cuticle using atomic force microscopy. Colloquium on neuro- and behavioral biology, Dept. Neurobiology, Inst. Zoology, Zurich University, Switzerland.

2002

Seidl T. Analysis of biological material composites using the atomic force microscope. Forscherclub, Dept. Arzt, Max-Planck-Institute for Metals Research,
Stuttgart, Germany (invited).