Nils Tack

Background

About Nils Tack

Originally from France, I began my academic journey in the U.S. with a Bachelor's in Marine Biology and earned a Ph.D. in Integrative Biology (Physiology and Morphology) from the University of South Florida in 2021. I am currently a Senior Research Associate in the Wilhelmus Lab at Brown University’s School of Engineering, where I apply principles of biological science to the development of bioinspired underwater robots. My research bridges biology and engineering, focusing on aquatic functional morphology and the role of animal-fluid interactions in evolution, performance, and ecological dynamics. I study the biomechanics, energetics, and hydrodynamics of marine organisms (fish, cephalopods, zooplankton, shrimp), and translate these findings into mechanical models and robotic analogs to explore function and enhance the design of next-generation underwater vehicles. While not currently teaching, I actively seek teaching opportunities. Drawing from my academic experiences in both France and the U.S, I have developed strong, student-focused teaching practices in courses such as Biodiversity, Mammalogy, and Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II.