Hi, I'm Rakshith (Rak) Lokesh!

I am fascinated by our movement skills whether simply walking on uneven terrain or performing a complex athletic routine. It’s remarkable how we can learn to process sensory information, plan, and execute movements. This Capoeira Video is a good example. Over the past few years, I have focused on researching human movement control and learning, with a particular emphasis on identifying the computational principles that govern human movements. As an engineer at heart, I want to turn these insights into practical applications, particularly human-machine interfaces that support people in everyday activities and improve their quality of life.

I am currently based in Boston, where my research focuses on human driving behavior as part of a collaboration between the Action Lab, led by Dr. Dagmar Sternad, and the Toyota Research Institute's Human Interactive Driving group. Beyond academic research, I have also worked on hands-on engineering projects, including designing and manufacturing the suspension, steering, and braking systems of a Formula Student car and developing Mechanalyzer, software that helps engineering students analyze machine mechanisms.

I am from Bangalore, India's Garden City. Outside of work, I enjoy playing pickleball and cricket, practicing Capoeira, playing instrumental acoustic guitar, and dancing. I also love discussing the financial outlook of tech companies, philosophy, and the mysteries of the cosmos.