Joshua E. Siegel
Joshua Siegel is an American mechanical engineer, inventor, and professor known for his work in emerging technologies. Siegel has received recognition for his innovative research in vehicle data analysis and diagnostics, including the Lemelson-MIT Student Prize. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at Michigan State University.
Early life and education
Siegel grew up near Detroit, Michigan, where he developed an early interest in vehicles and technology. He attended Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and was an active member of the school's robotics team. His early passion for restoring and improving vehicles led him to continue researching vehicles at MIT. While at MIT, Siegel ran the Entrepreneurs Club and co-led the Electric Vehicle Team in electrifying a Porsche 914.Siegel received his S.B. from MIT in 2011, S.M. in 2013, and Ph.D in 2016. His undergraduate thesis described the development of an aftermarket solution for connecting vehicles to the Internet, while his master's work explored the creation of a tamper-resistant vehicle data collection device to support a vehicle miles traveled tax. His dissertation developed architectures for the Internet of Things and applied mobile device data to predicting mechanical failures.
Research
Siegel's research at Michigan State University focuses on the development of emerging technologies, with emphasis on resource-efficient diagnostics for mechanical systems.In his capacity as a connected vehicle expert, Siegel has appeared in popular media including PRI's Science Friday and AOL Media's Translogic. Additionally, he has been interviewed and cited in the likes of WIRED and the New York Times.
In addition to his academic career, Siegel serves on the advisory board for Robofest, a global robotics competition for students, fostering interest in STEM education. He is the Principal Investigator for an NSF-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates program focused on self-driving vehicles. He founded multiple technology startups, including CarKnow LLC, which developed connected vehicle technologies and won the 2014 MassIT Government Innovation Competition.
Siegel, his work, and his approach to invention were featured in Pathways to Invention, an award-winning documentary featured on PBS.