Maggie Wang

robotics, space exploration, photography, writing

About

I am an Aeronautics and Astronautics PhD student at Stanford University, advised by Prof. Mac Schwager and Prof. Jiajun Wu. My research focuses on developing adaptive world models that integrate geometry, semantics, and physics to enable robust capabilities in robotic manipulation and navigation. I am particularly motivated by challenges inspired by deep space exploration and am grateful to be funded by the NASA Space Technology Graduate Research Opportunities (NSTGRO) Fellowship.

My mission is to build autonomous robots to expand human consciousness, creativity, and connection. I am passionate about the interdisciplinary nature of robotics—combining 3D perception and representation, learning-based systems, and physics-based modeling to advance robotic systems.

Before beginning my PhD, I worked on autonomous drones at Skydio after graduating from Harvard with a B.A. in Physics and S.M. in Computer Science. During my undergrad, I conducted research on robust pose estimation from 3D keypoints in the Robot Locomotion Lab at MIT with Prof. Russ Tedrake. My experience with robotics includes perception systems for robot manipulation, motion planning for satellites, embedded systems for smart home thermostats, and path planning for fixed-wing planes.

Beyond robotics, I aspire to use my skills to address broader challenges—such as combating climate change, deploying autonomous robots for deep space exploration, developing brain-computer interfaces to unlock human potential, building smart cities that save energy and improve quality of life, and advancing economic policies to promote equity. I care deeply about educational empowerment, and I hope to give back to my community by mentoring young people pursuing STEM fields.

Outside of research, I stay active with running, hiking, and cycling; explore art through oil and watercolor painting, photography, and writing; and deepen my spiritual practices through yoga, meditation, and making (and enjoying) good food. Along with some friends, I also co-produce The Overview, a newsletter, podcast, and resource hub for aspiring aerospace engineers and students.