Dr. Vela's research focuses on geometric perspectives to control theory and computer vision, particularly how concepts from control and dynamical systems theory can serve to improve computer vision algorithms used in the decision-loop. More recent efforts expanding his research program involve studying the role of machine learning in adaptive control and autonomous robotics, and investigating how modern advances in adaptive and optimal control theory may improve locomotion effectiveness for biologically-inspired robotics. These efforts support a broad program to understand important research challenges associated with autonomous robotic operation in uncertain environments. Dr. Vela received a B.S. and a Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology.