I completed a bachelor in physics and mathematics in 2012 and a master’s degree in condensed matter physics in 2015, both at the University of Montreal (Canada). My Master thesis consisted of a numerical analysis of structural defects and medium-range order in amorphous silicon. I then completed a PhD in biophysics at the University of Zurich (2019) where I studied the influence of hydrodynamic forces in the development and regeneration of the zebrafish caudal fin.
I joined the LANE in December 2019 to (i) study the anatomy and kinematics of the elephant trunk to provide new insights for the design of a biomimetic soft robotic arm and (ii) investigate mechanical aspects of embryogenesis.
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Continuous and Large-Scale: ELEANOR, the Soft Architected Arm Inspired by the Elephant Trunk
Advanced Intelligent Systems 2026 (2026-08-27)
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Functional anisotropy of the elephant trunk skin: A biological blueprint for grasping, protection, and tactile sensing
Matteo Lo Preti, Paule Dagenais, Behnam Kamare, Irene Bernardeschi, Simone Lantean, Michel Milinkovitch, Lucia Beccai
PNAS Nexus 5 , 6 : 164 (2026-06-14)
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Stereotypical force patterns of the elephant trunk in planar reaching movements
Camilla Agabiti, Enrico Donato, Elisa Setti, Paule Dagenais, Michel C. Milinkovitch, Cecilia Laschi, Angelo Maria Sabatini, Barbara Mazzolai, Egidio Falotico
iScience 29 , 4 (2026-03-15)
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Elephants evolved strategies reducing the biomechanical complexity of their trunk
Dagenais P, Hensman S, Haechler V, Milinkovitch MC
Current biology 31 : 4727–4737 (2021-08-20)
For publications prior to 2006 (1992‑2005), please click this link.