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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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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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.