Max Parks

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About

Max Parks is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of robotics, human-robot teaming, and equity in STEM. Their work fundamentally explores how autonomous systems can adapt to human cognitive states, particularly focusing on the underexamined role of operator fatigue in team performance. In their 2023 paper "Autonomy and Fatigue in Human-Robot Teams," Parks developed frameworks for risk-aware leadership structures and adaptive autonomy, demonstrating how fatigue degrades situational and spatial awareness—a critical contribution to designing safer, more responsive robotic systems. Beyond technical innovation, Parks has emerged as a vital voice for inclusion in engineering. Their 2024 work "Launching Queer in Robotics" confronts the systemic harassment and professional barriers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in STEM and computing, advocating for structural change within the robotics community. Though early in their career, Parks’ dual focus on human-centered robotics and social justice has already garnered attention, with their work cited across engineering and diversity studies. By bridging technical rigor with advocacy, Parks is shaping a future where robotics teams are not only more effective but also more equitable.