Lilia Burtonpatel
Email: lb5715@princeton.edu
Education
A.B. Ecology and Environmental Biology (Current Program)
Princeton University, Class of 2027
Biography
Lilia was born in La Jolla, California, and spent her childhood there before moving to Brookline, Massachusetts in 3rd grade. She gained her passion for studying bioinspired design as a sophomore in high school, after reading the Wyss Institute's publication on lattice design inspired by deep-sea glass sponges. Following her long-time fascination with nature and design, Lilia is pursuing her Bachelors in ecology and evolutionary biology (EEB) at Princeton University ('27), with a minor in materials science. She aims to become a researcher in bioinspired design, using organismal biology, materials science, and interdisciplinary collaboration to develop sustainable technologies that help combat the causes and effects of climate change and environmental harm. Outside of her academics, Lilia enjoys making models, reading sci-fi, and learning new languages.
Research
Lilia Burtonpatel is working with graduate student Hannah Wiswell to research bioinspired wingtips for the purposes of enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and maneuverability in UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). She is particularly interested in analyzing birds of prey to better understand natural incidence and dihedral angles in flight, and in exploring the materials or composite materials that best fit these properties.