He is the founder and director of the Dynamical Systems Laboratory that conducts fundamental research in the area of modeling and control of complex dynamical systems with a developed expertise on biomimetics and bioinspired design for underwater applications. Some of Porfiri’s recent work is exploring the feasibility of controlling the collective behavior of animal groups, such as fish schools, by using biomimetic robots. Porfiri is also particularly interested in design and modeling of smart materials and structures for sensing, actuation, and energy harvesting in aqueous environments, advanced materials for marine vessels, and underwater robotics for environmental studies and animal observation.