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Gabriel D

- Research Program Mentor

PhD at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Expertise

urban sensing, computer vision, micro-controllers, Internet of Things, data analytics, machine learning, intelligent systems,

Bio

I picked up my expertise in urban sensing while earning my PhD at the University of Michigan. While I was involved with a variety of urban sensing projects my primary focus was on social infrastructure (public parks, squares, markets, bus stops, libraries, etc.). How can we use urban sensing modalities to better understand how people move through and interact with these spaces and derive benefits from them, and moreover, how can we use this data to better design and manage these spaces? I developed a computer vision platform which ingests image feeds from surveillance cameras that detects and tracks persons as they move through the space while also classifying their social behaviours and activities. The platform was deployed and extensively tested along the Detroit Riverfront park spaces and in downtown Detroit. I am outgoing and extroverted. I have a wide array of interests and hobbies. For the Outdoors, I enjoy mountain biking, hiking, and slack lining. I currently live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan which has world class mountain biking trails and a plethora of waterfalls. I aim to start snowboarding this winter - there is a ski hill 5 minutes from my house! For the Indoors, I enjoy gaming (video games and board games) and watching movies. I also frequent indie/alternative music festivals

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Increasing school ground accessibility with sensing technologies

How accessible is your school? How are specific design choices impacting the experience of those with mobility challenges? In what ways could sensing help? In this project you will explore sensing technologies to both help understand and identify problems and to also potentially provide solutions. You will gain skills in critical thinking, custom circuit board design, coding, and prototyping.

Smart sustainable gardening and agriculture

Think of a small home garden. How can sensing automate gardening processes? Can it help you improve yield or quality? Additionally, beyond simple automation, could sensing impact or improve sustainable practices? Could something you implement in your home scale to larger farms and other agricultural projects? You will gain skills in critical thinking, custom circuit board design, coding, and prototyping.

Coding skills

python, Matlab,

Teaching experience

I am faculty at Michigan Tech University in Houghton, Michigan in their Engineering Fundamentals program. I teach ENGR 1101 and 1102 which are general introduction to engineering courses with plenty of projects focused on sensing, design, and modelling.

Credentials

Work experience

University of Michigan - Laboratory of Intelligent System Technologies (2017 - 2023)
Graduate Research Fellow

Education

University of Kentucky
BS Bachelor of Science (2017)
Biosystems Engineering
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
MS Master of Science (2019)
Intelligent Systems
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
PhD Doctor of Philosophy
Intelligent Systems

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