This is a selection of some of my favorite projects that I have contributed to.

Metasurface-Integrated Black Phosphorus Photodetectors 2019 – 2023
University of Southern California
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory†
Role: Co-investigator; PIs: Michelle Povinelli, Sarath Gunapala†

We integrated a kite with an AI for harvesting wind-generated power. The kite is steered with a neural network that determines the best flight path for generating current through its motors. I wrote code to interface with the machine, contributed to the training the neural network, and designed an electronic circuit that measures power generation.

Real-Time Reconfigurable Full-Frame/Hyperspectral Imager 2019 – 2023
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Imaging Spectroscopy Group
Role: Graduate Research Intern; PI: Daniel Wilson

To meet NASA’s goal of integrating imaging spectrometers with small satellites, JPL is developing systems that combine multiple imaging systems. The goal of this project is to create and test an imaging spectrometer that simultaneously operates as a hyperspectral, multispectral, and full frame SWIR camera. My role in this project is to construct, align, and calibrate the system and to design outdoor spectral experiments.

Breakthrough Starshot 2019 – 2022
University of Southern California
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Role: Graduate Research Assistant; PIs: Michelle Povinelli, Wei Wu

The global project Breakthrough Starshot aims to create a new type of lightweight spacecraft called ‘laser sails.’ Such a spacecraft could be propelled through space with radiation pressure from lasers. At USC, we characterized photonic crystal laser sail prototypes fabricated on silicon nitride. I supported the global effort by designing and performing experiments to test our prototype sails.

Hyperspectral-Integrated UAS2016 – 2018
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Role: Student Researcher; PI: Philip Townsend

UAS systems such as quadrotor drones, with integrated hyperspectral imagers, have found applications in crop protection, defense, and environmental monitoring. I contributed to the development of these UAS systems by developing mounting solutions for hyperspectral cameras. Additionally, I performed calibration in the field to enable wide-area hyperspectral imaging of ecosystems.

HyperScanner 2016 – 2019
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Role: Student Researcher; PI: Philip Townsend

Hyperspectral imaging has emerged as a tool for rapidly detecting plant stress (drought, salinity). I led a team of researchers to develop an automated hyperspectral imaging platform. Our open-source CNC machine, with an integrated hyperspectral camera, was able to rapidly detect plant stressors.

AI-Controlled Kite for Efficient Power Generation 2017 – 2018
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Role: Research Assistant; PI: Zongfu Yu

We integrated a kite with an AI for harvesting wind-generated power. The kite is steered with a neural network that determines the best flight path for generating current through its motors. I wrote code to interface with the machine, contributed to the training the neural network, and designed an electronic circuit that measures power generation.