Seminar Series
  • Time: Thursday, 12:50PM - 1:50 PM
  • Location: NWSE 100 (unless otherwise noted)
  • Food: Lunch is served at 12:20 pm
  • The Winter 2013 seminar series is supervised by Prof. Cherrice Traver
 
Winter 2013 Schedule

Ari Epstein, PhD

Abstract: Terrascope Radio is a class offered to second-semester freshmen at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Through intensive critical listening sessions and writing assignments, students develop a deep understanding of radio as a medium for the communication and expression of ideas. They explore radio-specific techniques—such as the use of sound to evoke a physical setting and the effective interweaving of interviews and ambient sound—as well as techniques common to a variety of media, such as the use and development of story arcs and pacing. At the same time, in laboratory and field sessions they develop proficiency in the technical aspects of radio production, such as gathering high-quality sound, audio editing and the use of digital audio effects. The class culminates in a major team project, in which students develop and produce a radio documentary on the social, economic, political and technical aspects of a complex environmental issue.

Bio: Dr. Ari Epstein is a Lecturer in the Terrascope Program and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He also has extensive experience in outreach and public education. He is currently Director of Terrascope Youth Radio, an NSF-funded project in which local urban teens create radio programming on environmental topics. He is particularly interested in developing ways to integrate free-choice learning (the kind of learning promoted by museums, community-based organizations, media and other outlets) into the academic curriculum, combining formal and informal educational strategies.

   

Christopher Bishop

Abstract: Common wisdom states that 85% of the jobs today’s learners will be doing haven’t been invented yet. They will be using technology that doesn’t exist today. And they’ll be solving problems we don’t yet know are problems. How will students prepare for successful careers when all the rules have changed and newly-minted jobs appear faster than the latest video game release Metacognition+reinvention. In the almost 40 years since graduating from college, Christopher Bishop has been successful across six distinct careers - from touring rock musician to corporate communications specialist. Come hear Chris describe "metacognition + reinvention" and share his three Secret Sauce ingredients, designed to help today’s learners have successful careers in the 21st century. Chris will have listeners pondering the exciting possibilities offered by the evolving, global borderless workplace.

　

Bio: Christopher Bishop has had many successful careers since graduating from college with a degree in German literature almost 40 years ago. His experiences include touring as Robert Palmer’s bass player, appearing in a TV movie with Peter O’Toole, producing the first Johnson & Johnson corporate Web site, designing a variety of events in virtual worlds and developing a major acquisition strategy for IBM, where he currently works in corporate communications. Chris defines the process he used to succeed across these many transitions as "metacognition + reinvention." He has developed three Secret Sauce ingredients designed to help today’s learners be successful in the rapidly evolving, borderless global workplace.

 

Robert J. Campchero, MS

Abstract: A brief history and overview of the National Electrical Code, introduction to the NFPA 70E standard for electrical safety in the workplace, and the explosive topic of arc flash hazard.

Bio: Robert J. Campchero received his MS from RPI in Electric Power Engineering, and BS from Clarkson College of Technology in Electrical Engineering. Robert has a wide range of experience working in areas such as Naval Nuclear Power Plants, electrical construction and renovation, instrumentation and control systems, and equipment design. He retired from Knolls Atomic Power Laboratories in 2012 after spending several years doing laboratory equipment design projects, including the electrical distribution work that he will discuss in his talk.

 

Thomas K. Jewell, PhD, PE, F ASCE

Abstract: Come hear about the IBM Global Summer Internships, new opportunities in Turkey, Germany, Uruguay, and the Independent Study Abroad option where you can go almost anywhere! Union College is a leader in providing engineering and computer science students with an international experience. Typically 70-80% of our students study abroad, which is higher than almost all Universities in the US.

Bio: Professor Jewell has taught at Union College in Civil Engineering and is currently the director of the Environmental Science, Policy and Engineering program. He has advised engineering students about international programs for many years, and has personally led the term abroad to Vietnam, and mini-terms to Spain, Australia, and New Zealand.

  
Fall 2012 Schedule 
   

Tomas Sadilek

Abstract: We have seen a rapid growth of renewable energies in the past decade: fuel cells, solar panels, and wind turbines. However, these produce energy that is inherently incompatible with the grid. Efficient power conversion is the key factor in allowing the renewable technologies to flourish. The talk will also focus on implementation of a new part in power systems: ultracapacitors. Standard ultrapacitors have capacitance measured in thousands of farads!

Bio:

Tomas Sadilek is a Power Electronics Engineer at Advanced Energy Conversion and an Embedded Control Engineer at IOXUS, Inc., where he focuses on custom applications for the automotive and renewable energy industries.

 

  • Nov 01 Senior Design Project Presentations (ECE 498)

 

  • Oct 25 Senior Design Project Presentations (ECE 498)

 

Brian E. Clark, CPO

Abstract:

The field of Prosthetics and Orthotics consists of several areas of study in a unique harmony. Electrical, computer and material science engineering, combined with health sciences make this a field that interests many individuals. All make it possible for the Clinician to provide each Patient with the appropriate high-tech device that is necessary to restore function.

 

Bio: Brian E. Clark, CPO has a degree in Engineering Science and Mechanics from the University of Tennessee – Knoxville as well as Orthotics and Prosthetics degrees from Northwestern University. He also served as an officer on a U.S. Navy submarine for 5 years. As a CPO (Certified Prosthetist Orthotist), Brian specializes in the fitting and fabrication of prostheses and provides braces and support systems for injured muscle/skeletal groups.

 

Michelle Stark, P.E.

Abstract:

CHA is a full service international engineering firm with the in-house capabilities to supply all the engineering, planning, surveying, permitting, environmental, and construction inspection and administration services to complete any project. This talk examines the role of an electrical engineer in the consulting engineering world.

Bio:

Michelle Stark, P.E. is the Electrical Section Manager at CHA. She holds a degree in electrical engineering, and has over 19 years of engineering experience which includes a wide range of design projects for institutional, government and commercial facilities, as well as municipal and industrial sectors domestic and international.
   

J. Keith Nelson, Ph.D.

Abstract:

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers bills itself as the "world’s largest professional association for the advancement of technology." Born of the merger between the Institute of Radio Engineers and the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, the IEEE continues its tradition of research and scholarly excellence by joining together the knowledge base of engineers from many sub-disciplines, such as communications, dielectrics, rotating machinery, computers, and engineering education, to name but a few. Moreover, the Institute provides a networking platform for its members to share the latest technical discoveries (and job opportunities)! Come and learn why you should consider making the IEEE part of your professional future.

Bio:

 J. Keith Nelson, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus and the former Philip Sporn Professor of Electric Power Engineering at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy. A graduate of the University of London, Professor Nelson has served as Research Manager at General Electric’s research and development facility in Schenectady. He is an IEEE Fellow and the Division II Director on the IEEE Board of Directors.
 

Jerry Selvaggi, PhD

Abstract:

Electrical machines play an essential role in many commerical and industrial products. A solid understanding of  both the theory and the application is essential to advance the improvement of such machinery. Today's seminar will illustrate the role that modeling plays in understanding some of the more esoteric properties exhibited by rotating machines not normally discussed in a standard electric power curriculum. The talk will include the design of a new motor called the Rotating-Core Motor. This motor exhibits both a low magnetic and low acoustic signature. In some respects, one could consider this a "silent" motor.

Bio:

Jerry Selvaggi, PhD is a consulting electric power engineering and a former research professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He has over 20 years of experience in the electric power industry. He holds bachelor degrees in elecrical and mechanical engineering and master degrees in mechanical engineering, electrical power engineering and applied mathematics. He also has a PhD in electrical power engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

 

Rob Smith, PhD, PE

Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow, Union College

Abstract:

Today’s ECE curricula at colleges and universities have mirrored the broader societal developments of electrical and computer engineering since the latter part of the 19th century.  This talk examines the effect that early pioneers (many of whom were not engineers by training), wars, and consumer demand have had on the content of modern Electrical and Computer Engineering programs.

Bio:

Rob Smith, Ph.D., P.E. is the Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow / Visiting Teaching Scholar in the ECE Department at Union College.  He holds degrees in electrical and electric power engineering, and has several years of engineering experience in the pulp and paper and electric power industries.

 

Spring 2012 Schedule

 

Lawrence J. Hollander, PE

Dean of Engineering Emeritus, Union College

Abstract:

Throughout his career Dean Hollander has been a successful investor and has regularly traded stocks on the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ. This activity has provided the funds that have established the Hollander Bicentennial Scholarship at Union College (the largest scholarship fund from a living donor at Union College, which since 1996 has supported thirteen engineering students), the Hollander Convocation Music Prize at Union, support of his alma mater (New York University), and support of The Salvation Army (for which he held the position as a member of the Advisory Board for Albany County). He will discuss the many minefields in the financial world, and how students can avoid them.

Bio:

Dean Hollander served in the U.S. Navy in WWII, where he received training in aviation radar. After the war he received B.S. and M.S. degrees in from NYU and began a career in the electric power industry. One of his publications was the featured cover story in The Nation, January 10, 1966 (The Big Blackout, Whooping Cranes & Power Failures). He served for seven years as the Secretary of the NYS Board for Engineering and Land Surveying. In academia, he served as a faculty member and dean at NYU, The Cooper Union, and Union College, from which he retired as Dean of Engineering in 1993. Throughout his career has had numerous consulting assignments as a professional engineer specializing in electric power, and was also featured in two national TV commercials of the General Electric Company.

Michael Tolley, Harvard University

Abstract:

Engineered systems traditionally require highly specialized fabrication and assembly processes that are expensive and not easily adaptable. This places a large overhead burden on the development of new systems or the adaptation of existing systems to new conditions. My work addresses this challenge through the development of programmable fabrication approaches for mesoscale robotic systems. In this talk, I will describe three related research thrusts: The first is an approach to achieving programmable matter (i.e. a substance the shape and properties of which can be tuned to achieve a variety of tasks) through the stochastic fluidic assembly of mesoscale and microscale components. The second thrust, Printable Programmable Machines, is a means to achieving the rapid development and fabrication of low-cost printable robots using origami-inspired folding techniques. Finally, I will discuss recent work in the design and fabrication of soft robots which employ embodied AI to achieve complex locomotion gaits. These three examples represent a paradigm shift in robotics manufacturing towards the programmable fabrication of smart robots.

Bio:

Michael T. Tolley is a Postdoctoral Associate in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, and the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His research topics with Professor Robert J. Wood (Harvard Microrobotics Lab) and Professor Daniela Rus (Distributed Robotics Lab) include printable programmable machines, soft robotics, and mesoscale actuation. He received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University where he worked on stochastic fluidic assembly for programmable matter. Dr. Tolley was awarded a Doctoral Postgraduate Fellowship from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). For more information on his research, please visit www.michaeltolley.com.

Johnny Willis, PowerGEM

Abstract:

This presentation is a brief overview of the North American power grid. It discusses generation, transmission, planning and operational concerns of a highly complex engineering system that is critical to the modern economy. It also touches on several areas of interest in power engineering, and the range of opportunities in the power industry for students that may be interested in the field.

Bio:

Johnny Willis is a native of Alabama. He received a B.S. and M.S. in engineering from the University of Alabama in Birmingham, and the degree of Electrical Engineer from the University of Michigan. He has worked for 30 years in the power industry, with experience in system planning, operational studies, and field testing in power plants. Much of his work has involved simulations of system stability. He has also taught seminars on the use of power system software and related technical subjects, and co-authored a number of technical papers. He has been fortunate to often work with engineers who are smarter than him, which has been a great way stretch himself and to learn!

 

Jerry Ryan, Consultant

Abstract:

The process of converting ideas into a smartphone, building it, and getting people to buy it takes almost a year of work by a very large number of people: electrical and mechanical engineers, radio experts, software developers, and testers. It also involves sales folks, marketers, negotiators, secret keepers, and a lot of things that you'd never expect. In this talk, I will give an overview of a year in the life of a maker of smartphones, and provide what I expect will be a few surprises.

Bio:

Jerry Ryan received a B.E. in Electrical Engineering from The Cooper Union, and an M.A. in Computer Science from Rutgers University. His professional career has included long stays at AT&T Bell Labs, Lucent Technologies, Avaya and Motorola. Most of his career has been as a software developer or manager of software developers in the telecommunications industry, though he did manage to spend a few years in a sales role and as a product manager. He's worked on real-time control software for data switches, on the design and deployment of the AT&T WorldNet service, and on systems management software for IP PBXes. Most recently, he's managed the integration and launch of several Motorola smartphones.

 

Prof. Cherrice Traver, Union College

Abstract:

Plan Ceibal was the first complete “one-laptop-per-child” implementation at a national level. The program aims to provide each public school student and teacher in Uruguay with a Wi-Fi connected laptop. This seminar will provide a glimpse into the vision as well as the many technical, social, political, and ethical challenges of a national deployment of this magnitude. In the spring of 2013, a new Union College term abroad to Uruguay will involve students in this initiative. This seminar is also an opportunity to learn more about this opportunity.

   

Winter 2012 Schedule

Nicholas P. Sardino, IBM

Abstract:

Three years ago, IBM began describing the Smarter Planet that we saw emerging. It was a world in which industries were becoming more instrumented, interconnected, and intelligent, producing data that could be used to improve the quality of our lives and our work. Over this time, we also recognized that there was a pattern to the way that most successful institutions were approaching their IT infrastructure. They were thinking about computing in new ways—and using it to create formidable opportunities for growth and innovation…despite facing such challenges as tremendous demands for service, inflexible infrastructures, flat budgets and incomplete, unreliable data. Through a new approach we call Smarter Computing, enterprises can tackle these constraints. They can leverage all of the data in their enterprise, optimize systems for workloads and manage their IT infrastructure in a much more cloud-like fashion, for dramatically improved economics and performance. If an enterprise can think holistically about its IT infrastructure, it can implement a Smarter Computing model and gain the benefits we’ve seen with our own clients—double capacity for IT services, flat IT costs and the ability to implement new breakthrough services.

Bio:

Nick has been with IBM for 8 years and is currently a subject matter expert and client presenter in the Poughkeepsie Executive Briefing Center covering topics such as Smarter Computing, System z Hardware, and Linux on System z. In addition to presenting at customer briefings, Nick travels to industry conferences talking to customers and giving live demonstrations of the capabilities of System z. Nick received a BS and MS in Computer Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2002. Immediately following his degree, he worked at Sun Microsystems for 2 years as a VLSI Circuit Design Engineer on the UltraSPARC V microprocessor. Nick joined IBM in 2004 as a VLSI Circuit Design Engineer working on the IBM zSeries microprocessor, and in the fall of 2008 made the transition to the Executive Briefing Center.

Prof. Takashi Buma, Union College

Abstract:

Biomedical imaging systems using light and ultrasound are attractive for their fine spatial resolution, real-time image display, and portability. This seminar describes some of the on-going efforts in the Biomedical Ultrasonics & Biophotonics Laboratory (BUBL) at Union College. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an emerging technology for applications in ophthalmology, dermatology, and cardiology. Cross-sectional images are obtained by laterally scanning a focused optical beam across the region of interest while using an interferometer to detect the backscattered light. Depth information is obtained by processing the interference fringes in the detected signals. Our previous work applied OCT to visualize fingertip features below the skin surface for biometric applications. A current project is a collaboration with the Department of Mechanical Engineering, where we will perform 3-D OCT imaging to help study the biomechanics of heart tube looping in a developing chick embryo. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) is a high frequency ultrasound imaging technique with applications in ophthalmology and developmental biology. Transducer arrays are required to produce fully focused images over a wide field of view. However, UBM arrays have been extremely difficult to fabricate with conventional piezoelectric technology. We are exploring highly populated sensor arrays based on optoacoustics, where ultrasound is detected with optical techniques. This project involves all aspects of the imaging system, ranging from transmitter and sensor fabrication to video-rate image reconstruction with a graphics processing unit (GPU).

Bio:

Dr. Takashi Buma received his B.S.E. in Electrical Engineering with a certificate in Engineering Physics from Princeton University in 1995. He received his Ph.D. in Applied Physics from the University of Michigan in 2002, where his research in the Biomedical Ultrasonics Laboratory explored techniques to generate and receive high frequency ultrasound. He then joined the Center for Ultrafast Optical Science at the University of Michigan to perform research in time-domain terahertz imaging systems. He was an Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Delaware before joining Union College in the fall of 2011. His research interests include photoacoustic microscopy, device and systems development for high frequency ultrasound imaging, optical coherence tomography, and time-domain terahertz imaging.

 

Dr. Andrew Leach, GE Global Research

Abstract:

Hyperpolarization technology enables magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to expand beyond anatomical imaging to measure the metabolism within tissue. This new capability may revolutionize the detection and treatment of disease through the measurement of changes in local cellular chemistry in its early stages. Real‐time imaging of cellular metabolism will enhance diagnostic capabilities in the fields of oncology, cardiology and neurology as well as enable personalized treatment through the measurement of patient response to therapies. This technique relies on a suite of new molecular agents based on endogenous molecules that can probe the natural metabolic pathways of human physiology.

This presentation will discuss the state‐of‐the‐art in hyperpolarization technology as well as recent developments towards the production of a polarizer system that is compatible with clinical use. Primary concerns are patient and operator safety, performance of the method, as well as operator convenience. A polarizer of novel design has been successfully built and tested. The polarizer differs from those previously used in that it is designed with capabilities required for future clinical use.

Bio:

Dr. Andrew Leach is originally from Rochester, New York. He holds a B.S. degree in chemistry from Union College, Ph.D. in chemistry from Indiana University, and he completed an NIH post‐doctoral fellowship at Stanford University where he focused on miniaturized chemical and biological detection systems that included microfluidics. Andrew is currently Manager of the Chemical Sensing Laboratory at GE Global Research Center, an organization that focuses on development of chemical measurement devices and methods to extend process knowledge, increase product performance and robustness, enhance customer experience, and improve patient diagnoses and treatments. Andrew has published over 30 manuscripts in peer reviewed journals and books, authored 25 internal GE reports, and been granted 10 US patents.

  • Jan 26: Digital Image Forensics: There is More to a Picture Than Meets the Eye

Dr. Siwei Lyu, University at Albany

Abstract:

The past decade has witnessed remarkable advances in digital image processing and computational photography, resulting in sophisticated image-editing software systems. The ease of digital image manipulation has also posed many new challenges. In particular, digital images have become more vulnerable to malicious tampering compared to their non-digital counterparts. This circumstance galvanized rapid developments of research in digital image forensics.

In this talk, I will focus on my recent works in detecting several types of digital image tampering operations, including: a) region duplication, where regions in the same image are copied, transformed, and pasted to new locations to conceal the original image; b) image splicing, where regions from an image are pasted into a different image; and c) photographic vs. photorealistic detection, where the task is to differentiate a real photograph from an image made from computer graphics software.

The unifying theme of these techniques is to use statistical analysis of normal natural photographic image signals to show abnormalities of tampered images. I will describe the mathematical and algorithmic aspects of these methods, and demonstrate their effectiveness on realistic image forgeries.

Bio:

Siwei Lyu is Assistant Professor at the Computer Science Department of the University at Albany. His scientific expertise include natural image statistics, computational visual neural science, digital image forensics, machine learning, and computer vision.

 

Dr. Robert C. Smith, Ph.D. and P.E.

Abstract:

Many manufacturing industries that provide us with the essentials of our civilized society use chemically-intensive processes that must be carefully and precisely controlled. To that end, a host of measurements are required to continuously gauge such process variables as pressure, flow, temperature, and density. This lecture will provide an introduction to some of the measurement principles and equipment involved in these control strategies, and will briefly address the processing of this data to accomplish the control.

Bio:

Dr. Robert C. Smith has worked as an electrical and instrumentation engineer in the pulp and paper, electric power, engineering forensics industries, as well as an associate professor of electronic engineering technology. He holds engineering degrees from the Universities of Maine and New Hampshire, as well as Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. His research has included the use of neural networks for structural vibration control and the introduction of nanometer-scale inorganic fillers in polyethylene for use as dielectric materials. He is active in the IEEE, especially the Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation Society, and is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of New Hampshire.

Your resume is among your most important tools for obtaining the job or internship you want. Come hear tips to help make your resume shine. Bring an electronic copy with you so that you can improve it during the workshop. We will begin with some general tips and suggestions and then walk around the room and help students with their resumes.

Dr. Bob Soules (Director of the Union College Becker Career Center)

Dr. Cherrice Traver (Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering)

 

Fall 2011 Schedule

Dr. Josh Haines (MIT Lincoln Labs)

Abstract:

I will begin by describing a survivable system's approach to countering cyber attacks. Then I will describe two active research topics: 1) "Mission mapping" in which we attempt to find automated ways to identify the critical cyber resources utilized in performing specific mission or business tasks, and 2) "Trustworthy Dynamic Systems" where we couple trustworthy systems approaches with dynamic 'moving target' techniques at the application and operating systems level.

Bio:

Mr. Joshua W. Haines is an Assistant Group Leader in the Cyber Systems and Technology Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. He is responsible for managing research and development of technology and systems in support of national cyber missions including computer network defense, attack, and exploitation. Focus areas include system analysis, architecture engineering for robustness and security, development of network-centric cyber systems, automated analysis of network vulnerabilities, red-teaming of DoD programs, and development & deployment of traffic generation and test development for test range environments. Prior to that Josh was the Chief Engineer for the Transformational Satellite Communications Program at the Air Force Space and Missile System Center. Josh received his M.S. from University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1999 and his B.S. from Union College in 1995.

 

Dr. Mark Skolnik (Exxon Mobil)

Bio:

Mark Skolnik, BSEE Union Class of '76 recently retired after a 35 year career with ExxonMobil. In his most recent capacity, Mark was a Senior Executive in Refining and Supply, responsible for global merger and acquisitions (M&A) activities for the Downstream, primarily sales of refining, distribution and marketing businesses around the world. Mark practiced electrical engineering for 3 years post Union College until deciding to earn an MBA from U. of Penn. Wharton School in 1981, after which he joined Mobil Oil Corporation. Post MBA, he pursued more business related opportunities within ExxonMobil, which is now the most profitable corporation in the U.S. Mark strongly believes that the knowledge and discipline developed in pursuing an engineering degree produced the requisite skills necessary to succeed in business. He is happy to share his views on where an engineering degree can and should take you.

  • Oct 27: Senior Projects (Student presentations)
  • Oct 20: Senior Projects (Student presentations)

Thomas Tongue (Zomega Terahertz Corporation)

Abstract:

The "Terahertz Gap" occupies a unique place in the EM spectrum as the transition from classical electrodynamics (RF, mm-wave) to quantum mechanics for both generation and detection. Recently, techniques from both the mm-wave and far-infrared have pushed to close this gap, and commercial applications for THz waves are now being actively explored. THz Time Domain Spectroscopy (TDS) is one common technique that has been applied for both non-destructive testing and material characterization at short stand-off distances. With the advent of real-time THz TDS capabilities, imaging has become an important frontier for THz applications, especially in inspection and process control. However, software algorithms and data processing for these images is still in its infancy, and represents an opportunity for further improvement in system performance. This talk will provide an overview of THz techniques, focusing on THz TDS and its application to imaging and highlighting important areas where software needs to catch up to the challenges of such information-rich data.

Bio:

Thomas Tongue is a serial entrepreneur and CEO of Zomega Terahertz Corporation. His background in Physics combined with his MBA provide him with a unique perspective that bridges the technical and management aspects of running an emerging technology company.

Becker Career Center Room 201

Abstract:

Global Foundries, the world’s third largest independent semiconductor foundry, is building a major IC chip manufacturing plant less than 20 miles from Union College. Using 300 mm wafers and a feature size of less than 28 nm, it will be among the most advanced fabrication facilities in the world. Opening in 2012, the plant will eventually employ over 1500 people.

Bio:

Pedro Gonzales, University Relations Manager, will present information about Global Foundries, their technological challenges, and the resulting opportunities for talented students.

Three invited guests will lead a panel discussion on options and strategies for ECE students to work toward a graduate degree. Some graduate schools have early winter deadlines, so now is the time to start planning.

Prof. Takashi Buma from ECE will discuss options for master’s and doctoral programs around the country and the world.

Dean Robert Kozik from the Union Graduate College will discuss master’s programs available here at Union.

Prof. Maggie Tongue from Union will discuss options for fellowships and scholarships to help pay for graduate school.

Abstract:

Facial expression recognition remains a challenging problem especially when the face is partially corrupted or occluded. I will describe a new classification method, termed Sparse Representation based Classification (SRC), that is applied to accurately recognize expressions. A test vector is representable as a linear combination of vectors from its own class and so its representation as a linear combination of all available training vectors is sparse. Efficient methods have been developed in the area of compressed sensing to recover this sparse representation. SRC gives state of the art performance on clean and noise corrupted images matching the recognition rate obtained using Gabor based features. When test images are occluded, SRC improves significantly on the performance obtained using Gabor features.

Come to this first ECE seminar of the year to meet faculty and students, to learn about ECE student organizations, and to hear about our plans for events and seminars this year.