Undergraduate Researchers in Deep Learning & Biomimetic Robotics

Research assistantships for undergraduate students from CS, ECE, and ME are available in a research project sponsored by the Naval Engineering Education Center (NEEC). The project ("Bioinspired Physical Deep Learning Paradigm for Sonar Sensing in Cluttered Environments") seeks to integrate deep neural networks with a bat robot to reproduce the superior navigation abilities of bats that live in dense forests. The project has computational, electronic, as well as mechanical components and individual projects can be defined to match the interests of the respective undergraduate researcher. Projects can be carried out on an hourly wage basis ($13.33/h, 300 hours per semester maximum) or for credit in the form of undergraduate research. Undergraduate students at all levels, i.e., freshmen through senior, will be considered for the positions. Projects to work for credit are available to all students irrespective of citizenship status. Projects performed on a wage-basis are for US citizens only. US citizens working on the project will also have the opportunity to present their work at annual meetings at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport RI or another Navy R&D site and can receive help with finding internships and jobs in the Navy's R&D enterprise. Interested applicants should send their CV and unoffical transcript to Dr. Rolf Mueller at rolf.mueller@vt.edu and schedule an appointment.