Biography

I began my academic journey at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where I discovered a passion for computer science — especially computer vision, AI, and robotics. In 2023, I participated in an REU at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, where I developed and implemented computer vision algorithms for underwater robots assisting divers. Back at UNCW, I continued this work by applying similar techniques to a crawler robot in collaboration with faculty. Now pursuing my graduate studies at North Carolina State University, I’m continuing to deepen my research in robotics and intelligent systems.

Academic Status

PhD Student - 1st

Research Area/Department

Computer Science; Engineering; Machine Learning/AI

Major/Specialty

Major - Computer Engineering Specialty - Robotics, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Deep Learning

Degrees Earned or in Progress

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - 2025 Ph.D. in Computer Engineering - In Progress

Academic Preparation

Computer Engineering: Digital Imaging Systems, Signal Processing, Random Processes Computer Science: Computer Vision, Software Engineering, Data & Machine Learning, Advanced AI, Scientific Computing, Introduction to Robotics, Database Design & Implementation, Programming Languages, Formal Languages & Computability, Design & Analysis of Algorithms, Computer Organization, Computer Networks, Object-Oriented Programming & Design, Linux Administration, Intro to AI, Intro to Data Structures Mathematics: Differential Equations, Probability & Statistics, Calculus/Analytical Geometry I and II, Discrete Math Structures, Multivariate Calculus, Linear Algebra & Matrices

Research/Publications

Yelena: A Low-Cost AI-Based Autonomous Crawler 2023-2025 with Dr. Yang Song at the University of North Carolina Wilmington Trained a Raspberry Pi-powered robot to detect and avoid obstacles using machine learning, follow color-coded markers to simulate maze solving with a Depth-First Search algorithm, and respond to hand gesture commands using real-time computer vision. ● Utilized OpenCV, custom ML models, Google’s MediaPipe, and GPIO-based hardware control ● Integrated with Raspberry Pi 4B & 5 using SunFounder Robot HAT ● Presented at: Computing Showcase & CSURF Spring Showcase (April 2024) ● Awards/Grants: CSURF Fall Supplies Grant (2023), SURCA Research Grant (Spring & Summer 2024) Pointing Underwater Isn’t That Simple – Improving Diver & Robot Interactions in a 3D Underwater Environment (2023) with Dr. Junaed Sattar at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, IRV Lab Compared different computer vision libraries in their performance of estimating the pose of a diver underwater, particularly where the diver is pointing. ● Used Google’s MediaPipe, OpenCV, and NumPy for depth-estimation ● Publication: “Diver Interest via Pointing in Three Dimensions: 3D Pointing Reconstruction for Diver-AUV Communication”, Under Review International Conference of Robotics and Automation 2024 ● Awards/Grants: NSF/REU Undergraduate Research Internship ● Presented at: UMN Twin Cities’ REU Symposium (UMN Twin Cities in Minneapolis, MN) (2023)

Research/Academic Interests

I’m primarily interested in computer vision, robotics, and machine learning, particularly the intersection of perception and control with the goal of helping humans in their own research. I'm excited by problems that involve teaching robots to interpret and navigate the world through vision — such as object recognition, localization, and scene understanding in complex or unstructured environments. My recent research has involved developing AI models with computer vision to avoid obstacles and manipulate objects, then using these models on the robot(s) to help humans accomplish a task. I’m especially interested in applications of these methods in real-time systems, such as autonomous ground or underwater robots. As I continue my graduate studies, I hope to explore more robust and efficient vision algorithms that can be deployed in dynamic, real-world conditions.

Computational and Data Science Areas

Applied Computer Science; Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems; Computer Science

Motivation

I’m drawn to this opportunity because it offers a chance to deepen my knowledge in AI and robotics — fields I’m passionate about and actively working in. I see this program as a powerful step toward my mission of using technology to help people. The chance to be mentored in new and exciting fields of AI is incredibly meaningful to me, and I’m eager to learn as much as I can and apply it to new inventions and ideas. I’m especially excited about connecting what I learn through this experience to my own research as I continue my Ph.D. journey.

Lightning Talk Title

Megdalia Bromhal: Applied AI & CV

Keywords (Maximum 20 words)

Computer vision; Artificial intelligence; edge devices & embedded systems; security; full-stack software engineering; robotics