Biography

My name is Pierce Secola, and I am currently a fourth year Ph.D. Operations Research (OR) candidate at North Carolina State University. While my OR background relates to optimization and stochastic processes, my dissertation research relates to computer vision, specifically focusing on 2D to 3D reconstruction. I am interested in researching how to integrate stochastic analysis into deep learning. My goal is to expand the versatility of neural networks by applying them to stochastic processes, such as inventory management and physics-based processes. As a researcher, I am always looking for opportunities to contribute to the math and science community. My versatile mathematics background and passion to push the boundaries of knowledge lends itself to a wide array of research. There are numerous topics that pique my interest, and I am open to any research opportunities that continue my education. My wife and I live in North Raleigh with our black lab. Outside of mathematics, my hobbies include trying out new recipes, developing my woodworking skills, and playing soccer with local teams.

Academic Status

PhD Student - 4th

Research Area/Department

Applied Mathematics; Data Science; Machine Learning/AI; Mathematics

Major/Specialty

I completed my undergraduate degree at NC State University and hold my B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in supply chain. To further bolster my mathematical and analytical capabilities, I then attended a one-year full-time master’s program in data science through the Institute of Advanced Analytics at NC State University. After a stint as a data scientist with Siemens Healthineers, I returned to NC State to pursue a doctorate in operations research to further progress my mathematical skills and fuel my passion of learning. I am currently in my fourth year in the OR program with the goal to complete my dissertation in December 2026.

Degrees Earned or in Progress

B.S. Business Administration - Supply Chain – 08/2013-05/2018 – NC State University M.S. Analytics - Data Science – 08/2018-05/2019 – NC State University Ph.D. Operations Research [Candidate] - 08/2022-Present – NC State University

Academic Preparation

Given my tenure in academia, I have demonstrated proficiency in a myriad of courses related to mathematics and computer science. Notably, I have completed coursework exploring neural network theory and various neural network architectures, stochastic processes, linear/non-linear optimization, and Python coding. In addition to my academic courses, I have worked in multiple research environments where I honed my skills as an independent researcher. Initially, I was a researcher at a neuroscience lab at Duke University overseen by Dr. Rajendra Morey. I explored potential applications of deep learning to understand the dynamic, short-term interactions between brain regions for individuals with PTSD. Currently, I work with Dr. Edgar Lobaton at NC State researching 2D to 3D reconstruction, as described in the next section.

Research/Academic Interests

My current research involves 2D to 3D reconstruction using NeRF models. My team and I are attempting to accurately reconstruct the interior of seashell-like creatures called foraminifera (foram). Understanding the external and internal attributes of the foram allows researchers to gain insight about the ocean's environment at the time they were alive. Some foram fossils are millions of years old, so the information that can be gained from analyzing their structure is invaluable. However, uncovering the internal structure of the foram using CT scanning is expensive and time consuming. Our team plans to implement a pre-trained NeRF model to generate a 3D volumetric mesh of the foram using 2D images of the exterior of a given foram. Subsequently, our team will need to investigate how many 2D images we need to capture, how the camera should be positioned for these images, and any additional components of machine learning that should be utilized so that the 3D reconstruction is as similar as possible to the foram's true structures (internal and external). Additionally, the team hopes to utilize a combination of stochastic modeling and physics informed neural networks (PINNs) to automate the wet-imaging of the foram. The imaging process requires precise control of the camera and a microfluidic system to gently rotate the foram and capture 2D images. In general, microfluidic systems exhibit stochastic behaviors due to the random fluctuations in the flow rate. Thus, this aspect of the research is a perfect opportunity to combine both stochastic process modeling with a deterministic component like a PINN.

Computational and Data Science Areas

Applied Mathematics; Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems; Computer Science; Statistics and Probability

Motivation

My motivation to participate in the SRP program stems from my passion for mathematics, computer science, and becoming a capable researcher. The SRP program provides a pathway for aspiring researchers like me to hone their research-related skills that are not taught through a formal classroom setting. In addition, it would provide me with a platform to discuss mathematical and scientific topics and ideas with peers and mentors. It creates an outlet to refine my research interests and goals, and perhaps even develop new ones. If I were to be afforded this opportunity, this program would not only allow me to gain invaluable skills to finish my Ph.D. and become an accomplished researcher, but it would also give me a platform to help others make a contribution to the world of math and science. I believe that my passion for mathematics and computer science makes me a strong candidate for this program. This is exemplified from my less-than-orthodox academic path and my continued research initiatives. When I initially pursued my undergraduate degree, I thought that a career in supply chain, an area that was the intersection of business and mathematics, was what I wanted, but I quickly realized my passion was for mathematics and computer science. Over the last decade, I have put in a tremendous amount of effort to deepen my understanding in those concepts and swap career paths. Now I am working to push even further to master these realms of knowledge, and I believe that the SRP Program is the perfect opportunity to do so.

Lightning Talk Title

Pixels and Perception – My Journey into Computer Vision

Keywords (Maximum 20 words)

Academic Background: Stochastic Processes; Numerical Analysis; Non-Linear/Linear Programming; Neural Network Current Research/Research Interests: Computer Vision; Inventory Control NNs; BP Modeling