Research Statement

       The primary focus of my research is in the areas of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. I am currently working on applying various machine learning approaches on an important problem in bioinformatics. In this particular area, I am interested in developping new kernels for using in conjunction with the SVM model for classifying protein sites based on sequence, 3D structure, as well as other infromation available in various databases. In addition, I am also working towards applying machine learning techniques in the field of developmental robotics and vision.
       In the area of Human-Computer Interaction, I am interested in developping intelligent software and algorithms for interpreting human actions in a real or virtual reality environment. We are currently working on a project aimed at assisting humans during manufacturing tasks by detecting and alerting if a mistake is being made. The highlights of this work involve tracking human actions and movements, as well as making intelligent inferences regarding whether the manufacting task is being executed correctly. This project involves the development and deployment of a system capable of operating robustly in a real factory environment, as well as a virtual reality cave, such as the ones operated by the department of Human-Computer Interaction at Iowa State University.
       Last but not least, I am also working in the field of Developmental Robotics. I am particularly interested in implementing and evaluating computational models of child (as well as adult) development. Currently, I am assisting professor Alex Stoytchev in the development of a robot simulator (snapshots of which can be seen here) which would be especially suited for development and testing of such models in a dynamic, and realistic simulation. We are particularly interested in modeling early child development processes such as learning tool use, object grasping, and body schema encoding, among others.