Drishti
Summer Research 2022 - Students' Thoughts and Experiences
Kapil Panda - Early Summer Research Student / Portfolio Optimization / Dr. Steven Owen
“We are using ML and CS in portfolio optimization to figure out better strategies compared [to those of] traditional models [including] the markowitz and black litterman models that portfolio managers can look at for reference and follow. The business aspect of my research is very new to me, so that has definitely been a learning curve. [Fortunately], my professor is very encouraging and always supports me; so, anytime I am struggling to understand [a concept], he is there to help me and guide me through any hurdle I have.
Victor Lin - Early Summer Research Student / Quantum Computing Research / Dr. Yuanxi Wang
“We are trying to come up with an algorithm that can predict possible defect qubits -- a quantum bit that is used for computing. Currently, we are focusing on vacancy defects -- a defect in the crystal in the absence of a certain atom that creates an anomaly in electron flow which can be used as a computing bit. The final goal is to reliably [predict formation energies of defect based qubits using] a model that takes in physical and chemical properties of a certain piece of material for quantum computing and eventually create a quantum computing system that can surpass modern computers.”
Anshuman Singhal - Summer Research Student / Artificial Intelligence Research / Dr. Mark Albert
“The best piece of advice I could give [to future SR students] is a quote from Abraham Lincoln -- ‘Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.’” The way I translate that is that it is okay to spend three weeks learning because you are new and a high-school student. If you can spend those three weeks learning and equip yourself with the knowledge you need, your next week will be much more efficient and productive."
Daniel Xiao - Summer Research Student / Computational Neuroscience Research / Dr. Fred McMahan
“Working for hours and working in a group with other TAMS students in-person [is a skill I have gained through summer research]. We have to know what the other person is doing. [For example], with GitHub, you can’t work on the same file at the same time or else you’ll have a merge conflict; so, collaborating with other people and checking up on their progress [is vital] and has been pretty successful as we managed to complete the project.”
Eric Peng - Summer Research Student / Quantum Computing Research / Dr. Yuanxi Wang
“We had online school for a year and another nine-weeks, so I liked the transition to TAMS. It felt nice to have a new environment [at TAMS especially since] I talked to the same people during online school. [TAMS] also helped a lot with my motivation since there were people who shared the same goals which improved my morale. Coming out to TAMS also allowed me to participate in the Amazon Web Services Competition where I was able to work with Dr. Fu who provided resources such as the AWS academy.”
William Hua - Summer Research Student / Cybersecurity Research / Dr. Krishna Kavi
“A big challenge is finding what to modify [in Gem5]. We spend a lot of time experimenting with Gem5 and trying to modify the cache memory files. We usually never get things right the first time and normally we spend almost a week getting one thing done. At times, it gets frustrating since we’ve been pondering on the same tasks for quite some time; however, [we address these challenges] through patience, carefully debugging, and making sure our results are what we want.”
Jayanth Pandit & Yousuf Khalid - Summer Research Student / Engineering Research / Dr. Kamesh Namuduri
Pandit and Khalid are developing a system of drones that can use searching algorithms that go through environments in order to determine safe escape pathways for civilians. Some challenges they faced involved finding softwares that could optimize the drones and creating a stable network that encompasses regular communication. Currently, they are still looking through mapping simulation programs that could best test their drones.
