Papers & Presentations
These are selected academic papers and presentations from throughout my high school and college career. The papers listed here amount to over 44,000 words and 113 pages.
M.S. Thesis Proposal: Enhancing the Implicit Shape Model through Object Tracking
A literature review, details of the planned work (much of which is already complete), a schedule, diagrams, and references.
Bayesian Methods for Object Recognition
Written for my independent study course in computer vision. An introduction to Bayesian probability, Markov models, and their applications in computer vision. I use recent research projects in object recognition as “case studies”. My first paper written in LaTeX.
Tracking Objects in Video Using Constellation of Parts
Constellation of parts is a new object category recognition method in computer vision, using probabilistic modeling. This paper describes an implementation that uses temporal coherence to apply the constellation method to video. The goal is to produce an accurate and efficient hybrid recognition-tracking system. Two videos of the results are available.
Spatial and Temporal Relationships in Images and Video
An investigation of deriving spatial relationship metadata (such as “x is above y” or “x is far from y”) in video. Extends the R-Histogram work of Wang and others. Examines the possibility of producing additional temporal metadata from the R-Histograms of multiple video frames.
Artificial Immune Systems
An introduction to the artificial immune system soft computing paradigm from the perspective of genetic algorithms and neural networks. Describes the biological basis and computational organization of these systems. Compares the three paradigms in various ways to support the claim that artificial immune systems literally lie “between” the other two paradigms in a well-defined conceptual space.
Wireless Sensor Nodes as Intelligent Agents: Using Expert Systems with Directed Diffusion
We evaluate the intelligent agent perspective of wireless sensor network nodes, and propose and test (via simulation) an expert system that implements the directed diffusion sensor network paradigm. A partner in the project developed a (very intriguing) specialized expert system shell from scratch for use in the sensor nodes.
Problems with Definitions of Humanity and Human Nature
A short reflection paper discussing the problems that arise when defining human nature by a universal characteristic (the approach of most philosophies before the twentienth century). I propose an alternative approach inspired by Michel Foucault’s philosophy and Donna Haraway’s Cyborg Manifesto. I planned an exploration of the alternative approach and a discussion of questions and critiques it raises, but length requirements forced this to wait for a later paper.
Divisibility in F[x]
Proves in any polynomial ring F[x] that (x − 1) divides (xn − 1), for extra credit. Watch the induction unfold in one page or less.
Current Research on Data Storage Hardware and Software
Discusses the need for continued research on all levels of the data storage hierarchy — from hardware to operating system interfaces to file systems and management software. Cites research trends in storage hardware and file systems, and studies two examples in depth.
Creating Programming Languages Using XML
Discusses the features and feasibility of using XML as a basis for programming languages. Explains various attributes, as well as advantages, and disadvantages that XML programming languages share. Introduces examples in the four major programming language paradigms — imperative, applicative, declarative, and object-oriented. For added fun, I wrote the paper itself in XML, and you can view its direct translation via XSLT into a web page.
The IA-64 Architecture
An introduction to Intel’s first 64-bit computer architecture, IA-64. Covers data representation and parallel execution, hardware and software components, compilation and optimization, assembly programming, and the architecture’s future.
A Connection Between e and pi
This calculus problem derives a formula that relates e to pi. Also throws in multiplicative identity and the imaginary unit.
Justifying Heterogeneous Culture
This paper seeks to justify a culture of diversity (as opposed to an “assimilationist” one) by exploring the nature of moral identity in the context of cultural groups.
Killing on a Lifeboat
An analysis of a case from the perspective of Hobbes, Mill, and Kant. In the case, two men, driven to desperation by the scepter of starving in a lifeboat, kill a third person in the lifeboat for food.
Emergent Complexity and Artificial Intelligence
My high school senior paper explored recent advances in AI research, advancing a thesis that AI may be possible through modeling biological systems that develop the complexity of life by starting with a simple set of rules.