Final Report & Materials

Competitors will submit the following as a single Zip file, through a Qualtrics Link emailed to participants:

1. A final report document, a maximum of 3 pages, and a minimum of 10 pt Arial font with 1-inch margins all around. The report must be saved as a PDF file.

2. An executable code, such as a Jupyter notebook or a link to a GitHub repository; don’t just submit raw code.

3. A presentation slide deck describing the results of your work.  

Multiple updates are allowed before the deadline, but only the last submitted file will be reviewed, and no late submissions will be accepted.

Report Document—The report should include the following information at a minimum:

• Executive Summary: The summary of your analysis methodology, coding approach, and resulting insights.

• Problem Formulation and Methodology: Your specific approach and methodology to tackle the problem. Include a description of any Generative AI used in your project.

• Modeling and Outcomes: Description of models or predictions derived from analysis, discussion of limitations and uncertainties, and the following outcomes:

  • Predicted local track variation along the laser path.

  • Predicted local track width and/or boundary positions.

  • Track variation descriptors such as roughness, waviness, or local boundary variance.

  • Quantitative comparison with profilometer-derived ground truth.

  • An uncertainty estimate for the predicted geometry, where applicable.

• Conclusion: A short interpretation of how thermal image behavior relates to final track variation.

• [Optional] Visualizations: You can include data visualizations. including a description of what the visualization is conveying and why it is included in your report.

• [Optional] Appendix: 

Executable Code—Your submission should include a Jupyter notebook or a link to a GitHub repository; don’t just submit raw code. Reuse is OK, but you must acknowledge any external sources used.

Presentation Slide Deck—Presentations should be self-contained in a single PowerPoint file or a similar format (e.g., PDF). The judges will select 3–5 finalists, who will have 10 minutes during the Final Event to present (including Q&A with the judges). The top three teams will win prizes, as well as special prizes awarded for Best Presentation Design and Most Innovative Approach.