Research Assistants

Hardik Vora, MS in Computer Science and Engineering 

Project: Real-time Risk Modeling and Anomaly Detection using Wearable Sensors and Deep Learning 

Research interest: Wearable technology, EMG, Machine Learning, Generative AI

Bio: I am Hardik, a Master's in Computer Science student at Santa Clara University. I am working as a research assistant under Dr. Fatemeh Davoudi, on a project analyzing electromyography (EMG) signals to predict muscle strain and risk levels, with the aim to improve work safety and develop exoskeleton technologies. My academic and research interests lie at the intersection of Machine Learning, Generative AI, and Software Engineering, aiming to create innovative solutions that can improve human lives and make a global impact.

Arnold Nieto, MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Project: Signal Processing and Machine Learning for Assistive Technologies in Occupational Risk Assessment 

Research interest: Bio-wearables, Medical devices, Applied machine learning

Bio: Arnold Nieto, a graduate student, is part of the research team led by Dr. Fatemeh Davoudi. His major is Electrical and Computer Engineering, with a focus on embedded systems. Arnold brings a background in Biomedical Engineering from Santa Clara University. His research interests revolve around biotechnology, particularly in the realm of medical devices and biowearables. Additionally, he has developed an interest in applied machine learning and its application to medical device optimization.

Paul Li, BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering 

Project: Developing Aid Prototypes for Improving Occupational Ergonomics and Safety

Research interest: Robotics, Assistive technologies prototyping, Bio-sensors in occupational ergonomics

Bio: Paul (Shangyuan) Li, an undergraduate student, is part of the research team led by Dr. Fatemeh Davoudi. His major is Electrical and Computer Engineering, with a focus on Robotics. His research interests are developing assistive technology prototypes for improving occupational ergonomics and developing sensor-based systems for improving occupational ergonomics.

Aiden Taylor, BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering 

Project: Ergonomic Human-Robot Collaboration 

Research interest: AI, Machine learning, Quantum computing, Computational neurobiology

Bio: Aiden Taylor is a freshman at Santa Clara University studying Electrical and Computer Engineering. He has research interests in AI and machine learning, quantum computing, and computational neurobiology. Currently, he is working with Dr. Davoudi and Dr. Kyrarini on Human-Robot Collaboration research in ergonomics where he hopes to advance human knowledge and technology for the benefit of people.

Gavin Williams, BS in Computer Science and Engineering 

Project: Ergonomic Human-Robot Collaboration 

Research interest: Robotics, Automation

Bio: I’m an undergrad first-year student studying Computer Science and Engineering. My research interests include robotics and automation. I am particularly interested in using machine learning to manipulate the movement of the Franka Emika Panda robotic arm. I’m currently researching the ergonomic risks in human-robot collaboration.

Sara Akhtar, MS in Engineering Management and Leadership

Project: Impact of AI and Assistive Technologies on Entrepreneurial Growth and Workforce Inclusion in Manufacturing

Research interest: Inclusive Leadership with AI

Bio: Sara is a first year graduate student at Santa Clara University pursuing her Master's in Engineering Management and Leadership. She completed her Bachelor's in Software Engineering and worked at IBM developing SPSS Modeler (a predictive analytics tool). Her interest lies in researching the effectiveness of assistive technology in order to create a more inclusive environment.

Michael Mishkanian, BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering 

Project: Ergonomic Human-Robot Collaboration, Ergonomic Human-Robot Handovers Using sEMG Sensors

Research interest: Human-Robot Collaboration, Assistive Technology

Bio: Michael Mishkanian, a senior undergraduate student, is part of the research team led by Dr. Davoudi. He is currently pursuing a second BS and MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Dr. Davoudi is also an advisor for Michael's senior design project (Ergonomic Human-Robot Handovers Using sEMG Sensor). Michael is passionate about advancing assistive technology, specifically helping those with mobility, hearing and vision impairments.

Bharadwaj Parthasarathy, MS in Computer Science and Engineering 

Project: Manufacturing Analytics using Deep Learning 

Research interest: Deep Learning, Generative AI, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing

Bio: I am Bharadwaj,  a Graduate student majoring in Computer Science at SCU. My industry experience is on building distributed, scalable systems and some of my recent research interests include Deep Learning, Generative AI, Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing. I am currently working on a defect detection pipeline using Computer Vision and Deep learning for manufacturing reliability improvement, at the Machine Learning and Safety Analytics Lab here in SCU.