Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering Newsletter Issue 1 Spring 2013
Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Proud To Be an Engineer!
Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering Department of Electrical Engineering And Computer Science
CONTENTS
Newsletter Issue 1 Spring 2013 Faculty and Staff
Message from Chairman
2
Faculty Research Grants
3
Security Engineering Minor Program
5
Faculty Publications
6
Faculty Research Labs and Facilities
9
Student Research beyond the Classroom
10
Student Organizations
11
Robotics Program
14
Faculty and Student Recognized
15
Alumni Spotlights, Fast Track
16
Pathways Student Research Symposium
17
Supporting Statements, Upcoming Events
18
Dr. Rajab Challoo, Chair and Professor Dr. Mohamed Abdelrahman, Professor Dr. Robert J. Diersing, Professor Dr. Wei-Da Hao, Assistant Professor Dr. Young Lee, Assistant Professor Dr. Chung S. Leung, Associate Professor Dr. Lifford Mclauchlan, Associate Professor Dr. Claudio Montiel, Assistant Professor Dr. Reza Nekovei, Professor Dr. Mais Nijim, Assistant Professor Dr. Syed Iqbal Omar, Professor Dr. Sung-won Park, Professor Dr. Amit Verma, Associate Professor Ms. Jeong Yang, Lecturer Dr. Muhittin Yilmaz, Assistant Professor Dr. Nuri Yilmazer, Assistant Professor Ms. Cynthia Cortez, Admistrative Assistant Mr. G.R. Benavides, EE/CS Lab Coordinator
Newsletter Committee Ms. Jeong Yang Dr. Chung S. Leung Dr. Lifford Mclauchlan Dr. Reza Nekovei Dr. Amit Verma
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Message From Chairman This first edition of our EECS newsletter offers you a sampling of the activities of our dedicated faculty and students and their exceptional work. Our department has the potential to be one of the most active and the largest departments in the Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering at Texas A&M University-Kingsville in a short few years. If you are a parent or a prospective student, our department has made a commitment to create an exciting and caring environment and provide the best possible and the state-of-the-art education to our students. Our department is fortunate to have a highly competent faculty with excellent academic training and diverse backgrounds. Our faculty members have international recognition, expertise and research in a broad spectrum of fundamental areas of electrical and computer engineering and computer science. Coupled with our state-of-the-art laboratories and funded research, our students are provided with opportunities to experience, perform and publish leading-edge research. Our national and international reputation attracts a high number of applications from well-qualified students all over the world. The successful placement of our graduates in high profile companies has enhanced the reputation of our programs. Our student organizations are stronger than ever with many on and off campus activities to get you excited and help you feel at home. I look forward to meeting you in person and showing you how exciting and rewarding it is to be a part of our engineering family. If you are an alumni or supporter of our EE and/or CS programs, I would like to thank you for your past support and will be extremely grateful for your generous future support of our programs. This support is extremely crucial to help build and maintain our programs at a higher level. I will actively seek your support to identify new opportunities, develop scholarship funds and acquire cutting -edge equipment to continuously upgrade and maintain our infrastructure. Your contributions of ideas, time and financial support will make a great difference in the lives of our aspiring students. Together, we will help them reach their potential to be the future leaders of our society, our industries and of this great nation. Enjoy reading the first edition of our newsletter and please feel free to contact me if you have any comments or questions. I look forward to hearing from you! Rajab Challoo Chair and Professor Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
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Faculty Research Grants Excel Student’s Research Opportunities National Priorities Research Program Grant from Qatar National Research Fund Faculty members Reza Nekovei (Lead PI) and Amit Verma (Co-PI) have been awarded a National Priorities Research Program(NPRP) grant of Qatar National Research Fund(QNRF) for their project, “Comprehensive Investigation and Development of Silicon Nanowire Based Photovoltaic Technology” in the amount of $1,041,562.55. As in demand for alternate and green energy increases, solar power has emerged as a front contender towards meeting those demands. Two issues with solar energy are limited efficiency of solar cells, as well as costs. The last few years has seen a serious worldwide effort to solve those issues through the utilization of nanomaterials. The proposed work will involve a strong experimental aspect, which will be led by Qatar University, with an equally strong theoretical support provided by the University of Washington and Texas A & M University-Kingsville. Broader impact: The work aims for a multi- disciplinary project and multi- institutional project in small diameter silicon nanowire based photovoltaic devices. It brings together scientists and engineers with diverse expertise. It will train a team of postdoctoral scholars, and graduate and undergraduate students in cutting-edge research. Intellectual Merit: This work is a first attempt towards a systematic exploration of silicon nanowires for solar power applications. The project addresses multiple challenges involving quantum mechanical based material change carrier transport and device modeling, system development and circuit behavior analysis, knowledge of nano- and microbased fabrication technology, and experimental characterization.
National Science Foundation Grant for Robert Noyce Scholarship Program Faculty members Young Lee (PI), Sung Park (Co-PI), and Mais Njim (Co-PI) have been awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant for their project, “Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program Capacity Building: Future STEM Teachers in South Texas (F(ST)2)” in the amount of $291,352 . The project is targeted at Capacity Building of Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, and it addresses the needs of the South Texas school districts and aims at alleviating the shortage of certified K-12 mathematics, technology, and science teachers. The overarching goal of this project is to create the Future STEM Teachers in South focused on encouraging talented under graduate students in Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) majoring in Computer Science, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Geoscience, and Physics to become certified K-12 STEM teachers in South Texas. Hispanic high school students in South Texas ultimately will be the beneficiaries who are academically prepared and inspired to embark on careers that involve Computer Science, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Geosciences, and Physics. Dr. Young Lee is a principal investigator to facilitate meetings and develop application materials, Dr. Sung Park will be overseeing all aspects of the program as a program director, Dr. Mais Nijim will be recruiting and outreaching to college and school district partners, and Ms. Jeong Yang will be developing a cyber social community system for the stakeholders involved in this project.
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Recent Electrical Engineering and Computer Science External Research Grants
“Comprehensive Investigation and Development of Small Diameter Silicon Nanowire Based Photovoltaic Technology”, Reza Nekovei(Lead PI), Manjeri Anantram(Co-PI), Amit Verma(Co-PI), Mahmoud Khader(Co-Lead PI), NPRP Qatar Research Foundation, Jan 2013 – December 2015, $1,041,562.55.
“Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program Capacity Building: Future STEM Teachers in South Texas (F(ST) 2)”, Young Lee (PI), Sung Won Park (Co-PI), Monica Wong-Ratcliff (Co-PI), Reza R. Ahangar (Co-PI), Mais Nijim (Co-PI), Cheng C. Chen (Evaluator), Jeong Yang (Senior Programmer), National Science Foundation (NSF), October 1, 2012 – September 30, 2014, $291,352.
“Security Engineering: Development of Curriculum and Research for Homeland Security”, Selahattin Ozcelik (PI), Nuri Yilmazer(Co-PI), Kai Jin(Co-PI), Mais Nijim(Co-PI), Hua Li(Co-PI), Department of Homeland Security, 2012-2014, $700,000.
“Javelina STEM Summer Program”, Muhittin Yilmaz(PI), Nuri Yilmazer(Co-PI), Carlos Garcia(Co-PI), Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), Summer 2012, $124,683.
“ A Framework in Windows for Network Traffic Analysis using GPU”, Wei-Da Hao(PI), US Air Force Research Extension Grant, 9/2012 – 12/2012, $9,000.
“ Cloud Computing Using Amazon EC2”, Wei-Da Hao(PI), Amazon Web Services Education Coursework Grant, 8/2012 – 7/2013, $4,000.
“ Measuring and Visualizing the Uncertainty on Internet Packet Delay Variation”, Wei-Da Hao(PI), Keesook Han (Mentor), US Air Force Visiting Research Faculty Program, 6/2012 – 8/2012, $25,000.
“ Emotionally Driven Text-to-Speech Facial Animation for Avatar”, Wei-Da Hao(PI), Homeland Security Summer Research Team Program for Minority Serving Institutions, 5/2012 – 8/2012, $30,000.
“Development of Texas Animal Control Association Membership Management System”, Young Lee (PI) and Jeong Yang (PI), Texas Animal Control Association (TACA), March 1, 2012 – August 31, 2013, $7,522.
“ Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) Center at TAMUK”, Wei-Da Hao(PI), Nvidia, Inc., 2/2012 – 3/2013, $27,000.
"Construction Scheduling with Primavera P6 for Kiewit Olympus TLP project", Young Lee (PI), Jeong Yang (Co-PI), Kiewit Offshore Services, Ltd., November 1, 2011 – October 31, 2012, $7,483.
“NUE: Nanoengineering Education in an Under-Represented Minority University”, Syed Omar(PI), Reza Nekovei(Co-PI), Amit Verma(Co-PI), Douglas Holton(Co-PI), David Stollberg(Co-PI), National Science Foundation, 2011-2012, $ 199,868.
Recent Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Internal Research Grants “Development of a Real-time Air Pollution Alert System Using Smart Phones”, Nuri Yilmazer(PI), Kou-Jen Liao(Co-PI), Young Lee (Co-PI), University Research Award Grant, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, 2012- 2013, $14,997. “RF/Microwave/Wireless Research for Intelligent Wireless Sensors”, Claudio Montiel(PI), Lifford McLauchlan(Co-PI), TAMUK University Research Award Competition, 2012-2013, $15,000.
“Wireless Sensor Network Lab in support of Graduate Education”, Mais Nijim(PI), Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans, TAMUK, August 2012, $40,300.
“Immune System Based Artificial Intelligence for Multiple”, Collaborating Mobile Robots, Selahattin Ozcelik(PI), Lifford McLauchlan(Co-PI), Dr. Muhittin Yilmaz(Co-PI), TAMUK College of Engineering , 2011-2013, approx. $20,000.00.
“Mobile Device Programming Laboratory in Support of Graduate Education and Economic Development”, Young Lee (PI), Robert Diersing (PI), University College/Office of Title V Program/PPOHA Internal Equipment Grant, 2011, $16,980. EECS 4
Department of Homeland Security Sponsored Security Engineering Minor Program In line with the mission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) will develop a multidisciplinary curriculum within the college of engineering in support of preparing engineering and science students for careers in areas related to our nation’s security. This multidisciplinary minor in Security Engineering will offer courses within the Departments of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and will be fostered by research activities relevant to DHS-STEM area of interest. This minor program will be open to all engineering, math, and science students who, are interested in this field. This program will focus on integrated study of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), image processing, data mining, optimization, and information analysis and modeling. Selected students for this program will receive $7000 scholarship in academic year, 10 weeks fully paid internship or summer research at DHS facility or DHS centers of Excellence, and earn a certificate in Security Engineering. Dr. Nuri Yilmazer will be offering a course, ‘Wireless Sensor Networks’, and Dr. Mais Nijim will be offering a course, ‘Data Mining’. In the Wireless Sensor Networks course, students will participate in developing image processing techniques to enhance the images. They will conduct the simulations by using MATLAB programming and learn the spatial filtering techniques and edge and line detection techniques which are widely used in image processing field. In the Data Mining course, students will participate in developing image and data mining techniques that will help in the image mining algorithms. They will be able to learn the current related theoretical algorithms and conduct simulations. They will learn feature extractions and predictions that could be used in other computer science or engineering related fields.
What is the true ‘Essence of Digital Signal Processing’? Dr. Sung-won Park published a book, “Essence of Digital Signal Processing”, Linus Publications, Inc., Deer Park, NY, 2011. (ISBN: 1-60797-204-2) Without knowing some important digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms, no aforementioned systems can be explained or understood. DSP has become an integral part of everyday life. This book introduces and explains every important aspect of the DSP. The book is an outgrowth of class notes used in the undergraduate and graduate signal processing courses at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. The book begins with review of complex exponentials, convolutions, Laplace and Fourier transforms in Chapter 1. In Chapter 2, the sampling process of an analog signal is explained. Then the discrete Fourier transform is defined by deriving it from the Fourier transform of a discrete-time signal that is expressed in terms of a train of weighted and delayed impulses. In Chapter 3, the z-transform is defined by deriving it from the Laplace transform of a sampled signal. Digital filters, mainly the finite impulse response (FIR) filters, are explained. The fast Fourier transform (FFT) that speeds up the computation of discrete Fourier transform is explained in Chapter 4 along with discrete Cosine transform (DCT). The DCT is used in JPEG and MPEG formats. Filter banks and subband coding in conjunction with the wavelet transform is explained in Chapter 5. The wavelet transform is selected for newer JPEG2000 format. In Chapter 6, quantization of a discrete-time signal is explained and various quantization techniques are explained. Especially sigma-delta modulation is explained in details. In Chapter 7, speech processing including linear prediction model of speech production is explained. Finally, adaptive signal processing with examples of noise cancellation is explained in Chapter 8. Also the parameter estimation of the infinite impulse response (IIR) system is explained. EECS 5
Department’s Faculty Publication Productivity Has Its Own Reputation
Recent Journal Papers
Z. L. Zong, J. Job, X. S. Zhang, M. Nijim, and X. Qin, "Case study of visualizing global user download patterns using Google Earth and NASA World Wind”, Journal of Applied Remote Sensing 6 (1), 061703 (October 09, 2012); doi: 10.1117/1.JRS.6.061703.
Stephen Canfield, Sheikh Ghafoor, and Mohamed Abdelrahman, “ Enhancing the Programming Experience for FirstYear Engineering Students through Hands-On Integrated Computer Experiences”, Journal of STEM Education: Innovations and Research, Volume 13, Issue 4, July-September 2012.
Taeg Hyun Kang, Young Lee, and Mais Nijim, “Task-Based Visualization using Merged View”, Journal of Communication and Computer, Vol. 9, No. 6, pp. 665-668, June 2012.
S. Park, W. Hao and C. S. Leung, “Reconstruction of Uniformly Sampled Sequence from Nonuniformly Sampled Transient Sequence Using Symmetric Extension,” IEEE Trans. on Signal Processing, Vol. SP-30, pp.1498-1501, March 2012.
Puran Adhikari and Mohamed Abdelrahman, “Modeling, Control, and Integration of a Portable Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System”, Transactions of the ASME – Journal of Fuel Cell Science and Technology, Vol. 9, Issue 1, February 2012.
D. Shiri, A. Verma, C.R. Selvakumar, and M. P. Anantram, “Reversible Modulation of Spontaneous Emission by Strain in Silicon Nanowires,” Scientific Reports, Nature Publishing Group, Vol. 2, p. 461, 2012.
J. Ramanujam and A. Verma, “Properties of PECVD a-Si:H Films for Photovoltaics: A Review,” Materials Express, Vol. 2, No. 3, p. 177, 2012.
S. Basavaraju, A. Verma, S.P. Morusupalli, and A. K. Buin, “Monte Carlo Study of Small Diameter Silicion Nanowire Field Effect Transistor,” Materials Express, Vol. 2, p. 164, 2012.
F. Urbani, D.W. Stollberg, and A. Verma, “Experimental Characterization of Nanofilm Microstrip Antennas”, IEEE Transactions on Nanotechnology, Vol. 11, p. 406, 2012 .
Young Lee, Victoria Christy Sathya Rajasekar, and Prawanth Reddy Kasula, “Accessibility of Website for Visually Challenged: Combined Tree Structure and XML Metadata”, GSTF Journal on Computing, Vol.2, No.1. pp. 7-10, 2012.
Young Lee and Jeong Yang, “Locating Reusable Classes Using Dependency in Object-Oriented Software,” GSTF Journal on Computing, Vol.2, No.1. pp.134-139, 2012.
Mais Nijim, “Conserving Energy in Real Time Parallel Disk Systems,” Journal of Computing, Volume 3, Issue 12, December 2011.
R. Challoo and R. Kotapalli,“Detection of Botnets using Honeypots and P2P Botnets,” International Journal of Computer Science and Security, Vol.5, Issue5, December 2011.
R. Challoo and S. Dubey, “Simultaneous State and Actuator Fault Estimation with Fuzzy Descriptor PMID and PD Observers for Satellite Control Systems,” International Journal of Robotics and Automation, Vol.2, Issue5, December 2011.
S. Li, T. Haskew, R. Challoo, and M. Nemmers, “Wind Power Extraction from DFIG Wind Turbines Using StatorVoltage and Stator-Flux Oriented Frames,” International Journal of Emerging Electric Power Systems, Vol.12, Issue3, Article7, June 2011.
Mohamed Abdelrahman, Ankush Gupta and Wael Deabes, "A Feature based solution to Forward Problem in Electrical Capacitance Tomography of Conductive Materials," IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement. Vol. 60, Issue 2, Feb. 2011.
Mais Nijim, Young Lee, Nuri Yilmazer, and Remzi Seker, “A data mining algorithm for multi level prefetching in storage systems”, Ubiquitous Computing and Communication Journal, pp. 10-19, 2011.
Mais Nijim, Muhittin Yilmaz, Xiao Qin, “CaPaS: An Optimal Security-Aware Cache Replacement Algorithm for Cluster Storage Systems,” International Journal of High Performance System Architecture, Vol. 3, No. 4, 2011, pp. 216-232.
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Department’s Faculty Publication Productivity Has Its Own Reputation
Recent Conference Papers
R. Challoo, A. Oladeinde, N. Yilmazer, S. Ozcelik, L. Challoo, "An Overview and Assessment of Wireless Technologies and Co-existence of ZigBee, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Devices," Complex Adaptive Systems Conference, Washington D.C., November 2012 .
C. M. Montiel, "Folded Planar Marchand Balun with Improved Isolation for Radio Frequency Automated Test Equipment Applications," 80th Microwave Measurement Symposium, Advances in Wireless Communications Test & Measurements, Automatic RF Techniques Group (ARFTG), November 27-30, San Diego, California, 2012, pp. 6-8.
R. Shah, S. Ozcelik, and R. Challoo, "Design of a Highly Maneuverable Mobile Robot," Complex Adaptive Systems Conference, Washington D.C., November 2012
Ali Al-Uraiby, Kenji Yoshigoe, Remzi Seker, Radu F. Babiceanu and Nuri Yilmazer, “FPGA Implementation of Low-profile Wake-up Radio Receiver for Wireless Sensor Networks,” IEEE Global Conference on Consumer Electronics (GCCE), Tokyo, Japan, October 2012.
Nuri Yilmazer, Kuo-Jen Liao, Young Lee, Juan Mora, and William Webb, “Development of A Real-Time Air Pollution Alert System Using Smart Phones,” International Conference on Distributed Multimedia Systems (DMS), pp 39-41, Miami, FL, August 2012.
S. Park, “Comparison of Two Methods for Reconstruction of Uniform Sampling from Nonuniform Sampling,” Proceedings of the IASTED International Conference on Modeling and Simulation, Banff, Canada, July 2012, pp. 148-152.
Muhittin Yilmaz, Selahattin Ozcelik, Nuri Yilmazer, and Reza Nekovei, “A Two-Semester Project Based Robotics Curriculum,” American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), AC 2012-5002, San Antonio, TX, June 2012.
R. Fares, B. Romoser, Z. Zong, M. Nijim, X. Qin, “Performance Evaluation of Traditional Caching Policies on a Large System with Petabytes of Data,” Proc. 7th IEEE International Conference on Networking, Architecture, and Storage, June 2012
Mohamed Abdelrahman, Reza Nekovei, and Alexandra Chincarini, "Spy Code: A Learning Module Linking Nano-tubes Research Experience to Teaching Algebra," American Society for Engineering Education, San Antonio, TX, June 2012
Larry D. Peel and Mohamed Abdelrahman, "Fabrication and Testing of a Simple “Bionic Arm” Demonstrator with an Artificial Tendon," ASEE Conference, San Antonio, TX, June 2012.
Nicole Lynn Sears, Jeffrey L. Beynon, Raul C. Rivas, Mohamed Abdelrahman, and Patrick L. Mills, "Citrus Waste Biorefinery: Effects of temperature, particle size reduction and lime pretreatments on Grapefruit processing waste (GPW) biomass," ASEE Conference, San Antonio, TX, June 2012.
Lee Clapp, Mohamed Abdelrahman, and Petronilo Estandarte Pana, "Using either Hydrogen or Dithionite as Reductant in Uranium Contaminated Groundwater at Post-Leach Uranium Mining Sites, South Texas," ASEE Conference, San Antonio, TX, June 2012.
J.A. Ortega-Saenz, Hua Li, and Mohamed Abdelrahman, "Study of the behavior of Shape Memory Polymers in the Active Disassembly Process," ASEE Conference, San Antonio, TX, June 2012.
Lee Clapp, Marisa Hamilton and Mohamed Abdelrahman, "Validity of the Methodology for Establishing Baseline Water Quality for Uranium," ASEE Conference, San Antonio, TX, June 2012.
Larry D. Peel and Mohamed Abdelrahman, "Studying the Physical Properties and Auxetic Behavior of 3D-printed Fasteners," ASEE Conference, San Antonio, TX, June 2012.
Yan Xu, and M. Yilmaz, "A learning module using engineering design process and legacy cycle for a freshman Robotics class," ASEE Conference, San Antonio, TX, June 2012.
M. Mehrubeoglu, Evan Ortlieb, L. McLauchlan, and Linh Pham, “Capturing reading patterns through a real-time smart camera iris tracking system,” Proc. of SPIE Volume 8437: Real time Image and Video Processing 2012, May 2012.
C. M. Montiel, "Folded Marchand Balun Design and Validation Using Sonnet," 28th Annual Review of Progress in Applied Computational Electromagnetics, April 10-14, Columbus, Ohio, 2012 ACES, pp. 680-685.
Mais Nijim, Young Lee, and Kiran Bellam, “HyBuM: Hybrid Energy Efficient Architecture for Mobile Storage Systems,” 9th IEEE International Conference on Information Technology: New Generation, April 2012.
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Recent Conference Papers
R. Challoo, and S. Dubey, “T-S Fuzzy PMID Descriptor Observer Method for Robust Actuator Fault Estimation of Satellite Attitude Control Systems,” 9th European Workshop on Advanced Control and Diagnosis, Budapest, Hungry, November 2011
S. Ozcelik, H. Prakash, and R. Challoo, “Two Axis Solar Tracker Analysis and Control for Maximum Power Generation,” Complex Adaptive Systems Conference, Chicago, IL, November 2011.
M. Dobriyal, N. Yilmazer, and R. Challoo, “Performance Analysis of Spectral Estimation Techniques for Steady State Visual Evoked Potentials (SSVEPs) Based Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs),” IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, Anchorage, Alaska, October 2011
M. Mehrubeoglu and L. McLauchlan, “Multidimensional feature extraction from 3D hyperspectral images,” Proc. of SPIE Volume 8136: Mathematics of Data/Image Pattern Recognition, Compression, Coding, and Encryption XIV, with Applications, pp. 81360D-1 - 81360D-12, Sept. 2011.
L. McLauchlan and M. Mehrubeoglu, “Fractal Based Watermarking of Color Images,” Proc. of SPIE Volume 8136: Mathematics of Data/Image Pattern Recognition, Compression, Coding, and Encryption XIV, with Applications, pp. 813605-1 813605-8, Sept. 2011.
Mais Nijim, Yousef Nijim, Remzi Seker, and Vamshi Reddy, “DM-PAS: A Data-Mining Prefetching Algorithm for Storage System, “IEEE International Symposium on Advanced of High Performance Computing and Networking, September 2011.
R. Challoo, S. Terala, and L. Challoo, “The World of Nanotechnology and Its Applications,” 4th International MultiConference on Engineering and Technological Innovations, Orlando, FL, July 2011
Chung S. Leung, and Wei-Da Hao, “Piezo Electric Sensors for Monitoring Airport Surface Movement - A Sustainable Airport Ground Traffic Management System,” 2011 IEEE Forum on Integrated and Sustainable Transportation System, June 29 – July 1, 2011, Vienna, Austria, pp 353- 357.
Faculty’s Research Work Leads Patentable Results
US Patent 7,952,783 B2 Published May 31, 2011, Steve Holmes, Clint Rollins, Margaret Brown, Michael L. Schaaf, Bruce C. Rothaar, Robert Jackson, Lifford McLauchlan, Mehrube Mehrubeoglu, and Gregory Schneider, “Scanning Mirror Control,” Microvision, assignee.
US Patent 8,249,120 B2 Published August 21, 2012, Margaret Brown, Joel Hopkins, Jenchao Lin, and Lifford McLauchlan, “Closed Loop Laser Control,” Microvision, assignee.
US Patent 8,165,179 B2 Published April 24, 2012, Margaret Brown, Joel Hopkins, Jenchao Lin, and Lifford McLauchlan, “Closed Loop Laser Control,” Microvision, assignee.
Provisional Patent: F. Urbani, D.W. Stollberg, and A. Verma, “Steerable RF NanoAntenna,” Provisional Patent Number US 61/514,515, United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Students Visited Georgia Institute of Technology The Electrical Engineering senior students attended the Georgia Institute of Technology to use fabrication facilities for their senior design project under supervision of Drs. Amit Verma, Reza Nekovei, and Syed Iqbal Omar.
Veneranda Castro, Oscar Hernandez, and Jorge Figueroa, Developing a Split-Gate Carbon Nanotube Solar Cell
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Faculty Research Labs and Facilities CRISS: Controls, Robotics, Intelligent Systems and Sensors Research Laboratory CRISS Research Laboratory aims at supporting and nurturing innovative research and development of products and services in the field of Intelligent Systems, Sensors, Controls and Robotics. It is committed to creating a stimulating and supportive environment for innovative research.
CRISS is a multi-disciplinary Laboratory combining Mechanical and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Departments, and it can be considered to be made up of four basic tiers researching in; Intelligent Systems, Sensors, Controls and Robotics. The directors are Dr. Rajab Challoo and Dr. Selahattin Ozcelik, advisor is Dr. Mohamed Abdelrahman, and associate directors are Dr. Lifford McLauchlan for Robotics Track, Dr. Dazhi Sun for Systems Track, Dr. Muhittin Yilmaz for Controls Track, and Dr. Nuri Yilmazer for Sensors Track.
NanoElectronics NanoElectronics research group is lead by Drs. Reza Nekovei, Amit Verma, Syed Iqbal Omar, and David Stollberg . This lab has a current project titled “Nanotechnology Education in an under-represented minority institution” sponsored by National Science Foundation(NSF). Research lab offers a course “Introduction to NanoElectronics” to teach the following:
The Characterization as well as fabrication of materials at the nanoscale.
The simulation of materials and devices at the nanoscale.
The principles of the design of devices at the nanoscale.
The principles of the design of logic systems using nanoelectronic devices. www.tamuk.edu/engineering/research/nano/
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Scanning Electron Microscope
Characterization System with Probe Station
ios Platform
Student Research beyond the Classroom Two Computer Science undergraduate students, William Webb and Juan Mora, participated in the research project, “Development of an Air Pollution Alert System: Integrating Air Quality Forecasting Frameworks and Location-aware Mobile Devices”, granted by AT&T Technology and Environment Award Program(2011). These students developed a real time Environmental Alert System (EAS) on the Apple ios and Google Android platforms, as they have gained the major market share of smart phones. They used EAS to improve current air pollution alert systems: Air quality is simulated using atmospheric photochemical models and updated every hour. EAS identifies and updates locations of users of mobile devices, and alerts are sent to users in forecasted pollution areas. The work was guided by Drs. Kuo-Jen Liao , Nuri Yilmazer, and Young Lee.
Computer Science senior student Sara Munoz and faculty Dr. Wei-Da Hao joined the Air Force Research Laboratory's Information Directorate (AFRL/ RI) in summer 2012 for a project titled ‘Network Traffic Classification using 3D Visualization’. In this project 3D globe is used as the medium for visualizing the network traffics from different locations. This summer research program was sponsored by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). In this program, TAMUK faculty and students will have research opportunities in AFRL/RI for 8-12 week during the May-September period. AFRL/RI's goal is to provide a rewarding experience to the candidates from the academic research communities.
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Students Build Skills in Organizations Computer Science Association (CSA) Computer Science Association( CSA) received a “Because You Care Award“ sponsored by Keep Kingsville Beautiful (KKB) for their excellent community service, October 8, 2012. They were taken a picture with the KKB board and presented the award by the Mayor, Sam Fugate. CSA was established to develop a better understanding of the theoretical foundations of information, computation, implementation, and application in digital systems, to network with like-minded individuals towards a common goal in the field of Computer Science and Software Engineering, and to be involved in the local community. CSA occasionally conducts a short workshop to cover a range of topics from Computer Science related to Mathematics related. They are currently preparing for the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) to be held in Spring 2013. The CSA officers are Niki Arevalo (President), Miguel Rodriguez (Vice President), Mark Martinez (Secretary), Gaylon Taylor (Treasurer), and Richard Almaraz (Historian), and their faculty advisor is Dr. Young Lee. http://tamukcsa.weebly.com/
Eta Kappa Nu (HKN) Eta Kappa Nu (HKN) is the Electrical Engineering Honors Society at TAMUK. Last year they inducted 10 new members and this year they are proud to have six potential members. They are currently involved in the Javelina Engineering Student Success Center's transfer student mentoring program. The members are serving as mentors to new transfer students that are currently enrolled in the disciplines of electrical, mechanical, and chemical engineering. As mentors, members are making sure the mentees know about all the services our university has to offer, student organizations available, and offer tutoring services if needed. HKN recently participated in providing lab tours to High School and community college students from all across the valley. HKN will be participating in the Can You Build Food Drive, where they are collecting cans to donate to those in need and building a structure with our donated cans to compete with other organizations. The HKN officers are Sixto Almazan (President), Florent Fotue (Vice President), Dollie Molina (Recording Secretary), Eric Wineman (Corresponding Secretary), and John Solis( Treasurer), and their faculty advisor is Dr. Muhittin Yilmaz. https://tamuk.collegiatelink.net/organization/eta-kappa-nu-electrical--comp-eng
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Students Build Skills in Organizations Robotics Club https://tamuk.collegiatelink.net/organization/robotics The purpose of the Robotics Club is to create among students a general interest in robotics. The Robotics Club has been very involved, both in the community and at the university level. In the past, the Robotics Club has participated in events, such as “The Bigger Event,” which is a community-wide community service event in Kingsville. They helped out at the unveiling of the Dotterweich statue. They have also participated in several beach clean-ups and have traveled to various high schools to talk to their robotics clubs. The club has also participated in Preview Days, where the club was showcased to get more students interested in engineering. Robotics Club has mentored high school students to prepare for the BEST robotics competition, as well as actually helping out at the event. The club will continue to do this. Robotics has also helped out in the past Engineering Days that were put together by the university. Robotics has had various fundraising events to raise money for the organization and its members. Some past fundraisers include selling root-beer floats at the Spring Fling and selling T-shirts. The club sold non-alcoholic margaritas at this year’s Fall Carnival event for homecoming, which was a great success. Robotics also participates in the Region V competition at the IEEE conference. At last years’ competition, TAMUK teams placed 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th. The competition is very competitive and the other teams that participated were very impressed with the robots from the TAMUK teams. The club plans to participate in a community-wide canned food collection competition, as well as the community-wide Christmas parade. The Robotics Club officers are Dollie Molina (President), Dulce Barrera (Vice President), Razil Garbacz (Secretary), Ashish Reddy (Treasurer), Reshard Asmore (Historian), and Justin Ochoa (Webmaster), and their faculty advisor is Dr. Reza Nekovei.
Society of Women Engineers (SWE) http://swe-tamuk.weebly.com/ Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is dedicated to supporting women in engineering and technology. SWE got a donation of a TI-Inspire CX calculator by Dr. Mary E Green who is an assistant professor and graduate coordinator of Instructional Technology at TAMUK. Dr. Green won the calculator from Texas Instruments while she was attending an event where their new spokesperson, actress Dr. Mayim Bialik who plays Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler in Big Bang Theory on CBS, talked about engaging students and especially girls in STEM fields. The calculator is autographed by Dr. Mayim Bialik, and she was nominated for an Emmy for her role in July, 2012. SWE is preparing the raffle tickets to sell the calculator to raise money for scholarships for SWE members. The current SWE officers are Diane Flores (President), Josephine Gaona (Vice President), Gisela Alfaro (Secretary), Caitlin Fetterly (Treasurer), Jina Balogh (Historian), and Karina J. Perez (Webmaster), and their faculty advisor is Ms. Jeong Yang. EECS 12
Students Build Skills in Organizations Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineering (IEEE ) The Texas A&M University Kingsville Student Chapter of IEEE seeks to unite Electrical Engineering and Computer Science majors for the purpose of promoting the engineering profession. Institute of electrical and electronics engineers have been very involved in the community for the past couple of years. Every year two of the main community service projects this organization is involved in is the beach reach clean-up and the BIGGER event. They believe that the community has helped our organization grow and supported us, so volunteering at these major events are some of the many ways that IEEE gives back to the community. We have fundraisers to allow us to attend the IEEE Region 5 conference that is held at different locations every year where they participate in various design competitions. IEEE is an internationally known organization on both a student and professional level. The student branch also gives back to the members as well as the community. If it weren’t for the members, the student chapter of IEEE would be nonexistent. Socials are held during the regular year for our members. We also present our members the opportunity to attend career fairs and other conferences. For instance, every fall there is the career fair at college station where over 250 companies attend. This is always a good opportunity for our members to possibly obtain internships, co-ops, or even full-time positions. Another conference is the HENAAC conference that is held every year at different locations. This past year was held at Disney world in Orlando, Florida. This is another great opportunity for our members to network and get to know differThe IEEE officers are Daniel Cavazos ent engineers and recruiters of different com(President), Tiffany Custodio (Vice Presipanies. IEEE is a great well-rounded organizadent), Matthew Burke (Secretary), Sixto tion for electrical engineers and computer Almazan (Treasurer), Dulce Barrera science majors. The TAMUK student branch of (Historian), and Daniel Lopez (Webmaster), IEEE grows every year with prospective stuand their faculty advisor is Dr. Lifford dents of Texas A&M University-Kingsville. McLauclan. https://tamuk.collegiatelink.net/organization/ieee EECS13
Robotics Program
The robotics program which is a combined effort of the Departments of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) prepares undergraduate students for the current robotics field through a two semester curriculum. The program is mentored by Dr. Selahattin Ozcelik, Dr. Reza Nekovei, Dr. Nuri Yilmazer and Dr. Muhittin Yilmaz. The objective of this program is to develop multi-disciplinary robotic projects which have practical importance and also increase students’ ability, competency and teamwork skills on dealing with real-life engineering problems. This program achieves learning objectives for students with weaker science and mathematics background in an interdisciplinary course through hands-on interactive laboratory based approach. It also integrates college and high school level peer mentoring activities to attract under represented students to engineering fields. The students of this program developed a robot which is completely autonomous. The robot courses through three different simulated sources of renewable energy namely solar power, wind and water sources obtaining energy from those sources to raise a flag. The TAMUK Robotics team went 2011 IEEE Region-5 Robotics Competition and received 3rd place award. They will be competing again at the 2013 student robotics competition in Denver, Colorado in April 2013. http://www.tamuk.edu/engineering/robotics/
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Faculty and Students Recognized Faculty members and students were recognized by the Texas A&M University System awards, Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering dean’s awards, and department awards.
Dr. Sung Park, The Texas A&M University System Student Recognition Award for Teaching Excellence, awarded Fall 2011
Ms. Jeong Yang, The Texas A&M University System Student Recognition Award for Teaching Excellence, awarded Fall 2011
Dr. Rajab Challoo, Dean’s Award for Distinguished Service, awarded May 2012
Dr. Reza Nekovei, Dean’s Award for Distinguished Teaching, awarded May 2012
Dr. Nuri Yilmazer, Dean’s Award for Professor of the Year and EE Professor of the year, awarded May 2012
Dr. Mais Nijim, Dean’s Award for CS Professor of the year and Best Paper , awarded May 2012
Dr. Lifford McLauchlan, Dean’s Award for Distinguished Service, awarded May 2011
William Webb, Dean’s award for Outstanding CS Senior Student of the year 2011
Sarah Munoz, Dean’s award for Academic Excellence CS student of the year 2011
Jonny Gamez, Dean’s award for Outstanding Service CS student of the year 2011
Donella Delgado, Dean’s award for Outstanding EE Senior Student of the year 2011
Ruben Cardenas, Dean’s award for Outstanding Service EE student of the year 2011
Domingo Loria, Dean’s award for Academic Excellence EE student of the year 2011
Electrical Engineering undergraduate students Veneranda Castro, Oscar Hernandez, and Jorge Figueroa were selected for College of Engineering Senior Design Competition Winner of the year 2011 for their project titled “ Developing a Split-Gate Carbon Nanotube Solar Cell “.
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Computer Science Association( CSA) received “Because You Care Award“ sponsored by Keep Kingsville Beautiful (KKB) for their excellent community service in 2012.
Alumni Spotlights Ms. Leticia Garcia joined the Department of Manufacturing Engineering at The Lincoln Electric Company in June 2012. She holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M UniversityKingsville. She troubleshoots and conducts testing on printed circuit boards, works on cost reductions for parts, and creates innovative methods to improve process efficiency. Leticia has a great balance between office and lab time every day. Working at Lincoln Electric has provided her a great opportunity to utilize her degree while continuing to gain knowledge through hands-on experience. Ms. Madhuri Tullimalli completed her master in electrical engineering under supervision of Dr. Nekovei on FPGA delay analysis and synthesis in fall semester of 2012. She has joined Intel Corporation in Folsom California as Analog Design Engineer starting January 2013.
Mr. Daniel Hernandez, 2012 Computer Science graduate, works at the Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD) as a Program Manager/ Analyst. He is currently employed by a company called Quantell. His job is split into two portions: Program Analyst which is primarily involved with using a database at the depot that tracks aircraft production equipment and as a Program Manager he is in charge of nine other contractors where he is the point of contact between them and personnel who also work there that are not contractors. Mr. Shayan Sengupta received his master degree in electrical engineering during spring semester of 2012. He worked on parametric reconfigurable VLIW processors for highly intensive computations under supervision of Dr. Nekovei. He joined Altera Corporation in San Francisco Bay Area as Application Hardware Engineer upon his graduation.
Put Your Career on a Fast Track
The Fast Track MS program provides qualified undergraduate students a unique chance to start earning graduate credits during their senior year of study, setting them on a fast track to earn their Master’s degree.
Students earn undergraduate credits to satisfy the requirements of their undergraduate degree by examination, at no additional cost.
Students may apply to the graduate school for admission and use the earned credits towards an MS degree.
Highlights of the Fast Track Program
Prior to starting the senior year, interested student sign up for the Fast Track MS program.
Accepted students earn up to 9 graduate credits in their senior year, from a subset identified by the department.
Students take a exam, prepared by the department, prior to finishing the graduate course, to earn an undergraduate credit by examination.
The undergraduate course credits by examinations are used to satisfy their undergraduate degree requirements while the graduate course could be used towards an MS degree, after admission to graduate school.
Students do not pay tuition for the undergraduate course since the credit is awarded by examination.
With this proposed model, students could finish the degree requirements for MS in 12 months after their BS degree, upon admitted to graduate school.
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Annual Pathways Student Research Symposium The 10th Annual Pathways Student Research Symposium was held at Texas A&M University at Galveston on November 9 10, 2012. The following is a list of students who presented their research at this year’s annual Pathways.
A team of Electrical Engineering undergraduate students, Wolfgang Schwertner, Eric Wineman and Pedro Carmona, was recognized for placing top 5% in the undergraduate level research with a project titled “ Airport Taxiway Monitoring
System”. Advisor Dr. Chung S. Leung. Sara Munoz and Sam Huron, Computer Science Undergraduate, Network Traffic Classification Using 3D Visualization , "Contagion" - A Fun and In teractive Pandemic Outbreak Educational for the Masses , Advisor Dr. Wei-Da Hao
Cristoval Castillo, Electrical Engineering Master’s, Application-based Modeling of Successive Approximation Register Analogto-Digital Converters, Advisor Dr. Rajab Challoo
Pratyush Valluri, Electrical Engineering Master’s, Convex Power Optimization Framework for Storage Devices, Advisor Dr. Muhittin Yilmaz
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Nikhil Mantrawadi, Computer Science Master’s, Object identification and classification in a high resolution satellite data using data mining techniques, Advisor Dr. Mais Nijim
A K M Nazmus Sakib, Computer Science Master’s, Analysis of Security Protocol in Cluster Storage System , Advisor Dr. Mais Nijim
Sasikanth Pagadrai, Electrical Engineering Master’s, An Improved Delay Based MILP for Virtual Topology Design in Optical Networks, Advisor Dr. Muhittin Yilmaz
Chakrapani Saralaya, Electrical Engineering Master’s, Digitally – Reconfigurable Field Programmable Analog Array for Low Power Signal Processing, Advisor Dr. Reza Nekovei
Michelle Medina and Edwardo Moncevais, Computer Science Undergraduate, Organize It, Advisor Dr. Wei-Da Hao
Majid Shaik, Electrical Engineering Master’s, Hardware Modeling for Synthetic Aperture Radar DSP, Advisor Dr. Reza Nekovei
Madhuti Tullimall, Electrical Engineering Master’s, Studying Fast Ripple-Carry Adders in Standard-Cell CMOS VLSI , Advisor Dr. Reza Nekovei
Support our Electrical Engineering and/or Computer Science Programs If you would like to be supporter of our EE and/or CS programs, we will be extremely grateful for your generous support. We heavily rely on your support to develop scholarship funds and acquire cutting-edge equipment to continuously upgrade and maintain our infrastructure. Your contributions of ideas, time and financial support will make a great difference in the lives of our aspiring students. Your support will help our students reach their potential to be the future leaders of our society, our industries and of this great nation. If you would like to support our programs, please send us an e-mail at
[email protected] or call us at (361) 593-2004 and let us know how you would like to support our department. Here are some samples of how you can contribute to our department: □ I would like to contribute to the EE/CS department Student Scholarship Funds □ I would like to contribute to the EE/CS department Lab Equipment/Infrastructure Funds □ I would like to contribute to the EE/CS department Faculty Professional Development Funds □ I would like to contribute to the EE/CS department Research Funds □ $1000 □ $500 □ $200 □ $100 □ other $________
Dear Alumni! Get in touch ... and let us know... We would like to hear from you and know about your successes for our future issues of our newsletter. You can share your success stories or via e-mail. Please send the following information to
[email protected]. □ Name:
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Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering
A N I L
E V JA E D I PR
Frank H. Dotterweitch College of Engineering Department of Electrical Engineering And Computer Science Dr. Rajab Challoo, Chair and Professor MSC 192 700 University Blvd. Kingsville, TX 78363-8202 Phone: 361-593-2004 Fax: 361-593-4026
www.tamuk.edu/engineering/departments/eecs/
Texas A&M University-Kingsville is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Sothern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097: telephone number 404-679-4501) to award bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.