In part one, we meet computer science Assistant Professor Stephen Ramsey, who uses computational modeling to look deep into the human genome. His goal: predict who among us is more susceptible to heart disease. The information could determine not only who will benefit most from preventive action, but may even lead to new drugs for treating cardiovascular disease.
We then shift from humans to the world of plants and animals with Ph.D. student Caitlin Condon and Ph.D. candidate Delvan Neville from the Radioecology Research Group in the School of Nuclear Science and Engineering. They are both creating voxel phantom models: Caitlin for pine trees, and Delvan for marine life. By creating these 3-D models, they hope to begin to much more accurately understand radiation dose rates in biota.
https://engineering.oregonstate.edu/season-1-data-science-and-engineering/hearts-and-phantoms-s1e6
The Monte Carlo method conjures images of a suave gambler beating the house in Monaco. In reality, Monte Carlo methods are computational algorithms that use randomness to solve problems.
In this episode we hear from Todd Palmer, professor of nuclear engineering, about his use of Monte Carlo simulations in nuclear power. In addition, find out how Haizhong Wang, assistant professor in transportation engineering, is incorporating Monte Carlo to model tsunami evacuation routes in the Cascadia Subduction Zone.
Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and YouTube.
https://engineering.oregonstate.edu/season-1-data-science-and-engineering/odds-and-ends-s1e5
In this episode, we find out how researchers are utilizing unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs) to gather data.
Dr. Dan Gillins, affiliated faculty member, along with his brother Matt Gillins, a graduate student at Oregon State, is conducting research on the feasibility of using UAVs to conduct bridge inspections. Gillins’ research seeks to determine if UAVs can help defray some of the cost and eliminate some of the risk involved with traditional bridge inspections.
COE postdoctoral researcher Dr. Eric Becker developed a UAV-mounted Radiation Compass that maps radiation sources autonomously in real time. The Radiation Compass weighs only 650 grams and can be built for $3,000 giving it a major advantage over current detectors.
The age of Big Data and cloud computing has created greater demand for advanced cryptography. To store data on the cloud safely it must be encrypted; in order to use the data it needs to be decrypted, at which point it becomes vulnerable to attacks. Professors Mike Rosulek and Attila Yavuz are finding new ways to perform operations on encrypted data without leaking critical information.
Professor Glencora Borradaille teaches workshops and a new class on personal computer security to empower people to protect their own data. With community organizer Michele Charrete, she explains why people should be concerned about security and how to use tools encrypting email and anonymous web browsing.
https://engineering.oregonstate.edu/season-1-data-science-and-engineering/lock-and-key-s1e3
Xiaoli Fern, associate professor in computer science, explains how she and her team are using machine learning and bird song recordings to help biologists track bird populations. Plus, Geoff Hollinger, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, is teaching underwater robots to use human preferences to take on risk as they complete their scientific missions.
https://engineering.oregonstate.edu/season-1-data-science-and-engineering/sea-and-sky-s1e2
What is data science and engineering? To kick off the podcast season on this topic, Tom Dietterich, distinguished professor of computer science, explains what it is, how it is related to Big Data, and shares his thoughts on the pros and cons.
https://engineering.oregonstate.edu/season-1-data-science-and-engineering/pros-and-cons-s1e1
The teaser for Engineering Out Loud--a brand new podcast from the College of Engineering at Oregon State University. We're telling the stories of how our research and innovation is helping change the world.