Research Philosophy

In addition to my graduate and undergraduate coursework, I have had the opportunity to work on some projects and supervised research. This has helped me gain insight into both the practical and the theoretical aspects of computer science as well as develop the analytical skills, the knowledge base and the level of maturity necessary for excelling in graduate studies and research. My current research is based on “Real time Motion Detection using Structure and Color” which has recently been accepted in the International Conference of Image Analysis and Recognition (ICIAR), 2009. Here detection using structure is carried out with the aid of information gathered from the Census Transform computed on gradient images based on Sobel operators and using color is done by computing temporal histograms, which allow efficient characterization without prior assumptions about color distribution in the scene. Also work is in progress for Developing a Foveal Visual System which was submitted at IEEE Workshop on Applications of Computer Vision (WACV) at Snowbird Utah, 2009.

I have been also worked in sequence analysis research such as RNA structure prediction mechanisms using Machine Learning algorithms formally known as "Optimizing cut in RNA sequences using Machine Learning". Apart from that my research activities include “Face Detection using Principal Component Analysis”, “Face Recognition and Tracking”, and “Predicting 3D structures of protein molecules” etc. However it was my undergraduate project on “Automatic Image Enhancement using Genetic Algorithms” that developed my interest in Computer Vision especially in Image Processing Techniques. The genetic algorithm has the capability to find an optimal solution and hence GA is used to determine the value of the parameters and multipliers, to obtain the exact form of the function for image enhancement. Here enhancement is being done by gray level rescaling where each pixel is directly quantized to a new gray level in order to improve the contrast of an image and the evaluation function is needed for quantifying the desired amount of enhancement.

I look forward to a career of research in the broad area of Computer Science after completing my graduate education at UTEP. It is well known that future research in the varied fields of science, engineering and humanities will heavily depend on computers in general. Being a researcher in computer science would enable me to solve real world problems first hand and thereby serve the society most directly. I feel that this is a most rewarding vocation and definitely one that I intend to pursue after my graduation.

Observations

In the fall of 2007 I was teaching the same course as I am teaching now in Elementary Data Structures and Algorithm. It was the first time I was doing a T.A. and I was a bit shaky. My classes revolved more around the traditional ways of teaching techniques involving fewer interactions with the students. As a result of which I had a lot of class reviews which directly stated that I needed to be more interactive and use active learning strategies such as group discussion, pair-share, problem-solving or the minute paper.
So this time I started with that in my mind and not surprisingly I have completed almost three parts of the semester using this strategy and I have been doing pretty well. Also one thing that has to be kept in mind is that this course is not the easiest to teach, covering a syllabus that would normally have been taught in almost 2 dedicated courses. The benefit of a course like this is that, the student gets a very broad overview of all these interrelated topics such as programming, design and partial analysis of algorithms. But on the other hand, because of a huge and diverse syllabus, all of which are again interdependent, if anybody gets left behind, it is really difficult to catch up. Teaching this course is made even more difficult by the fact that the audience is from a very diverse background. There are students from Electrical Engineering, students from Computer Science, students from Engineering Science and several others. Each of these students has different reasons, motivations and interests. So the course had to be constructed and presented in such a way, to be of use to everybody.
 In applying these ideas, I am really fortunate to get such helpful feedbacks from the peer observation and the teaching observation projects. The feedbacks are encouraging but have lots of important suggestions. For example, as mentioned earlier, the practice of breaking the pace of the lecture from time to time, the practice of encouraging the students when solving a difficult problem, by being part of their team in the endeavor rather than just giving out the solution, from a position of superior knowledge. I believe that all these things have been really helpful in improving my teaching and should continue to help me, when I teach this course next time.

Uncertainties in Professional Development Plan

“All the world's a stage”. Nowhere do Shakespeare’s eternal words ring more true than in the teaching profession. Each time a professor faces his class, it’s a challenge, and it’s a performance. Now sometimes in class I have a tendency to ask trivial questions to make sure everybody understands what I am trying to say. As a result, an estranged silence follows that does not signify the ability but indifference towards answering the question. On the other hand answering difficult questions involves understanding as well as assimilation of the material, and that takes time. The result of such a question is again an awkward silence. The trick, it appears is to ask the right questions which will challenge the students without intimidating them.

Similarly in a big class full of students with a wide range of intellectual abilities, there is often a natural tendency on my part to advance at a rate suitable to the more gifted students. In all fairness, that does not seem the right approach, rather the right speed has to be struck, so that no one is left behind. However I do try to know each of my students by name, but more than that, as persons. I believe it is this personal touch which makes all the difference. Obviously, all this is no substitute for knowledge and the content of the course but I think this creates the perfect friendly atmosphere where everybody can participate whole heartedly.

Also with the best interest of the students in mind, I often challenge my students with all sorts of interesting problems while teaching. And it is gratifying to note that the students could stand up to the challenge making the whole teaching process highly interactive. Interactive teaching has its pros and cons. As students you always have to be on your toes, but that way you really imbibe what you learn.

The most effective method that can be employed in this respect is to help students understand and retain the material discussed in class is through continuous evaluation and instant feedback. In fact every day felt like a quiz – not a formal intimidating quiz, but quite an exhilarating challenge which will help them take interest in the subject and retain as much as possible.