Three undergraduate students in the Warren B. Nelms Institute have received a 2024 University Scholars Program (USP) award to work on IoT-related research under the mentorship of Dr. Aaron Costin. The USP serves as a way to introduce undergraduate students to the world of academic research. University Scholars commit 8-10 hours per week on a research project under the guidance of UF faculty. Students from all disciplines are selected through a competitive process to participate in this program.
The projects focus on improving safety for construction workers and monitoring conditions on construction sites. Each student is utilizing the IoT-ACRES framework, which is the product of a collaborative NSF project led by Dr. Costin, Elements: Cyberinfrastructure Service for IoT-Based Construction Research and Applications. Nelms Institute faculty Dr. Janise McNair and Dr. Sanjeev Koppal are also Co-Principal Investigators on the project.
Aanya Bhandari is a USP Scholar in the College of Engineering:
“My project is called Designing a Microprocessor-based Heart Rate Monitor for Construction Workers. This project is focused on investigating the development of a heart rate monitor utilizing microprocessor technology, with the aim of revolutionizing cardiovascular health monitoring. By incorporating microprocessors into the device architecture, it seeks to transcend traditional limitations, offering real-time, precise monitoring capabilities for more efficient allocation of work, breaks, and resources to construction workers.”
Lauren Nunag is an AI Scholar in the College of Engineering:
“My AI Scholars project in the College of Engineering focuses on integrating artificial intelligence into a microprocessor-based heart rate monitor for construction workers. An Internet of Things system and advanced AI algorithms will analyze real-time data to predict health risks. Expected outcomes include improving safety standards and promoting proactive health management among construction workers.”
Srinidhi Pinni is a USP Scholar in the College of Design, Construction, and Planning:
“I am a freshman at UF double majoring in Microbiology and Data Science in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. My research topic is on infectious microorganisms found at a construction site. Since there are many microorganisms present in such an environment, I will only focus on 2-3 infectious microorganisms. My goal is to analyze these infectious organisms and conduct research to later make an infectious microorganism monitoring system for construction workers.”
