For these academic year opportunities, please apply at https://e4e.ucsd.edu/join and specify the opportunity you are interested in. Our next round of applications will be processed at the start of the academic quarter. Keep in mind that projects do recruit outside of these opportunities as well.
Table of Contents
Acoustic Species ID – ML
On the Acoustic Species Identification team we aim to aid our San Diego Zoo collaborators in breaking into the passive acoustic monitoring field. As a preliminary deployment, our collaborators collected over four terabytes of audio recordings from the Madre de Dios region of the Peruvian Amazon. We are working to combine the powers of fields such as machine learning, digital signal processing, computer science, biology, and ecology to parse through and extract statistically significant indicators of ecological health from the world’s natural soundscapes that are begging to be heard.
Required Skills
- Python (Matplotlib, Scipy, Numpy)
Desired Skills
- Tensorflow, Pytorch
- DSP
- Research Skills
Acoustic Species ID – Population Sustainability Researcher
On the species identification team, we have been developing tools to identify the vocalizations of various fauna in environments around the world. We would love to have someone on the team that is able to translate our identifications into an understanding of the health of the biodiversity of an environment. It would also be nice to have someone in the life sciences field help us out with our audio array deployments.
Required Skills
- Python
- Statistics
- Ecology
- Zoology
- Surveying
Acoustic Species ID – Web Developer
The species identification team has developed an audio labeling system and we are constantly looking for web developers to help us in maintaining the website. The site can be checked out at https://pyrenote.duckdns.org
Required Skills
- React.js
- Python
- CSS
- HTML
- Linux
Acoustic Species ID – Web UI
The Acoustic Species ID team has developed a human audio labeling system called Pyrenote, and are interested in enhancing its User Interface to meet our liking. We have been bringing on volunteers to test out the platform and would want someone that could help translate some of their feedback into improvements to the website.
Required Skills
- CSS, HTML, React.js
- Github
Desired Skills
- Figma
- Customer Relations
- Python (backend)
Aye-aye Sleep Monitoring – Systems
On the Aye-Aye Sleep Monitoring Team, we have been developing tools (software/physical) that allow us to determine various characteristics of the Aye-Aye such as when they are sleeping. We are looking for a student to take on a thesis-level project to take this project to the deployable stage.
Required Skills
- Project management
- Systems engineering
- Good communication
- Good documentation
Desired Skills
- Familiarity with multidisciplinary engineering
- Python
- Linux
Baboons on the Move – Computer Vision Engineer
In the Baboons on the Move team, we are aiming to use drone footage to assist our collaborators in studying group-level decision-making. To that end, we are looking for a computer vision engineer who can take on the job of detecting and tracking baboons in our drone footage.
Required Skills
- Background with Git/GitHub
- Background in Python, C++, or Matlab
- Background with Computer Vision Techniques
Desired Skills
- NVIDIA CUDA
- PyTorch/Tensorflow
- Bayesian Filters
- Experience reading and writing scientific papers
Baboons on the Move – Systems Engineer
In the Baboons on the Move team, we are aiming to use drone footage to assist our collaborators in studying group-level decision-making. To that end, we are looking for a systems engineer to support the architecture of the project. Responsibilities for this position include both program and project management. You will oversee the evaluation and comparison of competing algorithms to spot.
Required Skills
- Project management
- Systems engineering
- Good communication skills
- Good documentation skills
Desired Skills
- Familiarity with multidisciplinary engineering
- Experience reading and writing scientific papers
FishSense – Computer Vision/Machine Learning Engineer
FishSense is aiming to build fish detection and volume estimation algorithms using RGBD data. A CV/ML engineer would work with training detection models, testing said models, and connecting the data science work with the Scripps scientific divers who will be primarily operating the devices.
Required Skills
- Python programming
- Github
- SSH
- Basic Machine Learning Concepts
Desired Skills
- PyTorch
- TensorFlow
- Object Detection Project experience
- Familiarity with advanced models, especially FasterRCNN/YOLO
FishSense – Electrical Engineer
As an Electrical Engineer with FishSense, you will be supporting power/IO and low-power system integration. You will be responsible for designing customized PIO boards that can drive the components in the FishSense system, as well as overall electrical optimizations to the modules. Modifying power & heat requirements for different environments will also be necessary. No prior experience is required! A good electrical engineer has a passion for developing PCBs using their design software of choice, enjoys assembling & debugging electrical boards, is a strong communicator, and is willing to learn more about power management and all the skills necessary for putting boards together!
Desired Skills
- Experience designing PCBs
- SMD & throughhole soldering & electrical debugging experience
- Past classes or project experience involving power management & embedded systems
FishSense – Embedded Systems/Software Engineer
As an Embedded Systems Engineer with FishSense, you will be supporting Nvidia Jetson TX2, Nano and/or Xavier development. You will be responsible for optimizing real-time fish assessment models using CUDA, and interfacing with the 3-D camera & other sensors on a firmware level. No prior experience is required! A good embedded systems engineer is excited to experiment with hardware in the lab, communicate findings & roadblocks with the team, and peruse technical documentation & research papers on their own!
Required Skills
- Strong background with Python, C, and C++ as system programming languages
- Strong background in embedded systems/software
- Strong familiarity with image processing/CV
- Strong familiarity with software documentation processes and tools
- Strong background with systems requirements development, integration, test/analysis, and documentation
- Strong familiarity with developing, testing, and documenting human-centric processes
- Strong familiarity with identifying and developing solutions for practical and real-world problems
Desired Skills
- Familiarity with circuit design, assembly, test, and documentation
- Familiarity with software testing
- Basic familiarity with ML model design
- Familiarity with data engineering, data analysis
- Familiarity with reading/writing research papers
- Familiarity with research-oriented statistics
FishSense – Mechanical Engineer
As a Mechanical Engineer with FishSense, you will be contributing to the design and fabrication of our prototype units, and any additional materials that need to accompany the units to make them easily deployable in the field.
Required Skills
- SolidWorks
- Mechanical design, analysis, and prototyping
- Technical documentation
Desired Skills
- Good communication skills for interviewing end users
Hardware Team – Electrical Design
Engineers for Exploration develops a number of systems to support scientists in conducting scientific studies. These systems often contain experimental technologies, but need to survive in harsh austere environments such as in jungles, ocean depths, or the desert, as well as for long periods of time. We are looking for a team of students to help with developing and building the electrical components for several of these systems. This team will be supporting every project that involves hardware, which enables students to get a broad range of experience with various types of design spaces. We would be looking for students to commit at least 4 hours a week.
Required Skills
- Altium Designer or Autodesk Eagle
- Electrical design, analysis, and prototyping
- Technical documentation
Desired Skills
- Rapid prototyping and design
- Experience with soldering
Hardware Team – Mechanical Design
Engineers for Exploration develops a number of systems to support scientists in conducting scientific studies. These systems often contain experimental technologies, but need to survive in harsh austere environments such as in jungles, ocean depths, or the desert. We are looking for a team of students to help with developing and building the mechanical components for several of these systems. This team will be supporting every project that involves hardware, which enables students to get a broad range of experience with various types of design spaces. We would be looking for students to commit at least 4 hours a week.
Required Skills
- SolidWorks
- Mechanical design, analysis, and prototyping
- Technical documentation
Desired Skills
- Rapid prototyping and design
- Experience with building hardened systems
Mangrove Monitoring – ML
The Mangrove Monitoring ML team develops state of the art algorithms for classifying mangrove imagery using high-resolution drone and satellite imagery. We are looking for experienced students to help in the further improvement of our current algorithms and for the development of new algorithms with a focus on publications.
Required Skills
- Computer Vision/Deep Learning Knowledge
- Data Science Fundamentals
- Experience with CNN/Unet Architectures
- Experience with Data Analysis Libraries (pandas, numpy, etc).
Desired Skills
- Experience with Tensorflow/Pytorch
- Experience with GIS/Remote Sensing workflows
Mangrove Monitoring – Software Development
The Mangrove Monitoring Image Classification Tool team develops a tool that lets conservation scientists access and use our ML algorithms without prior knowledge to classify mangrove imagery using a web-based tool. We are looking for a student to help contribute to the testing, development, and design of our current Image Classification Tool with additional features and performance updates.
Required Skills
- General coding experience & knowledge of good software development practices
- Basic knowledge of frontend or backend or cloud
- Git/GitHub
Desired Skills
- Experience with React/TypeScript
- Experience with RESTful APIs (Express, Node)
- Experience with Docker
- UI/UX design experience
- Experience with AWS
- Experience with Python or Flask
- Have worked with NoSQL databases (MongoDB)
- Experience with any testing frameworks
Radio Telemetry Tracker – Mechanical Engineer
The Radio Telemetry Tracking project seeks to aid scientists in the monitoring and conservation of wildlife by offering an efficient and reliable method of tracking animals. We are currently working on creating a long-term monitoring system that requires hardware mounts to be designed and built, and are seeking students with background in mechanical engineering to help us. We would be looking for students to commit at least 4 hours a week.
Required Skills
- SolidWorks CAD + Drawings
- 3D Printing and/or Laser Cutting
- Familiarity with using hand tools (screwdriveres, wrenches, etc)
Radio Telemetry Tracker – Software Development
The Radio Telemetry Tracking project seeks to aid scientists in the monitoring and conservation of wildlife by offering an efficient and reliable method of tracking animals. We are looking for students to help maintain, develop, and test next generation monitoring systems ranging from drone payload trackers to mobile tracking stations.
Required Skills
- Python/C++
- Object Oriented Programming
Desired Skills
- Digital Signal Processing
- Networking/Communications
- System Design
Smartfin – Controls
Smartfin brings surfers and scientists together to collect important oceanographic data from coastlines by developing a surfboard fin that can passively collect information and seamlessly upload it to a cloud for use by scientists. We are looking for someone interested in developing and improving waves data analysis and processing for the Smartfin sensor.
Required Skills
- Python
- Embedded C/C++
- Digital Signal Processing
Desired Skills
- Sensor Fusion
Smartfin – Sensor Development
Ocean acidification is a major concern, and a significant metric in understanding climate change. One of the ways scientists can understand ocean acidification is by monitoring changes in salinity. The Smartfin project can assist in this by developing a low-cost salinity sensor that is embedded into surfing fins. We are looking for someone interested in taking on a thesis-level project to develop this sensor.
Required Skills
- Circuit Design/Analysis/Test
- Embedded C/C++
Smartfin – Thermal Design Engineer
The Smartfin project currently provides sea surface temperature as one of its key measurements. However, the current sensor implementation does not have sufficient thermal response to generate useful data. We are looking for someone interested in taking on an honors thesis-level project to make this improvement.
Required Skills
- Desire to learn new things
- Research Skills (reading/writing papers)
- Mechanical design, analysis, and prototyping
- Python for data analysis
Desired Skills
- Embedded C/C++