Kayla M
- Research Program Mentor
PhD candidate at Yale University
Expertise
Machine learning, human-robot interaction, mechanical engineering, product development, design thinking, entrepreneurship
Bio
A bit about my research interests: After nearly a decade of industry experience in the startup and product development worlds, I've returned to academia to dive deep into my passion: social robotics and AI. I am fascinated by how robots can be designed and utilize the latest developments in machine learning and artificial intelligence in order to help humans be their best selves. My current research surrounds how robots can help support individuals with their mental health. Some other fun facts: I am quite proud of my industry accomplishments that include holding multiple patents, leading the teams that won a Red Dot and IF design awards, and being featured in publications such as Fast Company, Engadget, and Tech Crunch. When I am not building robots or startups, I am an avid hiker and recently learned how to cast molten aluminum and iron into custom-made molds.Project ideas
Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.
Who's a Good Dog? Classifying pet species with Machine Learning.
Dive into computer vision using convolutional neural nets in order to classify pet species. From a Saint Bernard to a Chihuahua, how well can you train a computer to predict the correct species of dog or cat? We'll use the available Oxford-IIIT Pet Dataset and Pytorch to build a model and experiment with hyperparameters.
Coding skills
Python, Pytorch, ArduinoTeaching experience
I have previously taught design thinking to undergraduate engineering students at Northwestern as part of their require curriculum. I have also mentored dozens of university student projects through the organization Design for America. Additionally, I have been a teaching assistant for undergraduate/graduate level courses in artificial intelligence and product development.Credentials
Work experience
Volta Charging (2017 - 2020)
Product Strategy Consultant, Head of Product, VP ProductNorthwestern University (2012 - 2013)
Design Thinking Lecturer, Design for America FellowMOTI (2014 - 2017)
Founder, CEOThe Grab Lab at Yale University (2009 - 2011)
Research AssistantEducation
Yale University
BA Bachelor of Arts (2011)
Mechanical Engineering, Studio ArtYale University
MS Master of Science
Computer ScienceYale University
PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate
Human-Robot Interaction and Artificial Intelligence