Office of Research
Innovation on display at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ PechaKucha Night
KENNESAW, Ga. | Nov 20, 2024
The ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ State University Office of Research celebrated the university's innovative and impactful research Thursday, November 14 at its signature event, PechaKucha Night, at Glover Park Brewery in Marietta, Georgia.
Attendees engaged with faculty researchers spanning ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ's nine academic colleges, who were tasked with delivering an image-based presentation featuring 20 slides, each automatically transitioning after 20 seconds. In another twist, researchers also operated demonstrations that allowed attendees to physically interact with the research.
"We recognize the contributions these researchers have made in their fields of study, and we are proud to highlight their work in an environment that challenges them to explain their research to the general public," said Vice President for Research Dr. Karin Scarpinato. "Each researcher has demonstrated their dedication to advancing the university's mission, which prioritizes conducting innovative research that advances society."
Associate Professor of Dance Andrea Knowlton from the College of the Arts won the award for Best Presentation, while Assistant Professor of Computer Science Bobin Deng and Assistant Professor of Information Technology Taeyeong Choi from the College of Computing and Software Engineering won the award for Best Demonstration.
Both projects examined the possibility of teaming humans with artificial intelligence (AI).
Knowlton's presentation centered on the fusion of AI with the art of dance, which culminated earlier this year with a performance combining human and AI interaction. The performance, titled LuminAI: A Performance Collaboration of Dance and AI, was the product of a collaborative NSF grant with Georgia Tech and inspired attendees to examine their relationships with AI-based technology through innovative creativity.
Deng and Choi's demonstration displayed how the two researchers aim to use AI-powered robotics to repel stink bugs from vulnerable crops, such as cotton, designing the machines to serve as 24-hour guards and thereby using applied technology to increase crop yields.
The PechaKucha presentations outlined how each ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ researcher aims to positively impact society, including health and wellness topics spanning from Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering Paul Lee's aim to reduce the likelihood that children born with sickle cell disease will die from stroke to Associate Professor of Prosthetics and Orthotics Geza Kogler's work developing more dynamic orthoses to assist people who deal with foot drop.
Sustainability also took center stage through Associate Professor of Biology Mario Bretfeld's presentation that examined using probiotic solutions to treat harmful algal bloom, while Associate Professor of Architecture Jeffrey Collins encouraged the audience to imagine living in a home built by a 3D printer.
Demonstrations also allowed participants to interact research, such as 'Corporation Inc.,' a video game designed by Assistant Professor of English Victoria Lagrange that is meant to foster empathy, and Assistant Professor of Instructional Technology Jason Harron's physical tools created to allow students to see mathematics in real life and discover their curiosity for the subject.
