Name: Jacob Flores
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Institution: Texas A&M International University
Department: School of Engineering
Biography:
I am an undergraduate student at Texas A&M International University in the School of Engineering. I am pursuing two Bachelor’s degrees in computer and systems engineering. Apart from my classes, I am employed as a research assistant for Dr. Mustafa Al Lail working on a research project based on the concepts of machine learning and data analytics to counteract phishing. I also am working with Dr. Muhammed Hasan on a research project based on hardware design concepts in VHDL code. I have enjoyed working on projects in various fields of engineering including machine learning, systems simulations, and VHDL code.
Academic Status: Undergraduate Student
Year in program: 5th
Research Area/Department: Computer Science; Data Science; Engineering; Machine Learning/AI
Other, specify:
Major/Specialty: I am completing a bachelor’s in computer engineering and a bachelor’s in systems engineering. During my studies, I have participated in several courses and projects that have allowed me to learn more skills in different fields of engineering. Currently, I have a specialty in using vhdl code to design hardware systems, large-scale system simulation using a simulation program, and machine learning-based data analysis. I have completed semester-spanning projects in each of these fields and am excited to pursue a greater understanding of these concepts.
Degrees Earned or in Progress: Bachelor’s/Computer Engineering/2024 Bachelor’s/Systems Engineering/2024 Associate’s/Arts/2019
What courses or academic preparation have you completed to prepare for a summer internship experience?
I have taken several computer science classes that go over coding in different languages including Fundamentals of Programming, Object Oriented Programming, Digital Logic Design, Algorithms & Data Structures, Microprocessor Systems, and Software Development courses. Currently, I have learned how to code in VHDL, C++, Python, Java, and assembly. These courses have also allowed for me to be familiar with the process of creating my own projects in machine learning, hardware design, and systems simulation from idea to completion. My work on campus has also prepared me to complete research projects with mentors in a structured and organized manner. I have also worked as a tutor and supplemental instructor for several of these classes which has allowed me to relearn
Have you published any research or worked on research/technical projects? Yes
Where has your research been published or where have you conducted research/technical projects? I have completed one publication in the American Journal of Advanced Research. This project is based on hardware coding using VHDL code to examine the power consumption of CPUs. I have also participated in a research internship with the ENSAM Aix en Provence campus in the field of material science. The publication reference is Hasan, Muhammad, et al. “Performance Comparison of Processor for Energy Efficiency.†American Journal of Advanced Research, vol. 6, no. 1, 30 Oct. 2022, pp. 01–04, https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7265966.
Please describe your research/academic interests:
Currently, I am working on several research programs and projects alongside my coursework. These research projects are in the field of machine learning, hardware design using VHDL, data analysis, and robotics. I would like to do more research in the field of systems simulation and data science. As for academic interests, I would like to enroll in a PHD program after I graduate so that I can do further research in the topics I have described.
Computational and Data Science Areas:
Computer Science; Data Analytics and Visualization; Machine Learning and AI
Research Synergy:
I have worked on several of these topics after being introduced to them in my class, specifically machine learning and data science. These classes emphasized the benefits of applying machine learning and data analysis to every field of business, science, and healthcare. I would like to be part of future advancements that make the lives of others easier. As for my other interests, like hardware design with VHDL, this could be useful with the establishment of supercomputers that are to be built and used at the Department of Engineering. My interests in data analysis and machine learning could be used in research meant to improve the systems used at the department which is reminiscent to projects completed in the program in previous years.
Motivation:
I want to conduct research through this program as I have heard from past participants that the program is able to provide good mentors and support in the entire process of completing projects. Furthermore, the topics of the research that are conducted with this program fall in line with many of my research interests and appear to be more challenging than the projects conducted on my campus at the moment.
Lightning Talk Title: SRP Research Interests