The Computational Imaging Lab at Portland State University designs next generation cameras and imaging algorithms. They are a diverse team of individuals with expertise in image sensors, optics, signal processing, algorithm design, computer vision and machine learning.
Normally when we think of a camera, we think of two-dimensional color images. But we live in a 3D world. There are many applications that could benefit from capturing precise 3D information --- Imagine a self-driving car navigating a crowded intersection, or an industrial robot arm performing a complex assembly task on an assembly line. In this project the research group (including the intern) will push the limits of the speed and resolution of cameras that capture 3D information.
The project will involve a mix of hands-on lab work (with camera hardware) and processing and visualizing this data (e.g., in Python). Activities include:
- Automating data capture pipelines for a 3D camera sensor
- Documenting experiment procedures and results in a lab notebook
- Making presentation slides
- Writing a report of findings
By the end of 8 weeks, the intern will have learned (i) how a 3D camera works, (ii) the type of data that a 3D camera generates, (iii) how to process and visualize 3D data using a programming language like Python, (iv) various applications of 3D vision sensors, their capabilities, and ethical concerns of potential misuse of this technology. This is a full-time internship, with the expectation that the intern will work at least 300 hours over the course of the summer.
The mentor encourages students to think of the "big picture" and where their project fits in. Students have the freedom to experiment and explore new approaches to solving problems. The mentor adapts to the students' needs - for example, some students may need frequent check-ins (several times a week), while others prefer to work on their own and only meet once a week. For more information about the mentor’s work, visit https://computational.camera/.
Applicants must currently be in 10th or 11th grade (rising to 11th or 12th grade). Applicants should be aware that on-site parking may be limited and/or unavailable throughout the summer; interns may be required to rely on public transit or alternative transportation.
PSU Disability Services
It is University policy to grant reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities that may affect their ability to participate in course activities or to meet course requirements. Students with disabilities are encouraged to discuss their needs as soon as they receive acceptance of this ASE position. After acceptance, please also provide a letter of accommodations from PSU Disability Services (http://www.pdx.edu/drc/).
PSU Diversity Statement
Respect for cultural and human biological diversity are core concepts at PSU. Each voice has something of value to contribute to a discussion. PSU is committed to diversity, and welcomes individuals of all ages, backgrounds, citizenship, disability, education, ethnicity, family status, gender, gender identity, geographical location, language, military experience, political views, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and work experience (See https://www.pdx.edu/sphr/diversity-statement).
We strongly encourage students to apply who are from one or more systemically and historically excluded group, including but not limited to, non-cis-gendered students, girls, BIPOC, first-generation college bound students, low-income/low-resourced students, students with disabilities, who are neurodivergent, and those who speak a primary language other than English.
This internship will be primarily in-person as permitted by Federal/State/Local/PSU guidelines. To reduce the risks of coronavirus exposure, mentors and interns will act in accordance with applicable COVID guidelines and procedures. Selected applicants will be required to review and sign a waiver agreement.
If you have any questions about the application, website technical issues and/or this position description, please contact Saturday Academy at ase@saturdayacademy.org. Do not contact the mentor directly. Contacting the mentor directly is grounds for disqualification of your ASE application.
We are looking for applicants who are self-motivated, detail-oriented, hard-working, and have strong verbal and written communication skills. Prior programming experience in Python and single-board computers such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi will be beneficial but not required.