Key Takeaways
- Lara Schwarz participated in a nine-week NSF-funded research program at UNLV focused on smart cities.
- The program aims to prepare students for advanced studies in critical areas like intelligent transportation systems.
- Schwarz’s research involved using computer vision to improve traffic prediction and safety at intersections.
Intensive Research Experience at UNLV
Lara Schwarz, a computer science major at San Diego State University, sought a challenging summer job beyond her usual camp counselor role. She joined the UNLV College of Engineering’s NSF-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Smart Cities program, an intensive nine-week initiative designed for undergraduate students nationwide.
Now in its fifth year, the program has hosted 50 students, focusing on research that supports advanced studies in intelligent transportation systems, automated vehicles, and innovative communication methods between vehicles and infrastructure. Professor Brendan Morris, a principal investigator at UNLV, stated, “Our goal is to direct students toward critical research problems while providing mentorship.”
In her role, Schwarz worked closely with Morris on an impactful project using computer vision technology to monitor pedestrian and vehicle movement at intersections. This research aims to help traffic engineers identify and address issues such as congestion and collision risks promptly. “Traffic operators focus on catching congestion and accidents early,” Morris noted. “Timely problem detection allows for quicker responses, reducing delays and enhancing safety.”
The project’s goal was to develop a traffic prediction platform that integrates traffic sensors with machine learning algorithms. This system aims to offer predictive analytics for traffic conditions up to an hour ahead, complete with a user-friendly web-based dashboard for traffic operators.
Reflecting on her experience, Schwarz acknowledged the invaluable guidance from Morris, saying, “I couldn’t have done it without Dr. Morris. He is an expert on computer vision, and his insights made a significant difference.” She emphasized the contemporary relevance of her research topic, enhancing her understanding of the industry.
As the program concluded, Schwarz was already contemplating her future, including competitive internship applications, and she has requested a letter of recommendation from Morris to support her next steps. This experience not only deepened her research skills but also reinforced her ambition to pursue graduate studies and a career in technology.
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