ECE PhD Candidate Pritam Dash Named 2024 CPS Rising Star

ECE PhD Candidate Pritam Dash Named 2024 CPS Rising Star

Photo Credits: Jennifer Burman, Amanda Maglione
Photo Credits: Jennifer Burman, Amanda Maglione

Pritam Dash, 4th year PhD Candidate in UBC’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, supervised by Professor Karthik Pattabiraman, was named a 2024 Rising Star in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) research. On May 29th, 2024, Pritam was invited to participate in the CPS Rising Stars workshop at the University of Virginia (UVA), funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and ACM SIGBED.

Area of Research

My research focuses on making autonomous systems safe and secure. The advancements in robotics and AI have made autonomous systems, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), autonomous vehicles (AV), and robotic surgery, a reality. We are also seeing machines we use in our daily lives increasingly feature autonomous capabilities for convenience or improved safety such as emergency braking and lane-keeping assists in cars.

Autonomous systems like AVs and drones are essentially computer systems that rely on sensors to perceive the world and make decisions accordingly. The problem is sensors can fail, malfunction, or be subject to malicious intervention (security breach), which poses serious threats. Imagine you’re walking on a sidewalk, and a car suddenly veers off the road or a drone crash-lands on a busy street, causing chaos because its sensors have failed or are tampered with. Not good, right?

“My ultimate vision is to develop methods to ensure that autonomous systems can handle even the worst-case scenarios and uphold safety standards.”

My research focuses on identifying vulnerabilities and developing robust AI and control methods to mitigate the potential points of failure. To fully realize the socio-economic benefits and accelerate the adoption of autonomous technologies, it is crucial to address the safety and security concerns.

What was your process of developing your research and area of focus?

Early in my grad school, I was diving deep into AI and Control theory, learning about all the incredible research that made autonomous systems that were considered science fiction a reality. I had a background in computer security.

“I started asking – what happens when an AV or a drone encounters a system failure? Imagine a security breach taking over control of an AV; how do we respond to such a security breach? Are there methods to recover from such situations?”

Traditional computer security techniques are not enough to handle these threats. I realized that amidst the drive for advancements in autonomy and functional efficiency, some of the real-world challenges of deploying autonomous tech have largely been ignored, which motivated me to pursue research in this area and develop solutions to make autonomous systems safe and secure. 

Congratulations on being named a 2024 CPS Rising Star! How do you feel about this recognition?

I’m honoured to be named one of the 2024 CPS Rising Stars. It is incredibly rewarding to see our work recognized by the research community. I’d also like to express my gratitude to my advisor, Prof. Karthik Pattabiraman, for his guidance and to my collaborators, Dr. Guanpeng Li (University of Iowa), Dr. Mehdi Karimibiuki, and Ethan Chan, whose contributions have been instrumental.

Can you describe the CPS Rising Star workshop that occurred on May 29th?

Photo Credits: Jennifer Burman, Amanda Maglione

The University of Virginia (UVA) has hosted the CPS Rising Stars workshop for the past three years, and this year, they expanded the program to non-US candidates. There was an application process, and the organizing committee, consisting of senior Professors and researchers, selected 45 PhD students and Postdocs from around the world.

The workshop at UVA was a great opportunity to connect with rising stars and established senior researchers working on cyber-physical systems. It was inspiring to meet in person the researchers whose work I’ve admired and who I’ve previously only interacted with via email. Engaging with them, learning about their journey, and hearing firsthand about their career paths was an enriching experience. The workshop also had great panel discussions on establishing a research group, fostering collaborations, and how to write good grant proposals. Overall, fantastic blend of learning, networking and fun.

What are your future research and work plans?

I am currently working on safe reinforcement learning (RL) for autonomous systems. RL is widely used for control and decision making in many autonomous systems. However, a critical gap remains; we do not know how these algorithms perform under uncertainty and anomalies. After completing my PhD, my goal is to work in a research lab pursuing research in AI safety and autonomous systems.

Learn more about CPS Rising Stars and Pritam Dash’s research

For any questions, connect with Pritam on LinkedIn

Undergraduate and Graduate TA Applications

The deadline for TA applications has been extended and will remain open for Winter 2024/25.

Please review undergraduate student requirements and further information and graduate student requirements and further information before applying.

Alumni Perspective Story- From Electrical Engineering to the Federal Government of Canada

Yasaman Best graduated from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UBC with a biomedical specialization in 2011 and continued her studies to pursue a Master’s in Software Systems. Yasaman currently works as an IT Team Lead for the Federal Government of Canada (Department of National Defence). 

Learn more about Yasaman’s experience at ECE, her current work for the Federal Government of Canada, and advice for ECE students! 

Why did you choose ECE? 

Choosing electrical engineering as a woman offers a unique opportunity to challenge stereotypes and contribute to a field that is constantly evolving. As a person with disabilities, pursuing a minor in the biomedical option not only expands one’s knowledge but also provides a pathway to understanding and developing assistive devices that can positively impact lives. This combination allows for both personal and professional growth, empowering individuals to make meaningful contributions to technology and society.

What was your student experience like while in ECE? 

During my time at UBC, I had the privilege of encountering incredibly accommodating professors who supported my academic journey every step of the way. The UBC disability office played a crucial role in ensuring my success by providing accommodations such as hiring an assistant to write notes for me during class, which greatly facilitated my learning experience. Their dedication to inclusivity and accessibility truly made a difference. Overall, UBC proved to be a wonderful school, not only for its academic excellence but also for its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where every student can thrive.

Where was your favourite place on campus? 

Kaiser building! It’s so modern and accessible. I spent hours there studying with my classmates. 

How did you get to where you are now?

Despite the life-altering car accident in 2002 that left me quadriplegic, I remained determined to pursue my academic goals. I successfully completed my undergraduate studies in electrical engineering with a biomedical option and went on to earn my Masters in computer systems. Throughout this journey, my friend, who has served as both a guide and mentor, suggested exploring career opportunities within the federal government due to their strong commitment to inclusion. Following this advice, I applied for a developer position and after passing rigorous technical assessments and interviews, was added to the pool of candidates. A month later, receiving the call from my manager offering me the job was a moment of immense pride and accomplishment. With the unwavering support of my husband, we made the decision to embark on a new chapter in Ottawa, where both of our careers could flourish.

What do you enjoy most about your career? 

As the IT Team Lead for the federal government, I find immense satisfaction in knowing that my work directly benefits Canadians. Whether it’s improving digital services for citizens, ensuring the security of sensitive information, or implementing innovative technologies to enhance efficiency, every task I undertake has a tangible impact on the lives of individuals across the country. This sense of purpose and responsibility makes my role incredibly rewarding, as I play a vital part in contributing to the well-being and prosperity of fellow Canadians through the power of technology.

What are some challenges you have faced in your career?   

Navigating accessibility challenges as a quadriplegic has been a significant aspect of my journey. However, I’ve been fortunate to have managers who consistently go above and beyond to accommodate my needs. Their unwavering support, coupled with the federal government’s steadfast commitment to inclusion, has provided me with a sense of assurance and empowerment. Knowing that there is a dedicated effort to ensure accessibility and support for individuals like myself within the organization has been invaluable. It underscores the importance of fostering an inclusive work environment where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and contribute meaningfully.

Do you have any advice or suggestions for ECE students

My advice to fellow students with disabilities is never to allow your condition to hinder your pursuit of your goals. Before embarking on your academic journey, it’s crucial to reach out to the disability office at your institution to explore the various accommodations available to you. Communication is key; make sure to regularly engage with your professors to discuss your specific needs and how they can best support you throughout your studies. Remember, your disability does not define you, and with determination and the right support system in place, success is entirely within reach. Additionally, UBC stands out as an excellent engineering school, offering a supportive environment conducive to academic achievement and personal growth.

Facebook Marketplace is Home to Steals and Deals- and Serious Trust Issues

Originally Published in UBC News

UBC study uncovers insights into users’ love-hate relationship with online resale platform

Love it or hate it, Facebook Marketplace is the largest online resale site today with more than one billion monthly users. A new study conducted by UBC researchers sheds light on the intricate web of trust, privacy and safety factors shaping users’ experiences on this popular platform.

Researchers interviewed 42 Facebook Marketplace buyers and sellers in the U.S. and Canada to uncover the factors associated with trading decisions.

“Concerns for physical and financial safety, as well as well-being, were top of mind among users, reflecting the inherent risks associated with trading with strangers—particularly because goods are exchanged in person,” said Dr. Konstantin Beznosov, senior researcher on the study and a professor of electrical and computer engineering at UBC. “Many participants hesitated to rate sellers, citing physical safety concerns and the challenge of balancing feedback with anonymity.”

Participants were also uncomfortable with the inseparable link between the Marketplace and Facebook, raising privacy red flags as personal details became intertwined with trading activities.

Because of these reservations, users remained vigilant while trading on the site, closely monitoring transactional signals, such as negotiation conversations, location preferences and signs of trader authenticity: perceived impoliteness, flirtatious or patronizing language, or multiple grammatical errors suggesting a foreign scammer.

“Despite these persistent trust concerns, most participants continued to use the Marketplace because it’s simple to set up and offers wide audience reach, and it’s effective in facilitating sales,” said Dr. Beznosov.

In response to the study’s findings, the researchers proposed increasing user safety and privacy on the Marketplace, including enhancing user understanding of the implications of sharing personal information, and adding features that strike a balance between privacy and trust—for example, by implementing a profile verification process.

Facebook, Dr. Beznosov added, should also offer more transparent communication channels for user feedback.

“At the end of the day, every market—even online platforms—carries an element of ‘buyer beware.’ But it’s always possible to create a safer, more trustworthy trading environment on Facebook Marketplace. We should be helping users to make more informed choices about the tradeoffs between benefits and risks in any online marketplace, particularly those in which goods are exchanged in person.”

Results from the study will be presented today (May 13) at the Association of Computing Machinery’s CHI conference, the leading conference on human-computer interaction research.

Learn more about ECE Professor Konstantin Beznosov’s research

ECE Students Recipients of the Faculty of Applied Science Dean’s Graduate Awards 

Jennie Chen
Hooman Vaseli

Congratulations to Jennie Chen and Hooman Vaseli, graduate students in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, for receiving the Faculty of Applied Science Dean’s Graduate Extra-Curricular Contributions Award and the Dean’s Graduate Leadership Award!

Dean’s Graduate Extra-Curricular Contributions Award

The Dean’s Graduate Extra-Curricular Contributions Award recognizes a student who has demonstrated leadership, innovation, personal initiative and service to the UBC community through active participation in extra-curricular activities.

As the Vice President Social of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Graduate Student Association (ECEGSA) during the 2022-2023 academic year, Jennie planned and hosted 18 events for ECE graduate students, collaborated with other student organizations, rebranded the ECEGSA logo and social media assets, created branded merchandise, handled communications with the student body and took part in creating the new ECE grad lounge. Learn more about Jennie Chen’s experience at ECE and as the VP Social of ECEGSA.

How do you feel about receiving this award?

It feels amazing to be recognized for our efforts! I think both of us took on our roles in ECEGSA because we wanted to better the graduate student experience for our peers in the department, and I do think we managed to accomplish that. However, throughout the year, we felt that perhaps members of the department did not really understand the effort and impact that ECEGSA had on the student body. Having this official recognition is definitely the icing on the cake. 

What have you enjoyed the most during your time at ECE and with ECEGSA?

We’re both technically still in ECE for a while longer! One thing that ECEGSA allowed me to do is make a lot of connections and friends in the department. It’s also really heartwarming when fellow students would come to us after events and tell us that they had a great time.

Any advice for current ECE students?

Join the council, reach out to them to see if they need volunteers, or even just participate in their activities! I strongly believe in a good work-life balance and the importance of community. I promise you that these are the memories you will look back on in 10 years, and not all the times you’ve spent staring at your code.

Dean’s Graduate Leadership Award

The Dean’s Graduate Leadership Award recognizes an outstanding student who takes an active role in institutional governance, service delivery, and community service work with the primary aim of making significant contributions to the graduate student culture and environment.

As the President of ECEGSA during the 2022-2023 academic year, Hooman led and managed the ECEGSA team through 30 events in the year, enhanced the team’s operational efficiency, revised the outdated ECEGSA constitution, negotiated for substantial cost savings, and advocated for the interest of ECE graduate students both on and off campus. Hear from Hooman Vaseli on his experience at ECE and as the President of ECEGSA during the 2022-2023 academic year.

How do you feel about receiving this award?

I am honoured to be given the Dean’s Graduate Leadership Award for my efforts as the ECEGSA President in 2022-23, which, of course, with the help of my fellow executive team members, has positively contributed to the social life and professional development of over 100 of the UBC ECE Graduate Students.

It feels great because it is an external recognition that what we worked on in ECEGSA has positively impacted the students, at least relative to the big campus community. It is definitely encouraging me, and hopefully others, to step up in the future as well.

What have you enjoyed the most during your time at ECE and with ECEGSA?

I enjoyed the feeling of having some sort of power (as president). However, with great power comes great responsibility, so I am happy I could use the power positively. Most importantly, I liked the friendships, memories, and connections I gained through this experience.

Any advice for current ECE students?

First, please don’t burn yourself out for just one aspect of grad school: the research part. Check out the awesome events hosted on campus by different organizations, especially ECEGSA. Connect more with others in your community and have fun! Second, consider stepping up for executive positions too, because not only does it help the community, but it also helps you grow a lot both on personal and professional levels. It provides many opportunities for practicing and improving on certain soft skills that you may not find anywhere else this easily. For example, I learned to make some difficult choices or be decisive when needed, and I learned to be a leader, something that will be in my toolbox for life.

Learn more about UBC Applied Science Student Awards

Design and Innovation Day 2024: Winners, Projects, and Photos

Thank you to everyone who attended Design and Innovation Day! Congratulations to all of the groups on your hardwork and effort for this year’s capstone projects!

The capstone design project is a major component of the ECE engineering curriculum where students work in teams of four to six students to design a product/service of significance and to solve an open-ended problem in electrical and computer engineering.

Best Video Winners

The best video awards recognize exceptional capstone teams and their ability to communicate their technical design challenge and project’s impact to a general audience.  A short list of videos is selected by the Capstone students with the final winners selected by a panel of judges representing diverse perspectives.

First Place- TL-32: Use of Frequency Modulated Continuous Wavelength Radar (FMCW) to Detect Heart Rate, Respiratory Rate of Patients

Project Client: Aberrant Designs Inc.


Project Description: Emergency departments see significant morbidity and mortality each year from unrecognized changes in patient vital signs. A patient’s condition can deteriorate after they are first admitted; this is indicated by changes in heart and respiratory rate, which are difficult to notice visually.

Patients in hospital seclusion rooms are especially at risk, since traditional wired health monitors cannot be used. Despite having camera and in-person examinations to assess the patients, accurately distinguishing between a sleeping patient lying in bed and one experiencing distress – and quickly intervening to prevent life-threatening or long-term harm – remains a critical challenge.


Our solution uses a Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) Radar to monitor the heart and respiratory rate of a patient in a seclusion room in a non-invasive manner. FMCW Radar allows us to measure the movement of a patient’s chest with sub-millimeter precision, without the need for wires and contact sensors.


Our product processes the radar data in real-time; this includes signal processing algorithms to denoise and reconstruct patient vital signals, making our system more tolerant to patient movement and applicable to realistic conditions. We send the measured heart and respiratory rate values to a web-based GUI, allowing health workers or nurses to monitor multiple patient vital rates remotely. Additionally, the GUI creates audio and visual alerts when patient vitals are in a dangerous range, improving patient outcomes. 

Andrew Forde: awforde@student.ubc.ca

Claire Huang: claire68@student.ubc.ca

Mark Wong: mrw05@student.ubc.ca

Nick Zhang: zzhang70@student.ubc.ca

Second Place- AI-70: Monitoring and Control System for C-Quester Carbon Capture

Project Client: C-Quester, Inc.

Project Description: The iCapture addresses the critical need for cost-effective and efficient data monitoring and control systems (MCS) in carbon capture operations. It is capable of communicating with various sensor signals, collecting their data, and outputting the sensor data to an online API. Developed in collaboration with Mitico, a company that offers accessible carbon capture technology and services, iCapture seamlessly integrates with their existing sensor networks, providing real-time insights into crucial parameters of their carbon capture system. The iCapture’s automatic sensor configuration, range communication of beyond 100ft, error handling for sensor disconnection or malfunction, and LCD display for displaying error notifications ensure seamless operation and scalability, all while maintaining affordability at under $500. By lowering the cost and complexity of MCS, we enable Mitico to deliver more accessible and sustainable carbon capture solutions, furthering their mission to combat climate change and promote environmental stewardship.

Lucy Hua: lucy.gx.hua@gmail.com
Joseph Li: lidonglin18660286620@gmail.com
Eric Lu: ericyblu@gmail.com
Shing Wai Pun: shingwaipun@gmail.com
Victor Sun: jcvictorsun@protonmail.com 

Third Place- TL-30: Mapping Below the Forest Canopy Software

Project Client: Korotu Technology Inc.


Project Description: The health of forests worldwide is fast deteriorating due to increases in deforestation and climate change. In order to make sound planning and management decisions, we must first better understand the present condition of our forests. Tree counts, biodiversity counts, growth stages, and other inventory data all provide extensive information on the state of our environment, yet much of this data is hidden beneath the forest canopy.


Today, traditional forest surveying techniques often involve deploying teams of skilled workers to collect data samples in remote locations, costing substantial time and resources. Expenses are estimated to average around $10,000 per hectare. While satellites and drones may provide information on forest conditions above the canopy, they are currently unable to gather data on the state of trees growing underneath.


To address these challenges, we have partnered with Korotu Technology Inc. to create ForestFolio, a mobile application that aims to reduce the financial and time burdens of data collection, increase the quality and precision of data samples, and make forest surveys more accessible to smaller groups interested in gathering forest data. 


ForestFolio combines the various tools needed for traditional surveying into one device by making use of the camera, LiDAR sensor, gyroscope, and accelerometer on a mobile device. The application guides the user through the data collection process for the location, height, diameter, and species of each tree within a fixed-area forest plot.. 


First, the user is required to walk around the plot while holding up their mobile device to scan their surroundings and generate a map of detected trees. At this step, the diameter of each tree is extracted through machine learning algorithms, eliminating the need for individual tree diameter measurements. 

The generated map helps the user keep track of their own position within the plot and the location of each tree. When the user navigates to a tree, they first receive step-by-step guidance on measuring its height. They then input additional data such as the tree species and relevant notes. Once all trees have been completed within the plot, the application waits for a stable Internet connection before uploading the completed plot to a server. There, the data is further analyzed and presented to the user via a website interface, with the option to export the data as a spreadsheet file.


In addition to the mobile application, data collected through other means such as via a drone with a mounted LiDAR sensor can also be analyzed by ForestFolio. This data simply needs to be uploaded to a website interface which will process it and return valuable tree inventory data.


ForestFolio not only eliminates the need for external forest survey tools, but also facilitates the data collection process so that untrained users can quickly begin gathering accurate, high-quality data beneath the forest canopy. 

Kamran Alam: kamranalam.ra@gmail.com

Zoeb Gaurani: zoebng@gmail.com

Harman Sihota: harmansihota17@gmail.com

Yitong Tang: nb.yitong@gmail.com

Manvir Dhami: manvirdhami4756@gmail.com

Vicky Chen: vchen720@gmail.com

Explore the 2024 Capstone Projects

Emerging Technologies and Innovations

Industrial Automation and Processes

Environmental Monitoring and Sustainability

Healthcare and Medical Devices

Transportation and Mobility Solutions

Artificial Intelligence and Software Systems

Design and Innovation Day Photo Gallery

2024 Capstone Design and Innovation Day

Faculty Positions

ECE Professor Vincent Wong Inducted as 2024 Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada

Congratulations to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor Vincent Wong, who has been inducted as a 2024 Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC), which recognizes his contributions in engineering and for services to the profession and society. He attended the EIC Gala event in Ottawa on April 20, 2024, and received the award. 

Professor Wong is an expert in the areas of wireless networking and smart grid. He has developed novel and practical resource allocation algorithms for wireless communication networks. He has designed innovative demand side management algorithms for smart grid and sustainable energy systems. Currently, Professor Wong is the Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications and General Chair of the IEEE INFOCOM 2024. He is a fellow of the IEEE. 

Professor Wong would like to thank his former and current students in his research group for their excellent work.

Learn more about The Engineering Institute of Canada

Student Ingenuity Abuzz on Design and Innovation Day 2024

On April 11, 240 capstone projects were on display at the 2024 Design and Innovation Day showcase. The projects represented the culmination of months of dedicated effort and creative problem-solving by teams of final-year engineering students.

Originally published in UBC Engineering News

From addressing environmental challenges to enhancing human well-being, the 240 capstone projects on display at the 2024 Design and Innovation Day showcase were a testament to the ingenuity and commitment of UBC’s aspiring engineers. The diverse array of projects represented the culmination of months of dedicated effort and creative problem-solving by teams of final-year engineering students, who tackled real-world problems proposed by community partners.

One project that had attendees buzzing was centred on an Internet of Things (IoT) solution for beekeeping. Recognizing the critical decline in bee populations and its implications for agriculture, this team of electrical and computer engineering students partnered with the Foundation of the Energy Collective to devise an innovative solution for urban beekeeping. Their modular beehive design allows individuals to host beehives in their backyards or on rooftops. Equipped with a sensor board, the hive monitors vital parameters such as temperature, humidity and weight, ensuring optimal conditions for bee health and productivity, and fostering sustainable beekeeping practices in urban environments.

IoT solution for beekeeping: Five electrical and computer engineering students partnered with the Foundation of the Energy Collective to devise an innovative solution for urban beekeeping.

Another capstone team from the School of Biomedical Engineering developed a robust electromyography (EMG) control scheme for amputees. With the goal of enhancing the quality of life for upper arm amputees, they set out to bridge the gap between human intention and prosthetic function. Existing research showed promise in interpreting nerve signals to facilitate intuitive hand gestures and movements in a lab environment, but these students are incorporating machine learning to gather data and replicate the same success in the real world. Through meticulous data collection and methodological refinement, they are laying the groundwork for a more robust and reliable prosthetic arm technology.

Robust EMG control scheme
A team from the School of Biomedical Engineering developed a robust electromyography (EMG) control scheme for amputees.

As students presented their projects to curious attendees, it was evident that they had not only acquired technical skills, but also learned the values of interdisciplinary collaboration, perseverance and innovation — qualities that are integral to success in engineering.

In response to the increasing threat of wildfires to residential communities, a team of engineering and business students from the New Venture Design (NVD) course — a collaboration between UBC Faculty of Applied Science and Sauder School of Business — developed an innovative wildfire defence system. Their modular automated prototype provides two-fold protection for homes against ember attacks, which account for a significant portion of wildfire-related loss of homes. By lining the roof with Class A fire retardant foam and creating a humidity bubble around the roof using mist, this three-week self-sustaining system is designed to prevent embers from igniting flammable materials, thereby safeguarding homes during wildfire events. With its scalable design and robust functionality, the system offers a practical and reliable solution for mitigating the impact of wildfires on vulnerable communities.

Wildfire defence system prototype
This modular automated prototype provides two-fold protection for homes against ember attacks, which account for a significant portion of wildfire-related loss of homes. 

“Design and Innovation Day embodies the UBC Engineering spirit of exploration, collaboration and relentless pursuit of knowledge,” said James Olson, Dean, Faculty of Applied Science. “At this event, we witnessed the convergence of creativity and skill, yielding solutions with the potential to reshape industries and improve lives. As educators and mentors, it is our privilege to nurture and guide these innovations towards real-world impact.” 

Design and Innovation Day is an annual event that showcases the best of what UBC engineering students have to offer to community partners. UBC engineering students bring a spirit of creativity, curiosity and continuous learning to problem solving and addressing the complex challenges of our time.  

UBC Okanagan School of Engineering also held their showcase on April 12. Fourth-year engineering students displayed 48 year-end projects based on the categories of advanced manufacturing, biocompatible systems, complex systems, infrastructure and sustainability.

Learn more about capstone projects. 

Victor Sira Wins 2024 ECE/UBC Three Minute Thesis People’s Choice Award

Congratulations to Victor Sira, MASc student in Electrical Engineering and supervised by Dr. Sudip Shekhar, who received the ECE and UBC 3MT’s People’s Choice Award for the best presentation on “Robust Clock Generation for Microchips”. Learn more about Victor’s research, participation in 3MT, and advice for future contenders!

Can you explain your research topic/thesis?

My research work is in Analog CMOS circuit design. Specifically, I am working on Multi-Path Ring Oscillators (MPRO) which are a fancy type of ring oscillator used to break the typical frequency and number of stages trade-off that exists in simple Ring Oscillators. These circuits find applications in systems that require lots of phases, high operating frequencies and compact oscillator area, for example Time-Interleaving Data Converters and Phase Locked Loops.

What’s something people wouldn’t expect about your research?

Multi-Path Ring Oscillators have an annoying tendency to oscillate at undesired frequencies and/or phase sequences based on the circuit’s initial conditions. My work is mostly focused on simplifying the complex theory that surrounds this problem so that engineers can use these circuits without worrying about initial conditions.

Based on your experience in 3MT, what advice would you give students looking to participate in this competition?

The 3MT is about presenting your research to a general audience but for some topics in ECE a general audience may have zero background knowledge related to your work. I think it’s useful to spend some time providing a simple context for your research so that everyone in the audience is on the same page.

What did you learn from your experience of participating in 3MT? What was your favourite part of this competition?

I learned a lot during the 3MT and would recommend it for all grad students. Most importantly, I learned how to communicate my research to a lay person in a much better and more efficient way than before the competition. My favourite part was listening to all of the diverse and exciting research going on at UBC.

Where do you see yourself once your program is over/ what are you hoping to work on in the future?

After completing my program I’m planning to work in industry as an Analog IC designer. The future is uncertain but I’m excited for new developments in transistors and what that future will bring for Analog design.

To learn more about UBC 3MT, visit the UBC Graduate and Postdoctoral Page