During the Three Minute Thesis Competition graduate students explain the breadth and significance of their research project to a non-specialist audience. Mai Hassan and Parmida Beigi were successful at the APSC 3MT competition and will go on to the university-wide semi-finals on Tuesday, March 12th. Check the FoGS website for event details.
Mai Hassan took second place at the APSC heat. She is completing her research to efficiently expand the frequencies available to cellular networks with Dr. Vijay Bhargava.
“In any large event, cellular networks get overloaded and users start to complain about dropped phone calls and slow network speeds. This happens because cellular devices are only allowed to use certain frequencies that are getting crowded, while other wireless devices, such as TV or satellites, are not efficiently using all their channels. The proposed solution is to allow cellular devices to access any available wireless channel that is currently unoccupied, which is known as the cognitive radio capability. In my thesis, I am searching for new methods that can improve the performance of these cognitive radio devices, such as enabling the cognitive radio device to access any wireless channel even if it is occupied.”
Parmida Beigi placed third at the APSC competition. She is working Dr. Robert Rohling to improve epidural anesthesia using ultrasound imaging.
“Epidural Anesthesia is a commonly used method for pain management during labor and delivery; which involves the injection of local anesthetic into the lumbar epidural space.
Identifying the appropriate intervertebral space and correct needle placement into the epidural space is often a challenging procedure and complications can lead to headache, paralysis or even death. In my project, I am using ultrasound imaging to guide the needle accurately into the epidural space. Using novel ideas and image processing techniques, my ultimate goal is to provide a clinically approved technology which maximizes accuracy and minimizes the risks of epidurals.”
More information about the Three Minute Theseis Competition can be found through FoGS.