Describe your current job
My research specialty is in designing algorithms for robots. An algorithm is a set of rules for carrying out a particular task, so essentially, I program robots’ “brains” so that they can interact with each other and the environment in an intelligent way. Though there are all kinds of exciting things for robots to do on land, under water, in the air, and in space, we have to test and simulate the systems extensively before deploying them, so, like most research roboticists, I spend a lot of my time in front of my computer designing and testing my algorithms in simulation on “virtual” robots and a lot of time in the lab working with prototypes.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
I love working with robots – engineering is lots of fun – and the idea that they can help us do things that are dangerous or impossible for humans, like deep sea and space exploration, is really gratifying. When I started out, I didn’t realize I would get to travel so much as part of my work, but I especially enjoy traveling around the world to meet and collaborate with other researchers.
What do you enjoy the least about your job?
It takes several years to get a Ph.D. and the salary while you do that is pretty low, but you can get by. It gets a lot better after you graduate!
What key events in your childhood most influenced your current career?
As a kid, I attended all sorts of science programs through school, Girl Scouts, and places like the Ocean Institute. In middle school and high school, I really enjoyed being on the Science Olympiad team. I spent my senior year of high school as a foreign exchange student in Germany, where I went to a school that taught more advanced math and science classes than were available at my high school here.
Do you have any funny stories about lab experiences or adventures in the field?
With robots, I’ve learned to expect the unexpected! I was working with a group of small robots whose task was to find pegs and use them to build a wall. A ways into the experiment, the robots started acting strange. They kept using their grippers to grab each other and wrestle. It turns out that as their batteries run low, the infrared sensors that let the robots tell the difference between pegs and their fellow robots become less sensitive. The result? The robots all thought the other robots were pegs and they tried to pick each other up—robot wrestling!
Do you play any sports or have any favorite hobbies/special interests?
I sing and play trombone with the Caltech Jazz Band, and I enjoy long distance bicycling.
What contribution would you most like to make to science in the next five years?
I’d like to get robots out in the real world doing useful things like helping automate scientific observation in extreme environments (like the deep sea and space) and increasing human safety in dangerous tasks (like cleaning up chemical spills and finding and defusing mines).
Do you have any advice for an aspiring high school student who might want to pursue your career?
Find extracurricular activities that let you learn more about science, math, and engineering. You might find some great opportunities as part of your school’s Science Olympiad, Academic Decathlon, FIRST Robotics Competition teams, or in the Science Fair program. Various summer programs at local universities may let you study advanced subjects or work in a lab. If your school doesn’t offer the subjects you want, look into taking classes at a local university or community college – you can probably get high school credit for it! Definitely pursue your interests as hobbies – build things, take things apart, learn to program, and never stop asking questions!
What is the approximate salary range for your profession?
$85,000 - $120,000 / year
