This page is no longer being updated and remains online for informational and historical purposes only. The information is accurate as of the last page update.
For questions about page contents, contact the Communications Division.
Smaller is always better when it comes to the world of robotic communications. No one knows this better than electrical and computer engineering major Christopher David ’04 (Sandy Hook, Conn.), who is studying ways, theoretical and practical, to develop enhanced communication between robots via Ethernet network protocol for computers.
Yes, he concedes, that is a mouthful for the layman to try and digest. “The goal is to develop microprocessors that with the right software will control a robot, with that robot collecting data that can be transmitted to another robot or a central control communications hub,” says David.
Right now David’s goal is to establish simplified networks, with the hope that in time, using wireless Ethernet cards and protocol, the technology will be used to cut costs in assembly lines, such as in the manufacture of automobiles or computers. Another long-term application would be in the field of exploration where data had to be transmitted from some hard-to-access location.
David is working under the tutelage of John Greco, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, as part of Lafayette’s distinctive EXCEL Scholars program, where students collaborate with faculty on research while earning a stipend. Many of the more than 160 students who participate each year go on to publish papers in scholarly journals and/or present their research at conferences.
David’s work includes researching micro-controllers, CPUs, and controllers that can be used in a small, hand-led device, a la PDA, that could control a robot.
“I’ve had to select robot kits and test equipment and learn how to work them and learn how to program the controller,” says David. “It’s a challenging combination of learning software and hardware.”
Greco says his young scholar seems undaunted by the project.
“Christopher is getting to do some demanding work outside of the classroom. He has a lot of free rein as he tries to establish the parameters, the goals of his research,” he says. “He is a very independent-minded student. He takes the initiative and doesn’t let a problem bog him down. He’s great to have as a student because he requires so little attention.”
“The great thing about the EXCEL program,” says David, “is you get to choose a professor to work with and you get to explore together it’s fun in that I get what I want to learn in the realm of the project. You get to spend a lot of time outside the classroom working with your professor. One advantage of Lafayette is that when you need to talk with a professor, they’re right there. You don’t have to go looking for them.”
The supervised research of the EXCEL program, says David, has been important in laying the foundation for future independent research on his honors thesis. “I’ve gotten a chance this summer to cross together academic engineering with practical engineering.”
President of the Dry Surfers, a special-interest living group that promotes technology in society, David also plays trombone in the Pep Band. His real passion away from the laboratory is the stage, where he has acted as well as stage managed with the Marquis Players, a student group that produces an annual musical to benefit charities.
“I am leaning toward graduate school,” says David, “but theater is also in my blood. The ideal situation would be combining theater with my engineering, maybe by developing theatrical control systems that grow out of my research this summer. Off-stage, I love being a theater ‘techie’ and Lafayette has given me the opportunity to explore both passions.”