November 10, 2022

We are assembling a team to respond to the Digitizing Utilities Prize [herox.com] challenge. We are seeking students specialized in energy, computer science, engineering, technical writing, and business. We are also looking for students interested in machine learning, AI, app development, finance, and marketing. This application will be led by the UW Sensors, Energy, and Automation Laboratory (SEAL) [uwseal.org] and the UW Industrial Assessment Center (IAC). If you are interested, please apply using the standard SEAL Application [uwseal.org] process. Indicate your interest in this challenge in a corresponding field of your application and in your cover letter; then, contact the IAC group leader once you have reached the project selection stage. 

 SEAL is also seeking students for a variety of other research projects. Our highlighted projects are listed below: 

  • UW IAC – Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: The UW IAC offers real-world experience to students interested in learning about energy management and efficiency. Students will be given hands-on experience working with manufacturers in the Pacific Northwest. Topics include energy savings, waste reduction, sustainable practices, industrial processes, energy assessment procedures, cybersecurity screenings, smart manufacturing, sustainability, resiliency planning, decarbonization, and electrification. You do not need to be experienced to apply, as interested students will be given extensive training on these topics.
  • SINEW Mask: This research aims to design a new type of face mask that does not come in contact with the skin of the wearer’s face. The design matches the comfort of a well-fit bicycle helmet or a pair of glasses while providing the wearer with better safety than industry alternatives. The design is reusable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly.
  • Propulsion:  This research aims to design a new type of thruster for aircraft propulsion. This effort will result in a new generation of ultra-quiet unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).
  • Stoma:  This research aims to design a 3D imaging tool that can scan and inspect stomas to improve appliance fit and ostomate quality of life. Positions are open for biology and pre-med students.
  • Operatory Monitoring: This research aims to design a comprehensive methodology for acquiring information on the spatial and temporal distribution of aerosols in a dental or medical office environment. Dental and medical professionals are at risk of exposure to harmful particulate matter when performing routine procedures. Using a network of low-cost, IoT-enabled particulate matter sensors can help keep dental and medical professionals safe.
  • Software/Gamification:  This research aims to design scripts, software, and applications for the lab and for externals. This effort seeks students interested in WebDev, coding, and scripting. As an example of one of our apps, the ECoS team designs a technical writing assistance software tool to help writers and editors develop manuscripts.

 SEAL is a great place to get involved in campus research and design new technologies that help our local community, even while practicing self-isolation or social distancing. We provide an extensive online training program for our students to help them participate in campus research during these unusual times.  

 Strong students are given opportunities to publish their work, win international-grade research awards, join or create start-up companies, and receive letters of recommendation for graduate school or career advancement. Many of our students transition into paid positions based on their performance.  

 Students are expected to commit 10 to 15 hours per week. Hours are flexible and can include telecommuting, evenings, or weekends. Project availability changes depending on student interests and lab needs.

 To join SEAL and support our research efforts, click the links below and fill out an application:

  1. Visit our website [uwseal.org] for a list of open projects.
  2. Visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) [docs.google.com] page.