During the 2024 summer break, MS student Michelle Bang (26’) traveled to Los Angeles, CA to participate in the Research in Industrial Projects for Students (RIPS) program. The RIPS program was created to uplift the careers of women and minority scientists. Taking place on the University of California Los Angeles’ campus, student research teams work on real-world research projects proposed by industry sponsors. For the 2024 summer, the RIPS program was sponsored by the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics and Analog Devices Inc.
Michelle’s research team spent the summer researching how neural network modeling may be utilized to approximate precise motor control. Their results found that there are many benefits to using neural network models rather than traditional vector fitting algorithms such as their ability to sort through data noise and that they use fewer parameters to train and achieve results. These data were then presented at the 2025 Joint Mathematics Meeting held in Seattle, WA. Read the full abstract, On the use of neural networks for transfer function approximation for precise motor control, here.