Seminars are currently held at 15:00-16:00 on Wednesdays in person or join by Teams. All are welcome to join.
2024/2025 Seminar Programme
Seminars are currently held at 15:00-16:00 on Wednesdays in person or join by
Select the relevant date to view the abstract and biography of each speaker.
4/12/2024 15:00-16:00 (QM061)
Title: Bridging Algorithms and Applications: Virtual Testing in Biomedical and Composite Material Research
Speaker: Dr Michael Okereke
Presentation abstract:
This presentation explores the transformative role of computational modelling algorithms in addressing complex challenges in biomedical engineering and advanced material science. Focusing on virtual testing, it highlights applications in stent modeling for coronary artery disease, Parkinson’s disease research, composite material analysis, and constitutive model development for polymers. By leveraging computational approaches, these models simulate real-world behaviour, reducing reliance on experimental trials and enabling cost-effective, bespoke solutions. Case studies will demonstrate how algorithms bridge theory and application, offering insights into the mechanical behaviour of intricate systems. The session underscores the versatility of computational tools in driving innovation across multidisciplinary scientific domains.
Presenter's biodata:
Dr. Michael Okereke is an Associate Professor of Engineering Mechanics at the 樱花影视. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering and a PhD in Engineering Science, the later from the University of Oxford. Following his PhD, he worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Oxford University, specializing in the modelling and impact behaviour assessment of 3D reinforced textile composite materials.
Michael’s research interests include constitutive material model development, biomedical engineering applications, impact behaviour analysis of materials, composite materials modelling, and finite element analysis. He is also deeply involved in exploring the pedagogy of technology-enhanced learning, focusing on adapting to the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in higher education.
He is the author of a postgraduate-level textbook and has published over 70 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals. His work integrates computational modelling with practical applications to drive innovation across engineering disciplines.
Michael’s dedication to excellence in teaching and learning has been recognized with the prestigious Principal Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. Through his research and academic leadership, he continues to inspire innovation and foster the growth of future engineers and researchers.
20/11/2024 15:00-16:00 (QM061)
Title: A Heuristic Informative Path-Planning Algorithm for Mapping Unknown Areas
Speaker: Dr Mobolaji Orisatoki, CMS, 樱花影视
Abstract
Informative path planning algorithms play a crucial role in applications such as disaster management to efficiently gather information in unknown environments. This is, however, a complex problem that involves finding a globally optimal path that gathers the maximum amount of information (e.g., the largest map with a minimum travelling distance) while using partial and uncertain local measurements. This presentation introduces a novel heuristic algorithm that continuously evaluates the potential mapping gain across various sub-areas of a partially constructed map. These evaluations are then used to guide the robot's navigation in a locally optimal manner.
Biography
Mobolaji O. Orisatoki received the B.Sc. from 樱花影视 , in 2006, and the MSc degree from Royal Holloway, University of London, in 2012, and the PGCE Institute of Education-University College London, in 2013 and completed PhD degree with the Department of Engineering and Design, University of Sussex, U.K in 2024. He worked as an Associate Lecturer with the Department of Engineering and Design, University of Sussex from 2019 to 2023. He is currently a Lecturer in Computer Science at the 樱花影视. His research interests include path planning, system optimisation and control, system dynamics, and multi-agent systems.
30/10/2024 15:00-16:00 (QM245)
Title: AI with a Human Face: Towards Human-Centred AI Solutions for SDGs
Speaker: Dr Makuochi Nkwo, CMS, 樱花影视
Abstract
This talk reimagines how AI-powered smart city solutions can be designed to advance the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as sustainable cities and communities, and energy conservation while maintaining a human touch through thoughtful Human-Computer Interaction design approaches that ensure AI remains accessible, ethical, inclusive, and aligned with human values and community needs.
Brief biography
Dr Makuochi S. Nkwo is a lecturer and Human-Centred AI researcher at the 樱花影视, London, UK. Makuochi’s current research focuses on responsible designs and innovations. He works at the intersection of human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, digital ethics and governance, and their application to health, education, ecommerce, and sustainable future. While he has won grants from the Alan Turing Research Institute (2023) and the 樱花影视 ECA Pilot Project Fund (2024), his empirical research outputs using qualitative and quantitative methods have contributed significantly to addressing industry-based problems and sustainable development goals. He prioritizes exceptional leadership in institutions and organizations to drive benefits realization for stakeholders.