Research Mentor Information
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Primary Research Mentor Name: Taylor Higgins
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns: She/her
When potential research assistants are reaching out via email, what is your preferred honorific?: Dr.
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): th22u@fsu.edu
Position Title: Faculty
FSU College (if applicable): FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation: Mechanical Engineering
Headshot (optional): https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_project_proposal_portal/7936/Headshot.jpg

Additional Research Mentor(s)
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Overall Project Details
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Title of the Project: Gray-box modeling for improved model predictive control of an external artificial pancreas
Project Keywords: machine learning, analytical modeling, model predictive control, artificial pancreas
Are you currently looking for research assistants?: No
Number of Research Assistants Needed : 1
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s):
Mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering. May consider other technical/medical majors.

Project Location:: AME Building (2003 Levy Ave. Tallahasse, FL)
If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation?: Yes
Please select the choice that most accurately describes your expectations for the research assistant(s):: In-person
Approximately how many hours a week would the research assistant(s) need to work?: 5-10 (negotiable)
Roughly what time frame do you expect research assistant(s) to work?: During business hours
Overall Research Project Description:
There are many ways that engineers model complex systems. Sometimes we understand the underlying principles, such as physics, well enough to write out an analytical equation (usually a differential equation) that describes how the system evolves through time. We often call these analytical models white-box models, because it is clear exactly how the inputs to the model are related to the outputs. Other times, however, we don’t have good models for how the many influencing factors (model inputs) relate to a metric of interest (the output). In these cases, we sometimes use machine learning strategies to model the system. We call these black-box models, because it is often obscure exactly how the inputs are related to the outputs. Some new modeling techniques blend the two types of modeling in order to realize the best of both worlds and are called gray-box modeling. In this project we aim to use gray-box techniques to arrive at a better, more personalized, and controllable model for the human metabolic system. Then we hope to use these models to control an external artificial pancreas for individuals with insulin-dependent Type 1 diabetes.

Research Tasks:
Programming related to: Machine learning, data analysis and data-driven modeling, simulating dynamic systems, model-predictive control techniques.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need::
Matlab programming. Other languages of programming, such as Python and/or C++ are welcome, but not necessary. Machine learning. Differential equations.

Mentoring Philosophy:
As a mentor, I work best with students who are inquisitive, pro-active, and problem solvers. I do not like to micro-manage. I see my job as being a resource to my research students, helping to solve problems when stuck, providing overall vision, and occasionally giving nudges in the right direction. I see my students as the expert in their given project, and I expect students to go learn skills, find possible solutions, try many things that may or may not work, and ultimately to come to research meetings ready to teach me all the cool things they’ve learned, tried, and developed. I aim to creating a safe environment in which mentees feel that is acceptable to fail and learn from their mistakes. I do expect mentees to take ownership of their work and have accountability for their effort in the project. Overall, I want to do fun engineering work that makes a difference in human lives, and I want my students to feel empowered to do difficult things and solve challenging problems.

Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable):: https://tgambon.wixsite.com/taylorgambon
Please add any additional information here (if applicable)::
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UROP Program Elements
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Mentor Handbook, FAQs, and Communication: Yes
UROP Performance Evaluation: Yes
Materials Grant: Yes
UROP Poster Presentation: Yes

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Year: 2023
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