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Biosketch

Last updated:April 5, 2024

Jaerock Kwon, Ph.D.

Affiliation

  • Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Michigan-Dearborn, (Jan 2020 – Present)
  • Associate Professor (Tenured), Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kettering University, (May 2016 – Dec 2019)
  • Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kettering University, (May 2010 – May 2016)
  • Visiting Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kettering University, (Jul 2009 – May 2010)

Education

  • Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX (August 2009)
    Brain Network Lab / Neural Intelligence Lab
    Dissertation Title: Acquisition and Mining of the Whole Mouse Brain Microstructure
    Research Advisor: Dr. Yoonsuck Choe
  • M.S. in Electronic Communication Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea (February 1994)
    Artificial Intelligence Lab / Natural Language Processing Team
    Thesis Title: The Design and Implementation of a Korean Sentence Generator using Feature Structures.
    Research Advisor: Dr. Byeongwook Choi
  • B.S in Electronic Communication Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea (February 1992)

Grants

University of Michigan-Dearborn

  • Active Inference-based Deep Learning Technology for Automatic Perception and Control of Autonomous Vehicles, Korea-US International Joint Research Project sponsored by Institute for Information and Communications Technology Promotion (IITP), Korea, 68M KRW (~$51K) (PI in UM-Dearborn), 4/01/2024 ~ 12/31/2026
  • Robotic wireless signal strength mapping of industrial facilities, MxD USA, $899,602 (co-PI), 5/2/2024 – 3/31/2025
  • Development of machine learning algorithms for electric autonomous agricultural vehicles, WApplE Cloud Co., Ltd., $10,270 (PI), 1/1/2024 – 6/30/2024
  • Open-Source Autonomous Ground Vehicular Robotics Platform, Research Initiation & Development Grant by University of Michigan-Dearborn, $20,000 (PI), 1/15/2024 – 1/14/2025
  • 2023 Battery Workforce Challenge, American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), $680,878 (co-lead) 8/18/2023 – 6/30/2026
  • MRI: Acquisition of Autonomous Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle Platform for Multidisciplinary Research and Education at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, National Science Foundation, $244,610 (PI), 9/1/2022 – 8/31/2025
  • AI System Security Detection Monitoring Research, Ford Motor Company, $199,731.00, (co-PI), 4/1/2022 – 3/31/2024
  • Development of Markerless 3D Human Motion Capture Framework from 2D Videos Using Deep Learning, ADVANCE Grant Program, Michigan State Economic Development Corporation, $20,000 (PI), 2022
  • Detection and tracking of vehicles using Lidar point clouds for autonomous lane-changing system, Hyundai MOBIS Technical Center North America, $50,000 (co-PI), 5/31/2021 – 11/30/2021
  • Driver Style Transfer for Autonomous Driving, Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Program, 2021
  • Cooperative Perception and Navigation for Multiple Vehicles Using Deep Neural Network, Korea-US International Joint Research Project sponsored by Institute for Information and Communications Technology Promotion (IITP), Korea, $41,617 (PI), June 2020 – May 2021
  • Development of Autonomous Vehicle Research Platform using Deep Learning and Robot Operating System, Korea-US International Joint Research Project sponsored by Institute for Information and Communications Technology Promotion (IITP), Korea, $21,027 (PI in UM-Dearborn), Jan 2020 – June 2020
  • Markerless 3D Human Motion Inference Framework from 2D Videos using Deep Learning, Research Initiation & Development Grant by University of Michigan-Dearborn, $15,000 (PI in UM-Dearborn), May 2020 – April 2022

Kettering University

  • Development of Autonomous Vehicle Research Platform using Deep Learning and Robot Operating System, Korea-US International Joint Research Project sponsored by Institute for Information and Communications Technology Promotion (IITP), Korea, (PI), July 2019 – Dec 2019
  • 3D Modeling of Human Motion from 2D Video Images Using Al-based Markerless Inference Framework, Center for Scholarly and Creative Excellence (CSCE) Collaborative Research Grant from Grand Valley State University, (PI), April 2019
  • Development of Experimental Setup for Evaluating Vehicular Communication System (V2X), Faculty Research Fellowship, Kettering University, (PI), 2018.
  • MRI: Acquisition of a High Performance Computing Cluster for Multi-Disciplinary Research & Education at a Primarily Undergraduate Institution, National Science Foundation, Award Number: OAC-1725938, (Senior Personnel), 2018 – 2020
  • Development of Low-Cost Autonomous Vehicle Experimental Platform, Provost’s Research Matching Fund, (PI), 2017
  • A Touch-Enabled Virtual Room for Scientific Data Exploration, Kettering University, Faculty Research Fellowship, (PI), 2015.
  • Development of Software Tools for Driver Assistance Systems, Magna Electronics, $115,570 (PI), 2015
  • MRI: Development of High-Throughput ad High-Resolution Three-Dimensional Tissue Scanner with Internet-Connected 3D Virtual Microscope for Large-Scale Automated Histology (National Science Foundation Award No. ECCS-1337983, PI: Kwon), (PI), Sep 1, 2013 – Aug 31, 2017.
  • Computer Engineering Summer Day Camp funded by GM Foundation (2013)
  • Computer Engineering Day Camp (The Donald Lee Smith Fund through the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, 2013-2015).
  • Development of LED system lighting engine module with compact sized data communication modules and driver IC/Processor control parts based on multi-sensor (supported by the MKE/Ministry of Knowledge Economy,  Korea supervised by the KEIT/Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology; Subcontract, 2012-2015).
  • Oswald International Faculty Fellowships for 2010-2011.
  • Travel Grant for IEEE International Joint Conference on Neural Networks, 2007.

Awards

  • Outstanding Researcher Award in recognition of significant contributions in the areas of Computational Neuroscience and Neurobotics, 2016
  • Kettering University Innovation Fellow, 2013
  • SK Employee Award, MPR/S division, An Excellent Employee, SK Teletech, December 2001.
  • Graduate fellowship from LG Electronics Co., Ltd. (Two-year full-tuition), January 1992 – December 1993.
  • Undergraduate fellowship from LG Electronics Co., Ltd. (Two-year full-tuition), January 1990 – December 1991 
  • Academic Merit Scholarship, August 1988.

Research Interests

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Neurobotics and mobile robotics
  • Autonomous vehicles perception and control based on Machine Learning
  • Human gait analysis in 3D using 2D images
  • Biologically motivated sensor and motor integration
  • Microscopy instrumentation and automation Computational Neuroanatomy and Neuroinformatics: Reconstruction, Visualization, Statistical analysis, Acquisition and analysis of large biological datasets
  • Computational Neuroscience

Experience

Academia

  • Director (2020 – )
    • Bio-Inspired Machine Intelligent Systems  (BIMI) Laboratory
  • Director (2013 – 2019)
    • Brain Inspired Intelligent Systems Laboratory (BI2S), Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kettering University
  • Co-Director (2010 – 2019)
    • Mobile Intelligent Systems (MIR) Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kettering University
  • Research Assistant (May 2008 – May 2009)
    • International Student Services, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
      • HTML, ASP, Javascript, Access, MS-SQL Database
  • Research Assistant (September 2005 – May 2008)
    • Brain Network Lab, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
      • Conducted research on cognitive models and algorithms regarding Neural networks, Genetic algorithms, and Artificial intelligence
      • Developed an automatic data acquisition system, data server, data transmission, image capture, and stage controller system Knife-Edge Scanning Microscope (KESM)
      • Developed an automatic image registration system for large data sets, image processing for removing noise and normalizing uneven light intensity using ITK (Insight Segmentation and Registration Toolkit).
      • Developed a volumetric data browser for large data sets using VTK (Visualization Tool Kit)
  • Research Assistant (January 2005 – May 2005)
    • Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
      • Developed a remote control and automation system using a Web-based interface.

Industry

  • Naver, Clova AI, Visiting Researcher, April 2018 – Sep 2018, Seoul, Korea.
    • Conducted research on view-invariant person re-identification using human gaits
  • Qualcomm Inc. Korea (Qualcomm Internet Service), Senior Software Engineer, July 2002 – June 2004, : Technical support engineer for the BREW and OEM developer
    • Integrated BREWChat (Push To Talk solution) for an OEM
    • Consulted for BREW application developers
    • Consulted for OEM engineers to port BREW both in person and through email
    • Wrote BREW training materials for developers.
    • Gave lectures on BREW SDK, and wrote FAQ, troubleshooting and knowledge base.
    • Skills: C/C++, BREW, DMSS, REX, ARM C/C++, Trace32
  • SK Teletech (Research and Development Center), Senior Software Engineer, January 2000 – June 2002:
    • Developed a new embedded application platform
      Recipient of MPR/S Award (Excellent Employee, 2001)
    • Developed an embedded application platform for mobile devices (EQUS) (Event-driven system, common controls, and application manager)
    • Designed for multi-platforms, and developed an emulator for Windows OS
    • Developed user interfaces for CDMA handsets
    • Developed the first color LCD handset (SKY IM-3100) in the Korean market with a graphical user interface
    • User interface development for commercial CDMA IS-95A/B/C, CDMA 2000 cellular phones; SK Teletech models: (Camera, color LCD, multi-poly melody, CDMA 2000 1X, CDMA 2000, EVDO, GPS)
    • Skills: C/C++, BREW, DMSS, REX, ARM C/C++, Trace32, Visual C/C++, MFC, Win32
  • LG Electronics (Digital TV Research Center), Associate Research Engineer, January 1999 – December 1999 :
    • Developed the digital TV set-top box data browser
    • Embedded System Software for Digital TV Set-top Box on RTOS (pSOS) n Enhanced the layout engine to support HTML 4.0
    • Content Parser and Layout Engine of ATVEF Data Broadcast
    • HTML 4.0 parser for ATVEF data broadcast content format
    • Skills: C/C++, pSOS, ARM C/C++, Device Mosaic 3.1, HTML, ECMA Script, CSS, DOM
  • LG Electronics (Media Communication Research Center), Associate Research Engineer, January 1996 – December 1998:
    • Developed telephony systems for LG personal computers
    • Developed the telephony module which supports the answering machine, voice mail, and fax for LG multimedia PC (SoftHome 3.0)
    • Developed PC Agent System (Windows shell for novice users) (SoftHome 98)
    • Skills: – C/C++, Mpact Media Processor, Windows 98, Visual C/C++, MFC, TAPI (Telephony API). Hayes AT command, Rockwell AT+V command, Mwave Telephony API
  • LG Electronics (Information Technology Research Center), Assistant Research Engineer, January 1994 – December 1995:
    • Developed device diagnostic applications for mass manufacturing
    • Device diagnostic applications (LG 3DO CD-based game console) Embedded splash/attractive screen (LG 3DO CD-based game console)
    • Skills: C/C++, pSOS, ARM C/C++, Power Mac, 3DO Graphic, 3DO Audio

Talks and Presentations

  • Jaerock Kwon, Invited Talk: B-Morpheus: Perceptual-Motor Active Inference for Autonomous Driving, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea, May 8, 2024
  • Jaerock Kwon, Invited Talk: B-Morpheus: Perceptual-Motor Active Inference for Autonomous Driving, Kookmin University, Seoul, Korea, May 27, 2024
  • Jaerock Kwon, Invited Talk: Learning by Covert Doing, KOCSEA Tech Symposium, Nov 4-5, 2023
  • Jaerock Kwon, Invited Talk: Everything All at Once Network: Toward Robust Intelligence, Hanyang University-ERICA, Ansan-si, Korea, June 5, 2023
  • Jaerock Kwon, Invited Talk: Self-Driving with Mathematics, Myeongmun Hakwon, Chungju-si, Korea, June 3, 2023
  • Jaerock Kwon, Invited Talk: Deep Learning in Autonomous Driving, Dankook University, Yongin-si, Korea, May 24, 2023
  • Jaerock Kwon, Invited Talk: EAO-Net: Everything All at Once Network, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Korea, May 12, 2023
  • Jaerock Kwon, Invited Talk: EAO-Net: Everything All at Once Network; toward eXplainable AI-based Controller using Sensory Motor Contingency Theory for Highly Automated Mobility, Association of Korean Neuroscientists (AKN) eTalk, March 15, 2023
  • Jaerock Kwon, Invited Talk: Embodied Cognitive Approaches for Autonomous Vehicles, Hyundai Mobis, Jul 21, 2022
  • Jaerock Kwon, AI Challenges for CAVs, TEDxUMDearborn, April 15, 2022
  • Jaerock Kwon, Invited Talk: Data, Network, and AI (D.N.A) at Northeast Regional Conference (NRC) 2022 “Behind the Scenes, Emerging Technology and Innovation,” April 1 – 2, 2022
  • Jaerock Kwon, Embodied Cognitive Vehicles – Bio-Inspired Intelligent Self-Driving Car, Hanyang University, Korea, April 31, 2021
  • Jaerock Kwon, Invited Talk: Machine learning and AI Challenges for Connected Automated Vehicles, Connected and Automated Vehicle Forum, UKC 2019 Chicago, August 16, 2019
  • Jaerock Kwon, Toward Brain-Inspired Machine Intelligence for Autonomous Systems, Symposium on Advanced Mobility, SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile, Guangxi Department of Science and Technology, Zhejiang Department of Science and Technology, SAIC Motor Corporation Ltd., Tongji University, China June 24 ~ 28 2019
  • Jaerock Kwon, Invited Talk: Practical Overview of Deep Learning for Building an Autonomous Vehicle, Handong University, September 18, 2018
  • Jaerock Kwon, Invited talk: Deep Learning for Autonomous Vehicles, Wonkwang University, September 12, 2018
  • Jaerock Kwon, Invited talk: Towards Intelligent Systems – Autonomous Vehicles, Samsung Electronics, August 1, 2018
  • Jaerock Kwon, Invited talk: Robotics and Deep Learning for Autonomous Vehicles, Machine Monitoring & Control Lab,  the Department of Automotive Engineering at Hanyang University,  June 26, 2018
  • Jaerock Kwon, International Education Program Seminar: Robotics and Deep Learning for Autonomous Vehicles, Feb 24, 2017.
  • Jaerock Kwon, Invited talk: Image Data Restoration using Artificial Neural Network, Signal Intelligence Research Center, Hanyang University, Korea, July 8, 2016.
  • Jaerock Kwon, Invited talk: Acquisition and Analysis of Mouse Brain Vasculature, High-Performance Visual Computing Lab, UNIST, June 30, 2016.
  • Jaerock Kwon, Invited talk: Design and Implementation of Smart LED Lighting System Using Multi-Sensor Module. Dept. of Information and Communication Engineering at Wonkwang University, Korea, April 2014
  • Jaerock Kwon, Invited talk: Development of a Wireless Multisensor LED Lighting System, BIT 3rd Annual World Conference of U-Homes, Dalian, China, June 2013
  • Jaerock Kwon, Invited talk: Security Issues in Wireless Sensor Networks, Jeju National University, Korea, Oct 15, 2012.
  • Jaerock Kwon, Invited talk: Wireless Sensor Network Development and Applications for LED system lighting, Workshop for LED Lighting Technologies and Education, Center for Advanced Electric Applications at Wonkang University, Korea, Oct 10, 2012.
  • Jaerock Kwon, Invited talk: Computational Neuroscience, Mobile and Space Communications Lab at Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea, Sep 3, 2011
  • Jaerock Kwon, Invited talk: Kettering University: A Professional Co-op Experience with a Real Difference, 2011 5th International Workshop on Practical Engineering Education, Cheonan, Korea, Aug 4, 2011.
  • Jaerock Kwon, a special lecture in the Advanced Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Program held by Human Resources Development Institute of Korea University of Technology & Education, Cheonan, Korea, August 1-5, 2011.
  • Jaerock Kwon, and Yoonsuck Choe, Invited talk: Internal State Predictability as an Evolutionary Precursor of Self-Awareness and Agency, Cognoscenti Series, Texas A&M University, October 20, 2008
  • Jaerock Kwon, Heejin Lim, and Yoonsuck Choe, Invited talk: Prediction, a Prerequisite to Goal-directed Behavior, and Its Possible Origin in Delay Compensation. IT Symposium, US-Korea Conference, Reston VA. August 10, 2007
  • Yoonsuck Choe, Jaerock Kwon, and Heejin Lim, Invited talk: Prediction, a Prerequisite to Goal-directed Behavior, and Its Possible Origin in Delay Compensation. Metroplex Institute for Neural Dynamics, November 3, 2006

Patents

  • J. Hong, J. Kwon, A. Zaboli, S. Ghosh, and J. Moore, “A Robust Machine Learning Framework and Data Classification System,” first filed on 4/8/2022.
  • Data information display method of data broadcasting receiver and apparatus thereof, US Patent No: 7100117, August 29, 2006
  • Method for service offering using formalized user information, H04L 12/58 (January 2006), 1006520300000 (November 23, 2006)
  • Apparatus for defining TV/DATA broadcasting objects by user, H04N 5/445 (January 2006), 1006936480000 (March 5, 2007)
  • Display method of pop-up tree type electronic program guide, H04N 5/50 (January 2006) 1006414370000 (October 25, 2006)
  • Two way digital television system, H04N 7/173 (January 2006), 1006975130000 (March 13, 2007)
  • Method for detecting channel in digital TV, H04N 7/12 (January 2006) 1006409170000 (October 25, 2006)

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