One student from the College of Saint Benedict and another from Saint John’s University recently showcased their undergraduate research as part of the annual Scholars Showcase, an event sponsored by the Minnesota Private College Council.
The event was Feb. 26 at the Minnesota State Capitol and included 38 students from 16 schools around the state who presented research posters in the capitol rotunda in St. Paul.
Elise Springman, a sophomore physics major from St. Anthony, Minnesota, represented Saint Ben’s, and Noah Zent, a junior computer science and mathematics major from West Fargo, North Dakota, represented Saint John’s.
Springman’s research, under the mentorship of Jim Crumley, professor of physics and department chair, was titled “Prosthetic Arm.”
Based on interest in biomedical technology, this project included design, construction and development of a prosthetic-style arm controlled by electromyography (EMG) muscle sensors placed on a person’s arm.
Beginning with the elbow and working down the arm, basic sketches were drawn of each joint and turned into 3D Computer Aided Design models using program Fusion 360. Then the joints were printed in 3D as scaled down models for testing.
After improving the joint to satisfaction, each piece of the arm was 3D printed full size, and the arm was fully constructed. Following the full construction of the arm, code was put together first for simplistic motion – lifting and lowering each joint – and then for more increased control – ability to stop joints at peak positions.
Fully set, the joints were connected to motors run by an Arduino. The Arduino read signals from the EMG sensor readings telling which motors to spin, and therefore which joint to lift/lower.
Zent’s research, under the mentorship of Srikanth Vemula, assistant professor of computer science, was titled “Developing Diverse Student Behavior NPC’s through Generative AI.”
This research project pioneers the integration of AI-engineered non-player characters (NPCs) that mimic a wide array of student behaviors, with the ambitious goal of transforming virtual educational landscapes. By harnessing the power of AI within mixed reality settings, one is able to craft dynamic, immersive and engaging learning experiences.
Central to the methodology is a strong emphasis on ethical considerations, particularly in relation to the responsible simulation of human behaviors. This innovative approach propels the field of digital education forward, operating at the intersection of educational technology, artificial intelligence and psychology.
The research underscores the ethical ramifications of employing AI to simulate intricate human interactions, thereby contributing to the discourse on the ethical use of AI in education. The findings from this study are expected to have far reaching implications for the design of future virtual learning environments, setting new standards for realism, interactivity and ethical AI use.
Project disciplines included in the Scholars Showcase included anthropology, art history, biology, computer science, criminology, economics, engineering, environmental science, neuroscience, physics and sociology.