Javid Akhavan

School of Engineering & Science, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey
jakhavan@stevens.edu

  • Experienced Creative Model Developer Focused on Autonomous, Self-Aware Monitoring, and Control Systems.
  • 5+ years of combined industrial and academic experience in Computer Vision and Machine Learning.
  • Hands-on expertise in a variety of products and deep models within the control field.
  • Proven ability to consistently achieve results and meet project goals.
  • Ph.D. in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence from ME@SIT.
  • Strong intuition in Automation and Autonomous Control Systems.
  • Excellent interpersonal and team collaboration skills.
  • Proficient in Data Science and Statistics.
  • Advanced working knowledge of Python, MATLAB, and related libraries
  • Available for an immediate start. (Authorization: Green Card)


    • Download my CV here!


Education

Stevens Institute of Technology

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Ph.D.
Robotics & Artificial Intelligence

Current GPA: 4/4

August 2019 - Present


Stevens Institute of Technology

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Master of Engineering
Robotics & Artificial Intelligence

Current GPA: 4/4

August 2019 - May 2021


Stevens Institute of Technology

Department of Computer Science
Graduate Certificate
Machine Learning

GPA: 4/4

August 2021 - December 2022

Research

My research stands out in the field as it effectively integrates the expertise of multiple disciplines, including Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, and Electrical Engineering, to bridge existing gaps. In contrast to recent works that focus primarily on mechanical engineering approaches to create a solution, my research leverages the latest tools and ideas from computer science to deliver significant improvements in efficacy. My research aligns with the Industry 4.0 movement, striving to create self-aware automated manufacturing systems that minimize reliance on human labor and interaction with the minimum material and time waste.

My unique skillset is the result of a deep understanding of both mechanical engineering and computer science, allowing me to identify and propose optimal solutions to the engineering problems at hand. While many peers rely on conventional methods, my research goes beyond such limitations by applying state-of-the-art machine learning and artificial intelligence concepts to engineering practices.

As a researcher specializing in the application of machine learning in mechanical engineering, my primary objective is to design self-aware machinery that can function independently, even in the presence of defects or environmental anomalies. My research has significant practical implications for industries such as manufacturing, robotics, autonomous driving, as well as mass consumer goods and household appliances. Among my most noteworthy research contributions are:

  • The development of an autonomous defect detection system for 3D printing manufacturing units, which ensures production resilience and quality assurance without any human intervention.
  • The creation of an artificial intelligence-based application for real-time melt pool analysis and quality estimation in direct energy deposition additive manufacturing machines.
  • The implementation of an autonomous process adjustment algorithm for additive manufacturing machines, enabling rapid real-time adaptation to anomalies and machine faults and guaranteeing successful manufacturing in the event of an out-of-order machine.
  • The establishment of two publicly accessible databases to facilitate data accessibility for researchers in the field of smart manufacturing, thereby promoting knowledge dissemination and scientific advancement.

Experiences

Professional and Research Experiences


Software Engineer Intern

Johnson and Johnson - Jansen Research

  • Designed web-based dashboard using dash Plotly for real-time visualization of finances and budgets across various Therapeutic Areas, offering valuable insights into expenditures and project status.
  • Created an Azure-based web application to automate database integration and automated web app access to SharePoint, resulting in seamless data aggregation and visualization.
  • Established ODBC connections to Teradata and Denodo data lakes for Johnson & Johnson, facilitating live data integration into web applications for real-time corporate data and metric visualization.
  • Developed various creative data visualizations and dashboard designs for J&J teams, leading to an API establishment for enhanced data accessibility being used by multiple teams.
  • Developing a Linux-based Rich Text Format (RTF) convertor to PDF for a web app to facilitate confidential data online preview considering data privacies and securities leading to a seamless RTF visualization.
  • Gained hands-on experience in application development using git and bit-bucket space for seamless collaboration.

May 2023 - September 2023

Machine Learning Engineer and Researcher

Stevens Institute of Technology

  • Design of a labeling assistant dashboard for database creation and assessment for ML-related projects with MATLAB, resulting in a 10x efficiency increase and manual labor reduction.
  • Design and development of a deep learning model for melt pool image processing using customized TensorFlow models, resulting in a significant data processing time reduction from 120s to <1s.
  • Implementation of Machine Learning methods for feature extraction, from various data sources such as point clouds and images using Hybrid Convolutional Auto Encoder-Decoders, resulting in an autonomous anomaly identification and prevention system.
  • Implementation of a Reinforcement Learning-based controller, to automate anomaly detection and error mitigation using advanced deep learning techniques in TensorFlow, resulting in real-time fault detection and parameter tuning. (Patent in progress)
  • Carrying out a multi-language (Python, MATLAB, C#) command exchange to automate data and command exchange streamline to sync various APIs.
  • Gained proficient hands-on experience with various sensors and data acquisition modules such as cameras and laser surface profilometers.

August 2019 - Present

Software and Hardware Developer

Sharif University of Technology

  • Designed and implemented an auto-irrigation system in Arduino, resulting in an $8,000 funding raise and a start-up foundation.
  • Providing technical support to employees regarding software design, model fabrication, testing, and documentation.
  • Developed an auto-grading application to automate homework grading in various domains in MATLAB UI, resulting in a start-up foundation.

August 2018 – January 2019

Virtual Reality Programmer and Research Intern

Dr. Robot

  • Supervised and implemented the Virtual Reality (VR) equipment and synchronization of the auxiliary sensors and devices.
  • Designed and developed 10 interactive VR-based software programs in Unity engine, to train and examine pronunciation skills for children aged 7-10.
  • Proctored 10 in-field software tests with VR equipment and developed applications with 58 subjects, leading to a successful proof of concept.
  • Established assorted libraries for automation and task creation, including Text-To-Speech (TTS) conversion, animation creation, scenario compilation, and Console-VR program Synchronization in C#/Java/Python.

January 2018 – August 2018

Teaching Experiences


Lecturer - Stevens Institute of Technology

Programming With MATLAB And Sensor Integration

Organized and delivered lectures on programming with MATLAB to graduate-level students interested in sensor integration using MATLAB environment, such as FLIR thermal cameras, CCTV cameras, 3D printers, G-code manipulation, etc...

January 2020 - Present

Teaching Assistant - Stevens Institute of Technology

Introduction To Robotics & Mechatronics Course

  • Proctoring laboratory sessions involved various robot programming, circuit design, and teamwork.
  • Holding office hours to help students and give guidance on their project progress.

January 2020 - Present

Iranian Association at Stevens (IAS) - Stevens Institute of Technology

President and Treasurer

  • Manage the staffing process, including recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding the officers.
  • Ensure role descriptions are up to date and compliant with all campus regulations.
  • Budget planning and allocation for events and negotiation with contractors.

January 2020 - May 2020

LECTURER - Trinity Educational Center

SAT Exam Quant

  • Prepare and deliver lectures to participants of the SAT exam on linear algebra, single and system of linear equations, statistics, and advanced mathematics.

May 2018 – January 2019

Teaching Assistants Manager - Sharif University of Technology

Mechanism Design Course

  • Facilitated and coordinated students for projects and coursework.
  • Creation and delivery of lectures on Simulink and Adams applications for dynamically simulating various mechanisms.

August 2015 – January 2019
Numerical Computations Course

  • Designed and developed an auto-grading application to automate homework gradings in various domains.
  • Teaching MATLAB, numerical methods for linear and nonlinear equations, numerical integration, and differentiation.
  • Led and organized TAs for class activities and homework.

August 2015 – January 2019

Publications

  1. A Deep Learning Solution for Real-time Quality Assessment and Control in Additive Manufacturing Using Point Cloud Data (Under Review)


  2. In-situ laser-based process monitoring and in-plane surface anomaly identification for additive manufacturing using point cloud and machine learning

  3. Image-based dataset of artifact surfaces fabricated by additive manufacturing with applications in machine learning

  4. Thermal history based prediction of interlayer bond strength in parts manufactured by material extrusion additive manufacturing (Under Review)

  5. Realtime coaxial monitoring and print cross-section's image dataset of Direct Energy Deposition fabrication.

  6. Sensory Data Fusion Using Machine Learning Methods For In-Situ Defect Registration In Additive Manufacturing: A Review

  7. Real-time monitoring and gaussian process-based estimation of the melt pool profile in direct energy deposition. (Accepted)

Skills

Programming

  • Python . . . . . Proficient . . advanced work experience
  • TensorFlow . Proficient . . advanced work experience
  • Scikit-learn . Proficient . . advanced work experience
  • MATLAB . . . .Proficient . . advanced work experience
  • SQL . . . .Proficient . . Intermediate work experience
  • C++/C# . . . . . Proficient . . Intermediate work experience
  • Plotly Dash . . . . . Proficient . . Intermediate work experience


CAD Modeling

  • SolidWorks . Proficient . . Intermediate work experience


Game Engine

  • Unity . . . . . Proficient . . Intermediate work experience
  • Steam VR . Proficient . . Intermediate work experience


Operating Systems

Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac OS


Typesetting Tools
LaTeX, Microsoft office (Word, Powerpoint, Excel)

Interests

My interests are as follows:

  • Deep Methods for Computer Vision
  • Data Acquisition & Visualization
  • Autonomous Defect Detection, Classification, and Elimination
  • Deep Neural Networks
  • Machine Learning
  • Reinforcment Learning for Pattern recognition & Control

certificates

Fundamentals of Reinforcement Learning

University of Alberta

Custom Models, Layers, and Loss Functions with TensorFlow

DeepLearning.AI



HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment)

Isfahan Oil Refinery Company

Test Scores:

TOEFL: Overall 98

GRE: Overall 322 (Quant: 170/170, Verbal: 152/170)

Download my Official Transcript here!


Honors & Awards