UOIT assistant professor awarded prestigious Shared Hierarchical Academic Research Computing Network fellowship
February 18, 2009
Dr. Faisal Qureshi, an assistant professor in Computer Science with the Faculty of Science at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), will be able to further his innovative research into 3D virtual reality simulation that aids the advancement of smart camera networks, after being honoured with a fellowship award.
The Shared Hierarchical Academic Research Computing Network (SHARCNET) Undergraduate Student Fellowship Award, valued at $7,000, will allow Dr. Qureshi to employ an undergraduate student to assist with his research into the practical benefits of using a virtual environment to study and develop smart camera networks capable of carrying out advanced surveillance tasks with little or no human supervision. The research will also look at how to utilize the high-performance computing platform available through SHARCNET, an Ontario consortium of 17 universities, colleges and research institutes, including UOIT, that share a network of high-performance computers and software linked by an advanced fibre optic network.
His work aims to create practical and effective surveillance solutions using large-scale camera networks by developing visually and esthetically realistic 3D environments - populated with self-animating humans - and using them for camera networks research. For example, these camera networks would be able to locate victims in search and rescue operations and provide more efficient pedestrian monitoring in highly populated areas, such as train stations and shopping centres.
"I am thrilled to receive this distinguished award, which will allow UOIT to be at the forefront of smart camera networks research. This work has the potential to bring innovative video surveillance solutions to industrial, business and public sectors," said Dr. Qureshi. "Additionally, this funding provides an excellent opportunity for a UOIT undergraduate student to take part in groundbreaking research that has the potential to impact society."
Dr. Qureshi is one of six professors from across Ontario to receive this prestigious award and the only professor from UOIT to be chosen in Round 9 of the network's fellowship competition. Dr. Qureshi joined UOIT in July 2008, from his former position as a software developer at Autodesk Canada. He received his Master of Science and PhD in Computer Science degrees from the University of Toronto.
"Dr. Qureshi's award is another example of the emphasis on undergraduate research opportunities that gives UOIT's Science students a significant edge in the marketplace," said Dr. William Smith, dean, Faculty of Science at UOIT.
UOIT's Faculty of Science provides students with state-of-the-art equipment and instrumentation, computer-based simulations and case study-based learning. UOIT professors are experts in their fields from around the world and they challenge and inspire students to push their boundaries of thinking and learning.
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