PNW graduate applies new robotics knowledge through military service
Prior to graduating from Purdue University Northwest (PNW), Yu Na Park viewed herself as more of a “user” of technology than a developer.
Now, having earned her M.S. in Computer Science, she found inspiration for how robotics technology can be applied through her South Korean military field work, including Human-Robot Interaction.
“This program has given me the chance to see computer systems and robotics differently in terms of algorithms they use and how they are designed,” said Park. “I had the chance to learn more advanced and discipline-specific concepts, which I really appreciated.”
Driven to learn
Park began her academic career in conjunction with her military one by attending the Korea Military Academy and earning a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. She then applied her knowledge through tasks centered on data gathering and analysis. She also rose to the rank of captain.
After several years, Park felt her interests shift. She wanted to better understand concepts and trends in algorithms, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. She applied for, and was granted, a selective opportunity to take an approved military leave to earn her master’s degree abroad and bring her new knowledge back to benefit South Korea’s defense.
Park found her ideal destination in PNW for its academic reputation in Computer Science. She also valued the geographic proximity to Chicago and opportunities for research and collaboration in a hub for computing disciplines.
“I felt that I needed more knowledge about how I can better analyze data, such as using artificial intelligence to save time or designing new algorithms,” Park said. “I’d like to be able to introduce these concepts into military tasks. However, even if I don’t design or program a system myself, I want to be able to give helpful background and training for younger officers so they can learn about it too.”
Scholarly engagement
During her PNW academic career, Park served as a research assistant with Sayanti Roy, assistant professor of Computer Science. Roy helped introduce Park to studies of Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), an interdisciplinary academic field based around how people can efficiently and safely partner with robotics technologies.
The two collaborated on a research paper titled “I have other tasks to do… Analyzing Human Perception of Robots Practicing Ruthless Prioritization.” The research studied a simulated scenario in which humans asked robots for assistance while the robots decided whether to help or prioritize their own work. The research was also accepted for inclusion at the 2024 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) RO-MAN conference, a prestigious international multitrack conference focused on topics related to human-robot interaction (HRI).
“I didn’t have knowledge about HRI before taking Dr. Roy’s classes where she introduced me to the concept,” Park said. “I found it really interesting and I want to be able to help develop this robot technology for the South Korean military.”
Connection is key
Besides expanding her own academic knowledge, Park found a community of peers as she served as a founding member and treasurer of the AI/Robotics Club on campus. The club’s mission involves fostering connections for students interested in applications of AI, access to specialized workshops, networking opportunities and participating in robotics competitions.
“Through my connections with students and faculty on campus I have been able to build many experiences,” said Park. “Even though I’ve finished my program, I can still connect with students and other alumni to have even more experiences, which I feel has been the main benefit of attending PNW.”
“Yu Na was one of my first students I worked with when I started here,” said Roy. “It’s hard for a graduate student to balance many commitments, but she has done so many things, stayed dedicated and produced good results. That is very important.”