Statistics

Bayesian learning, stochastic processes, spatial analysis, experimental design

Mathematics

Dynamical systems, control (stochastic, feedback, optimal, nonlinear), optimization

Languages

Python, R, C/C++, MATLAB/Simulink, shell scripting

University of California, Santa Cruz

Ph.D. Applied Mathematics & Statistics December 2019

• Thesis: Trajectory planning for autonomous vehicles for optimal exploration of spatial processes

M.S. Mathematics May 2012

B.S. Mathematics with minor Mechanical Engineering May 2009

University of California, Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA

Doctoral Researcher, Statistics April 2014 - December 2019

• Developed and evaluated a new framework for real-time trajectory planning for autonomous vehicles used in environmental sensing
• Designed trajectories that are adaptive to the data collected, optimal with respect to an exploration goal, and surpass those from existing methods
• Extended framework to include multiple vehicles, collision avoidance, and data from off-vehicle sensors
• Collaborated with computer engineering department to implement the framework on a physical robot
• Utilized R programming language for prototyping, C for Monte Carlo simulations, and Python for robot interfacing

Graduate Researcher, Applied Mathematics September 2012 - June 2013

• Developed algorithms for an autonomous vehicle to follow a target vehicle with unknown kinematics
• Implemented stochastic optimal control methods (Bellman equation, value iteration)

NASA Ames Research Center Mountain View, CA

Research Intern, Earth Sciences July 2015 - September 2015

• Fused supplementary data from climate models and satellites into the trajectory planning framework
• Investigated the sensitivity of the framework to initial configurations of the vehicle and environment

Desert Research Institute Reno, NV

Research Intern, Atmospheric Sciences June 2012 - September 2012

• Simulated and analyzed soot particles as fractal-like aggregates using C++

University of Nevada, Reno Reno, NV

Graduate Researcher, Mechanical Engineering September 2009 - June 2010

• Characterized sensing and control capabilities for electroactive polymers used in underwater robotics
• Built experimental platforms and compared recorded behavior to theoretical calculations

University of California, Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA

Graduate Teaching Assistant September 2012 - June 2019

• Taught 8 quarters of upper division probability theory
• Taught 4 quarters of statistical methods for life sciences
• Taught discrete math (set theory, graph theory, cryptography) to high school students at a STEM camp

University of Nevada, Reno Reno, NV

Lecturer June 2011 - August 2012

• Was the sole instructor for a calculus course and a fundamentals of college mathematics course

Tutoring Center Supervisor August 2010 - May 2012

• Managed and tutored alongside 15 - 20 undergraduate math tutors

Santa Cruz County Fire Department Santa Cruz, CA

Volunteer Emergency Medical Responder February 2017 - Present

• Respond to medical 911 calls in my community and participate in team trainings

Song, S. and Rodriguez, A. Trajectory planning for an autonomous multi-vehicle system for optimal exploration of environmental processes. Manuscript in preparation - extension of the framework to include multiple vehicles and collision avoidance.

Song, S. and Rodriguez, A. Incorporating multimodal datastreams in trajectory planning for autonomous vehicles for optimal monitoring of environmental processes. Manuscript in preparation - extension of the framework to incorporate supplementary information from different types of off-vehicle sensors.

Song, S. Trajectory planning for autonomous vehicles for optimal exploration of spatial processes. Ph.D. Thesis, UC Santa Cruz, 2019. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/75v0p07k

Keller, G. J., Hening, S., Song, S., Teodorescu, M., Guillaume, B., Nguyen, N. T., and Ippolito, C. A. Demonstration platform for trajectory planning of an autonomous nonholonomic skid-steer system for investigating spatial phenomena, AIAA Infotech @ Aerospace, 2016. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2016-0398

Song, S., Rodriguez, A., and Teodorescu, M. Trajectory planning for autonomous nonholonomic vehicles for optimal monitoring of spatial phenomena, IEEE International Conference on Unmanned Aircraft Systems, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICUAS.2015.7152273

Leang, K. K., Shan, Y., Song, S., and Kim, K. J. Integrated sensing for IPMC actuators using strain gages for underwater applications, IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics, Vol 17, No. 2, pp. 345-355, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1109/TMECH.2011.2105885

Song, S., Shan, Y., Kim, K. J. and Leang, K. K. Tracking control of oscillatory motion in IPMC actuators for underwater applications, IEEE/ASME International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics, Invited session on EAP, 2010. https://doi.org/10.1109/AIM.2010.5695887