Patrick Dowd
I am a Master's student in engineering and computer science with broad experience and strong interpersonal skills
Python · Machine Learning · SolidWorks · GD&T · Arduino · Circuit Design · 3D Printing · Cell Culture · Raspberry Pi · IoT · Finite Element Modelling
I've worked in industry and academia, in fields ranging from cancer research to robotics. My technical skills include machine learning, robot design, computer vision, 3D modelling, embedded programming and cloud computing, among others (check out my completed and active projects). This skillset allows me to view problems holistically and craft solutions from ideation all the way through to final product manufacture.
I am a proud New Zealander with a love for travel. Living and studying in Abu Dhabi, New York and Zurich has given me the opportunity to interact with a diverse range of people, broadening my understanding of how people find meaning and comfort in this world. I believe that all problems, including technical problems, have to include a sociological framing or else risk failing to achieve their purpose.
Check out my formal writing, photography, or blog to learn more about me, my work and my opinions.
Interested in anything you see on this page? Reach out and let's collaborate!
EarthNet
If the box below is blank, the server is warming up. Please check again in 45 seconds:)
Work experience
Junior Researcher
Advanced Microfluidics and Microdevices Laboratory / Summer 2021
I developed a device that generates easily customisable concentration gradients of multiple substrates in open cell culture. This device reduces experimentation time by up to 80% by eliminating the redundancy required for closed cell culture in microfluidic chambers, while also reducing substrate waste by up to 90%. I cultured cancer cells (HeLa, HepG2, DU145, MCF7) and used the device to conduct assays measuring speed and directionality of cell response to glucose and oxygen gradients.
Independent Researcher
AI4CE Laboratory / Summer 2022
I am investigating soft robot skin technologies that allow simultaneous exteroception and proprioception. Currently, accuracy of force measurement results exceed all previously published results.
Active Projects
Recent projects
SolidWorks model of 1989 Batmobile with set of GD&T annotated technical drawings
NYU - May 2022
Completed for the course Advanced Computer Aided Design
Single camera speed estimation and object detection algorithm
NYU - May 2022
Completed for the course Robot Vision taught by Dr. Chen Feng. The project uses a SLAM algorithm to locate the camera (which is moved for a short duration at the start of the video), then calculates the speed of objects moving along any of the planes of the room.
Mitral Valve Video Segmentation
ETH Zurich - December 2023
Completed for the course Advanced Machine Learning taught by Dr. Joachim Buhmann. The project was implemented by training a custom fully-convolutional U-net on an augmented dataset built from only 30 original annotated examples.
MIT STEAM Competition
Group Leader / January 2022 - April 2023
I led a year-long research and development project that culminated in a 3D-printed display at the 2022 Abu Dhabi Festival, in collaboration with the MIT Center for Additive and Digital Advanced Production Technologies
EarthNet
Cofounder / November 2021 - May 2023
Promoting participation in environmental science by designing cheap, robust IoT weather station kits and an open-source, real-time dataset for distribution to local schools and across the NYU global network. See above for real-time data. The data pipeline is implemented in AWS.
