News
Robotic fish make awards shortlist
The Department of Computer Science’s innovative project to
develop robotic fish is one of just five UK research projects to be short
listed for a Times Higher Education Supplement (THES) award.
Professor Huosheng Hu and the Human Centred Robotics team developed the
world’s first autonomous robotic fish as part of the ‘Robot City:
Capturing the Imagination for Public Awareness of Robots’ project funded
by the London Aquarium. The aim of the initiative has been to increase
public understanding of science and technology.
Professor Hu’s robotic fish have
attracted thousands of visitors to the exhibition at the London Aquarium
(Picture courtesy of UPPA)
50 nominations were received for the Research Project of the Year
category in the THES awards. Professor Hu will find out whether he
has won at the awards ceremony in London on 15 November.
Dr Sam Steel, Head of the Department of Computer Science, said:
‘Huosheng is a marvellous roboticist, doing things that are not just
technically remarkable, but startlingly imaginative in how they use the
techniques. Students pile in to study with him.’
East 15 nurtures young talent
Essex teenagers have been taking part in a unique regional
training programme at East 15 which allowed them to develop their creative
skills and learn about life in the acting industry.
The University has been working in partnership with the Arts Council to
deliver the innovative training programme for young people interested in
acting, singing and dancing. Talented youngsters from across the county
were identified to take part in the scheme.
Those taking part have benefited from an intense programme of classes
in acting, singing, dancing, script writing, radio and television
production and stage design.
Of the 50 16-18 year olds taking part, 25 have been chosen to progress
to the next stage of the project during which they will receive individual
training programmes including industry work placements, artists mentoring,
skills development, careers information and guidance on showcasing their
talents.
Jessica Kenny, Project Manager and Arts Officer at the University,
said: ‘These incredibly talented young people who threw themselves into
every task were amazing - not just their talent, but also their
professionalism at such a young age.’
Student is most enterprising in Essex
A Computer Science student has been named Essex’s Most
Enterprising Student.
Mark Kemp was awarded the accolade by Shell Step, a UK-wide programme
offering undergraduates work experience within small and medium sized
business. It provides an excellent opportunity for students to put into
practice knowledge acquired during their degree course, and develop skills
employers look for.
Mark competed against 45 students from across the county, including
eight from the University, and was based at Motormania in Colchester
during his two month placement. All competitors had to produce a written
report on their work, and give presentations to a panel of judges about
their achievements.
Bill Mossman, Head of Operations at Business Link Essex who sponsor the
programme, said: ‘Step is a vital tool for businesses and students to
learn from each other and gain valuable skills. Not only can businesses
benefit from the fresh ideas a student can bring, but also it is a great
addition to students’ CVs.’
Mark will now go through to the regional event facing winners from
across the East of England. Also going forward to the regional finals is
fellow Computer Science student Stephen O’Neil. Stephen was named
Oxfordshire’s Most Enterprising Student after spending his placement at
hi-tech firm Webmart UK.
Stephen was responsible for introducing a range of systems that have
helped the company save both time and money.
Also in the printed October edition of Wyvern:
- Campus developments
- SU launches exciting new programme
- Volunteer today
- Rehabilitation club extends provision
- New faces on campus
- Retracing the Long March
- Award for sociology book
