48440 research outputs found
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Creating a Database of 3D Head Models of Chinese Ethnic Minorities
No full textThis project presents an interactive online 3D craniofacial database focused on selected Chinese ethnic minority populations. The database is designed to support anthropological research, education, and digital visualization by providing a structured and ethically grounded representation of population-level craniofacial variation. The current implementation includes three-dimensional head models for nine ethnic minority groups—Mongol, Zhuang, Dai, Wa, Uyghur, Bai, Tajik, Achang, and Dong—with separate male and female models for each group, resulting in eighteen 3D assets. All models were developed through a controlled modeling pipeline using Maya for base mesh construction, with ZBrush and Blender supporting high-resolution sculpting, retopology, and optimized export. Craniofacial proportions were informed by peer-reviewed anthropometric studies, emphasizing statistical trends rather than individual likenesses. The system integrates a WebGL-based platform that enables dual-model comparison, local file loading, bilingual (Chinese–English) interface switching, and an annotation module explaining morphological traits in geographic and environmental context. A map-based visualization further situates each group spatially within China. This project demonstrates a scalable framework for combining anthropometric research, 3D modeling, and interactive web technologies in digital anthropology
Tour and Virtual Showcase of the Port Phillip EcoCentre
No full textThe Port Phillip EcoCentre in Melbourne, Australia, is an environmental organization that promotes community sustainability. In 2025, the EcoCentre constructed a net-zero electric facility, made with recycled and repurposed materials. The building is a world leader in sustainable design. This project aimed to promote the EcoCentre’s new facility as a means of connecting the Greater Melbourne area with the mission, programs, and history of the organization. The team interviewed experts and surveyed visitors to develop a guided building tour. Together with a corresponding tour guide training program and virtual building walkthrough, the project created tools to introduce and engage the local community with the EcoCentre
Concrete Canoe Project Management System and Design Process
No full textThe WPI American Society of Civil Engineer's Concrete Canoe team competes in an annual competition to build and race a canoe made of concrete. The competition requires a written proposal, a final report, the creation of a presentation, and the construction of a concrete canoe. The goal of this project was to form two manuals to help future Concrete Canoe Captains transition into their leadership role. These manuals were titled "Project Management of Concrete Canoe Manual" and "Technical Aspects of Concrete Canoe Manual". The created manuals contain guides and templates to help future teams to better organize people, record data, and analyze the design of the canoe
Impact of Deployment on Emergency Service Workers' Families
No full textWhen emergency service workers are deployed for multiple days, their families face emotional and logistical burdens. To improve mental health resources for families of emergency service workers, the team worked with the Emergency Services Foundation to examine the needs of families before, during, and after deployments. The team interviewed 30 family members and emergency service workers to understand the experiences of families during deployments. Wellbeing teams from six emergency management agencies were interviewed to evaluate current resources. The Job Demands-Resources model was used to identify challenges families faced as well as coping strategies they used. The team identified eight practices that agencies can adopt to support the mental health of families throughout deployments
Contextualizing and Comparing Mapping Platforms in Kathmandu
No full textOur sponsor, Kathmandu Living Labs, developed Baato, a navigation and mapping platform that provides routing and location-based services tailored for Nepal. As digital navigation tools become necessary for moving through rapidly expanding cities, the accuracy and design of these platforms shapes how people understand and experience urban space. We analyzed Baato and its competitors, Google and Galli Maps, in the city of Kathmandu, concerning navigation and documenting platforms’ strengths and weaknesses. Landmark-based navigation, as well as various types of directional cues, were examined from the point of view of the pedestrian and the driver. Our recommendations to Baato include refined visual features, detailed landmark cues, categorized search engines, and research-based algorithms
Developing a Database & Outreach Strategy for MMA Camps B25
No full textThis project created the foundation for a new alumni network for the Maria Mitchell Association’s summer camps. We digitized twenty years of camper records, built a searchable alumni database, and conducted outreach through email, text, and social media to reconnect with former campers. Low response rates reflected incomplete historical records and the limited long-term attachment typical of day camps. The project offers strategies to improve data collection and strengthen future alumni engagement
Interactive Design for A Better World
No full textThe fast moving nature of life at WPI can be very personally taxing for students. Because of this, our IQP focused on enhancing the area around the Center for Well Being. Ours was a design for a multifunctional space to be fabricated from recycled PLA sourced from campus 3D printing, the geometry of which helped facilitate privacy, socializing, contemplation, and community. I also investigated adding natural fibers, such as jute, to PLA to enhance the environment. I also analyzed terrain options, materials, costs, and New England native plants rain garden species to control runoff. The project further developed my technical capabilities and also showed me how thoughtful design can promote comfort, reduce stress, and support student well being
AI for Security Standards Compliance in NVIDIA DriveOS
No full textThis project assesses the integration and performance NVIDIA DriveOS’s static-analysis tools. We first evaluated the integration of the different tools by using them outside their original project scope within DriveOS and providing feedback to their owners. We then defined clear evaluation metrics, including false-positive detection, severity assessment, and fix quality. Using this metric we developed rubric and a tool that assesses the quality of a fix given a golden fix. Finally, we curated a set of DriveOS historical test cases to benchmark and compare the existing workflows more accurately, automating their benchmarking by making use of the rubric and evaluation tools
Assessing the Transition from Primary to High School
No full textThis MusicWorks-sponsored project assessed the transition from primary to high school and built a framework for a Grade 8 program. Through focus groups and interviews, the team gained insight into student experiences and expectations. Learners' needs informed the development of a program to support students during the transition by fostering connections, providing positive mentorship, and offering safe, music-based interventions. The team also proposed a Grade 7 booster program and funding initiatives to support MusicWorks’ expansion
Paradigm Shift on Wildfire in the Wild West
No full textThis project aims to change stakeholders' ideas on wildfire prevention from a suppression-based approach to a mitigation-based approach