Elizabeth Basha

Dr. Elizabeth Basha, a graduate of both Pacific and MIT, joined the Pacific faculty in Fall 2010. Professor Basha recently received a National Science Foundation (NSF) award for a project in collaboration with the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. The three-year grant will investigate the use of aerial robotics to wirelessly transfer power to maintain sensor network systems. This project builds the power transfer system, develops algorithms for selecting nodes to recharge on both the UAV and sensor network side, and extends power management solutions on the sensor networks.UAV - Bridge

This research introduces novel recharging systems and algorithms to supplement existing systems and lead to autonomous, sustainable energy management on sensor networks. Applications such as bridge fault detection that rely on sensor networks operating away from buildings often lack energy for long-term monitoring. In these scenarios, traditional recharging methods (e.g. solar panels) are unavailable or cannot provide sufficient energy (e.g. at night).

Dr. Basha has also created a new graduate course in robotics that began in Spring 2013, along with an undergraduate version that launched in Spring 2014. This three-year grant has also supported our Masters Program with MSES students contributing to the research as well as completing thesis on this project. Interested undergraduate students have also been able to contribute to the research on this project.