Colin Sauzé - Curriculum Vitae
(Publication Date September 2008)
Personal Profile
Currently a PhD student in the Department of Computer Science at Aberystwyth University pursuing research into biologically inspired control and survival mechanisms for robots operating in harsh environments.
Education
- 2006 - present, Aberystwyth University. PhD in Biologically Inspired Robotics.
- 2000 - 2005, University of Wales, Aberystwyth. Software Engineering MEng, 1st Class.
- 1998 - 2000, Helston Community College, Cornwall. A-Level Computing - A, History - A, Geography - B and Maths - C.
- 1997 - 1998, Helston School, Helston, Cornwall. 10 GCSEs grades A* to D including Computing, Maths, Science and Engineering.
Technical Skills
- Programming experience with Java, C, C++, Perl, Bourne Shell, PHP, Javascript and assembly language.
- Embedded systems programming with Pioneer robots, custom built robots, Basic Stamp, PIC and ATMega Microcontrollers, GM862 GSM Modems, Linux based routers, PDAs and Gumstix single board computers.
- Designing and implementing neural networks for robot control.
- Experience with electronic circuit and PCB design using automated software tools including Eagle and GSchem.
- Experience with GPS hardware, understanding of map datums/co-ordinate systems and NMEA protocols.
- Strong understanding of computer hardware, networking and a variety of operating systems.
- Experience of data analysis and presentation using custom programs, spreadsheets and gnuplot.
- Database application design and implementation using Oracle, MySQL, Postgresql and Hypersonic.
- Web development experience using (X)HTML, CSS, PHP, J2EE and CGI.
Teaching and Public Engagement of Science
- Developed and taught a module about computer programming and robotics for 16-18 year old students attending the Wales Summer University in 2007 and 2008.
- 6 years experience of demonstrating practical classes to undergraduate Computer Science students.
- 15 months experience of one-to-one mentoring of undergraduate students with learning difficulties.
- Experience of demonstrating robots and discussing robotics concepts with the general public at several events as part of the Walking with Robots Network.
- Developed several exhibits for National Science and Engineering Week, demonstrating digital electronics, robotics and computer science concepts to 11-14 year olds.
- Presented a poster summarising my research to MPs, industry representatives and other students at the House of Commons during the SET Younger Engineers Competition.
- Taught RYA Level 2 dinghy sailing to students aged 10 and upwards.
General Skills
- Experienced in scientific and technical writing, with strong research skills using traditional and online resources.
- Effective communicator, able to communicate at both technical and non-technical levels.
- Fast learner, willing to gain skills quickly through self teaching, on the job learning or taught courses.
- Logical thinker with a good ability to design and implement solutions to complex problems.
- Well motivated, hard working, organised and capable of working under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Capable of working both alone and in a team. Undertaken a total of 6 group projects at university.
- Experience of working with customers and colleagues either face to face or via the internet and phone.
- Wide cultural appreciation as a result of living (USA, Italy) and working (Ireland) abroad.
Employment
- 03/2006 - 06/2008: Computer Officer for the Computational Biology Department of Computer Science, Aberystwyth University. Responsible for maintaining a number of desktop computers, a beowulf cluster and automated lab equipment.
- 10/2005 - 05/2007: Part time tutor with the Language and Learning Department, University of Wales, Aberystwyth. Performing one to one tuition with undergraduate students with learning difficulties.
- 08/2005 - 03/2006: Computer Officer for Careers Advisory Service, University of Wales, Aberystwyth. Developed web applications using PHP and Oracle and maintained a number of desktop PCs.
- 09/2001 - present: Part time demonstrator for the Department of Computer Science, Aberystwyth University. Demonstrating to undergraduate students in practical classes for robotics, mobile and wearable computing computer hardware, networking, AI, web development and programming.
- 06/2004 - 09/2005: Freelance Software Developer working with customers in the UK and abroad.
- 06/2002 - 09/2003: Industrial Placement with Hewlett Packard's High Performance Technical Computing group in Galway, Ireland. Developed and tested high performance file systems for super computers.
- 07/2001, 07/2000 and 08/1999: Voluntary Sailing Instructor, Naples Nato Yacht Club, Naples, Italy.
Publications
- Sauzé, C. and Neal, M. (2008) ``Design considerations for sailing robots performing long term autonomous oceanography.'', in proceedings of the IRSC, Breitenbrunn, Austria, May 23rd-24th 2008, pages 21-29.
- Sauzé, C. and Neal, M. (2008) ``A Biologically inspired approach to longer term autonomy and survival in sailing robots.'', in proceedings of the IRSC, Breitenbrunn, Austria, May 23rd-24th 2008, pages 6-11.
- Sauzé, C. and Neal, M. (2006) ``A sailing robot for ocean observation'', in proceedings of TAROS 2006, pages 190-197. Guildford, UK, September 4th-6th 2006.
- Sauzé, C. (2005) ``Control software for a sailing robot'', Masters Thesis, University of Wales, Aberystwyth.
Interests
- Computing, robotics and electronics
- Photography
- Walking
- Traveling both in the UK and abroad
- Sailing
- Politics, current affairs and modern history.