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title = "Research Experience"
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date = Date(2022, 12, 14)
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feed; you can use basic markdown here but the whole description string must be a single line (not a multiline string). Like this one for instance. Keep in mind that styling is minimal in RSS so for instance don't expect maths or fancy styling to work; images should be ok though: "
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As an early stage researcher, I am engaged in interdisciplinary research within the GAP Project, focusing on topological analysis of bone medical images. Here are some key highlights:
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Standard Bone Morphometry
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Extracted bone morphometric measurements using BoneJ (a plugin for ImageJ).
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Topological Data Analysis
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Generated vector representations of the cubical persistent homology computed from the bone medical images.
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Traditional Machine Learning
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Trained machine learning models for regression to predict bone strength using extracted features.
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Embarking my journey as a CIP Fellow stationed at the QuICMaPP Facility, I have actively participated in a diverse range of tasks and initiatives, leveraging my skills and expertise in the field. Here are some key highlights:
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Object Detection Model Training and Hyperparameter Tuning
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Trained YOLOv5 and YOLOv8 models using a comprehensive dataset consisting of field and laboratory-generated images featuring plastic waste.
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Conducted hyperparameter tuning on the trained YOLOv5 model.
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Performed five-fold cross validation to estimate the performance of the YOLO models on new data.
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</ul>
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Class Activation Mapping (CAM) Analysis with the Trained YOLO Models
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Applied Eigen-CAM to identify crucial regions of interest within the output of the YOLOv5 models and prepared a similar implementation on YOLOv8.
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Observed the CAM images to prepare a detailed analysis on the interpretations of the models.
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Performance Evaluation of the Models
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Summarized the performance metrics and created visualizations to comopare the YOLOv5 (Default and Optimized) models and the YOLOv8 model.
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Provided a short discussion of the history of YOLO, hyperparameter evolution, and object detection metrics.
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Used hypothesis testing to determine whether the models are significantly difference from each other.
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Literature Review on Image Monitoring Tools
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Contributed to a comprehensive literature review on image monitoring tools focused on macroplastic pollution.
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Assisted in identifying and evaluating open-source datasets relevant to the field.
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Co-Supervision on Undergraduate Thesis
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Provided comments on the methodology and the results to improve the quality of the study.
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Suggested improvements on the writing of a thesis project centered around model-assisted labeling.
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Read advanced concepts on robust estimation and hypothesis testing.
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Co-Supervision on the Student Assistantship (SA) Program
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Conducted initial assessment of the applicants to the SA program.
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Conducted interviews to the shortlisted applicants.
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Supervised accepted SAs in macroplastic tasks within the facility.
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</ul>
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Christmas Lantern Project
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Successfully deployed the object detection model onto a compact Raspberry Pi device.
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Integrated a light show into a plastic pollution-themed Christmas lantern, showcasing the versatility of the model in real-world applications.
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Citizen Science Event
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Investigated the feasibility of utilizing an annotated dataset from the public to develop a reliable plastic object detection model.
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Designed posters and signages for the conduct of the event catered to the UP Baguio community and an exclusive event for high school students outside UP Baguio.
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These accomplishments reflect my commitment to advancing knowledge and applying cutting-edge technologies in meaningful and creative ways. I am excited to continue contributing to innovative projects and driving positive change in my field.
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<ol> <li> Ignacio, P.S., Bulauan, J.-A., & Manzanares, J.R. (2020). A Topology Informed Random Forest Classifier for ECG Classification. In 2020 Computing in Cardiology Conference (CinC). 2020 Computing in Cardiology Conference. Computing in Cardiology. <a href="https://doi.org/10.22489/cinc.2020.297">https://doi.org/10.22489/cinc.2020.297</a> </li> <li> Manzanares, J. R. D., & Ignacio, P. S. P. (2025). Stable homology-based cycle centrality measures. <em> Journal of Mathematics and Computer Science, 38</em>(2), 179–200. doi:10.22436/jmcs.038.02.03 </li> </ol>
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<ol> <li> <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/tdaweek2023">TDA Week 2023 Conference</a> </li> <ul> <li> <a href="/assets/TDA Week Poster.png"> Poster Presentation </a> </li> </ul> <li> <a href="https://gtdaml.wixsite.com/2021">Second Graduate Student Conference: Geometry and Topology meet Data Analysis and Machine Learning (GTDAML2021)</a> </li> <ul> <li> <a href="/assets/GTDAML-Presentation.pdf"> Presentation </a> </li> </ul> <li> <a href="https://www.mathsociety.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=43&Itemid=163"> Mathematical Society of the Philippines Annual Convention (2021)</a> </li> <ul> <li> <a href="/assets/MSP-Presentation.pdf"> Presentation </a> </li> </ul> <li> <a href="https://cinc.org"> Computing in Cardiology</a> 2021 </li></ol>
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<ol> <li> <a href = "https://dioscuri-tda.org/BasicNotionsSeminar.html">Basic Notions Seminar (Dioscuri Centre in Topological Data Analysis)</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://dioscuri-tda.org/seminars.html">TDA Seminar (Dioscuri Centre in Topological Data Analysis)</a> </li> <li> <a href="/assets/export/index.html">TDA Research Group (UP Baguio) Presentation</a> </li> <ul> <li> Postponed </li> </ul> <li> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122129651666047871&set=pcb.122129651738047871">QuICMaPP Facility Citizen Science Events</a> </li> <ul> <li> 05-10 January 2024</li> <li> 15 January 2024</li> </ul> <li> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122129651666047871&set=pcb.122129651738047871">Parol (Christmas Lantern) Making Contest</a> </li> </ol>
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