Javier Salazar Cavazos

Javier Salazar Cavazos

EE PhD Candidate @ University of Michigan

Undergraduate Portfolio

Image Segmentation of Pelvic Floor Features & Slings/Meshes

Pelvic floor disorders, which include pelvic organ prolapse, affect nearly 1 in 4 women in the US. Each year more than 300,000 surgical procedures are performed in the US to treat these disorders. Most common surgical repair procedures of pelvic floor include placement of synthetics implants such as urethral slings and vaginal meshes. Unfortunately, postoperative complications of these procedures (e.g. dyspareunia, chronic pain, extrusion, or recurrent infection) are not rare, and their treatment may require follow-up surgeries to remove the implants. In these cases, imaging of the pelvic floor is a vital necessity for surgeons planning the procedure, seeking to identify the implants, their relative location and distance from various organs. The process is further complicated by the poor contrast between the implants and scar tissue, as well as the need for the surgeons to mentally generate a 3D volumetric image from 2D projections generated by standard MRI. This work aims to address some of these issues and assist surgeons by improving the currently available imaging techniques. In particular, we study the possibility of using multi-atlas segmentation (MAS) to automatically segment 2D MR images of pelvic floor, as well as utilizing such segmentations to create 3D semi-transparent volumetric images that can be rotated and zoomed with a mouse on the computer screen. Press blue link above for poster PDF.

REU: Estimating Iceberg Drag Coefficients w/ Bayesian Inference Techniques

Researched the mathematics of Bayesian inference methods for iceberg prediction tracking by modeling ordinary differential equations, simulated the model using Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling techniques, and predicted drag coefficients for iceberg prediction. Press blue link above for presentation PDF.

REU: Mathematics Behind CT Image Reconstruction

Researched and implemented the mathematics of computerized tomography such as Radon transform and filtered backprojection for image reconstruction of artificial phantoms. Press blue link above for PDF report.

WiFi Antenna Design w/ ANSYS HFSS

Designed, optimized, and tested 2.4GHz/5GHz wifi antenna using ANSYS HFSS and electronic equipment for an electromagnetics course. Press blue link above for PDF report.

Capstone Project: Wheelchair Dynamometer

Fitness is an important aspect in today’s society as a rapidly growing industry. Many people exercise to live a healthier lifestyle but also for sport performance. Several machines have been invented to exercise the body in different ways and help stay fit although there are very few machines specifically meant for wheelchair users. The wheelchair dynamometer is designed for wheelchair users to exercise, like an able-bodied individual, when needed as well as track performance parameters important in their field of sport. With a resistance setting, the dynamometer can accommodate a wide range of users at different fitness levels that can see workout/performance parameters through interaction with the included display. Press blue link above for PDF report.

Machine Learning Algorithms

Machine learning is a hot topic where one wants to learn from data to achieve a certain task. I have implemented various algorithms from LDA, interpolation, k-NN, clustering, MLP, and more. Press blue link above for more details and all algorithms I worked on.

Stochastic Models & Simulations

Stochastic modeling is useful for many real-world scenerios. From random number generation, Markov chains, random walks, and Black-Scholes option pricing, and more. Press blue link above for more details and all algorithms I worked on.

Numerical Analysis Algorithms

Numerical Analysis is the study of mathematical numerical algorithms such as ODE solvers, Taylor approximations, matrix solvers, root finders, numerical integration, and more. Press blue link above for more details and all algorithms I worked on.