Sanjeetha Pennada
Sheffield
Summary
AI/ML Scientist with a robust academic background and extensive research proficiency. Recognized as a top academic achiever, having earned multiple gold medals and patents. Proficient in a diverse skill set that spans image processing algorithms, machine learning methodologies, deep neural networks, computer vision, image quality algorithms, Python, object detection, pattern recognition, image segmentation, autonomous driving systems, robotic automation, software testing and debugging techniques. Additionally, well-versed in Git and Latex. Proven expertise in statistics and demonstrated capabilities in applying these skills to robotic automation. Adept at utilizing advanced technologies and methodologies to drive innovation in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Postdoctoral Research Associate
University of Sheffield
01.2024 - Current
- Currently working on SimpliFaiS: Simplification of Failure Scenarios for Machine Learning-enabled Autonomous Systems EPSRC-funded project.
- Designed a new tool "REMO" which allows deterministic replay and modification of various environmental entities in CARLA to study the behaviour of various Autonomous Driving Systems.
- Demonstrated the importance of scenario simplification in Autonomous driving systems using various test-input minimization algorithms. I have also implemented first of its kind collision-classification technique in this work (publication under review).
- Currently co-supervising a PhD student working on ADS Debugging techniques.
- Co-supervised UG and PG dissertation projects.
- Guest Lectured undergraduate students on fault-Localization techniques.
- Mentored PhD students by providing guidance on "Thesis writing."
- Communicated complex ideas clearly through oral presentations and written reports, enhancing knowledge sharing among colleagues.
- Enhanced research outcomes by implementing cutting-edge experimental techniques and methodologies.
- Contributed to manuscript writing process for publication of research papers.
Teaching Staff
University of Strathclyde
09.2022 - 01.2023
During my tenure as a teaching cover for Dr. John Douglas, Senior Lecturer in the Centre for Intelligent Infrastructure, Civil and Environmental Engineering, I played a pivotal role in fostering a dynamic and effective learning environment. My responsibilities included curating and maintaining an engaging online platform, encompassing comprehensive lecture notes, assignments, and an interactive forum to facilitate student engagement. As the primary lecturer for a class of 87 third-year undergraduate students focused on statistics and probability, I undertook the tasks of delivering lectures, assessing student work, and developing course content throughout the semester. Demonstrating my commitment to academic excellence, I am proud to highlight the achievement of a 90% pass rate in the semester exam, indicative of the successful and impactful teaching approach I implemented during this period.
Demonstrator
University of Strathclyde
09.2021 - 11.2021
I collaborated with Dr. Joanna Renshaw, a Reader in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, to support her Environmental Geochemistry online classes. In this role, I played a key part in implementing distance learning technologies to facilitate live streaming, ensuring an effective educational experience for remote students. Additionally, I provided assistance to undergraduate students, offering support with problem sheets to enhance their understanding of the coursework. This collaborative effort aimed to create an inclusive and engaging online learning environment, demonstrating my commitment to facilitating effective education in the field.
Tutor
University of Strathclyde
09.2021 - 10.2021
I actively contributed to the "Student Voice Free Text Comment Labelling" project under the supervision of Dr. Stuart Grey in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department. In this role, I engaged with text labelling software to meticulously label snippets of free text comments. Employing my expertise in Machine Learning, I employed classifiers to automatically tag relevant words within the text. This experience not only enhanced my proficiency in text analysis but also allowed me to apply machine learning techniques to streamline and automate the process of categorizing and extracting meaningful insights from textual data.
Assistant Professor and Head of the Department
UNITY DEGREE COLLEGE
06.2019 - 02.2020
Having lectured to a diverse audience of more than 600 students in Mathematics and Electronics, I have played a crucial role in fostering a dynamic and enriching learning environment. In addition to delivering comprehensive lectures, I actively contribute to the organization and smooth functioning of classes. This involves setting up equipment, distributing instructional materials, and facilitating interactive question-and-answer sessions to enhance student engagement. My commitment and effectiveness in these roles were acknowledged through my promotion to the Head of the Electronics Department. In this leadership position, I continue to bring my passion for education to the forefront, ensuring the department's success and contributing to the overall growth of the academic program.
Teaching Assistant
GITAM Deemed University
08.2016 - 05.2017
During my second year of pursuing a Master's degree, I had the privilege of serving as a teaching assistant for LabView and Embedded C programming tutorials, where I provided valuable assistance to fourth year undergraduate students. This teaching opportunity was granted based on my exceptional academic performance, securing the highest marks in the first year of my Master's program. In this role, I was able to apply my knowledge and skills to guide students through the complexities of Embedded C programming, fostering their understanding and proficiency in the subject.
Education
Ph.D. - Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Strathclyde
Glasgow, United Kingdom06-2025
Master of Technology - Embedded systems
GITAM Deemed University
Visakhapatnam, India04.2017
Bachelor of Technology - Electronics and Communication Engineering
GIET, JNTU Kakinada
India04.2015
Skills
- Machine learning algorithms
- C and Python programming
- PyTorch
- Tensorflow
- Scikit-Learn
- Camera calibration
- Image Quality Algorithms
- Image Quality Metrics
- Autonomous Driving Systems
- Robotics
- Debugging Techniques
- Software Testing Algorithms
- Testing and Debugging in Software Engineering
- FPGA and Arduino programming
- Embedded C programming
- Git
- Latex
- Statistics and Probability
- Noise Removal Algorithms
- Object detection and classification
- MATLAB
- Computer-vision
- Neural networks
- Deep learning
- Artificial Intelligence
- Segmentation techniques
- Robotic automation
- Image processing
- Model training
- Data collection and data analysis
- Mentoring and Tutoring
- Electronics
- Excellent presentation skills
- Microsoft applications
Accomplishments
First-author papers:
- My research paper, “Performance Evaluation of an Improved Deep CNN-based Concrete Crack Detection Algorithm”, was presented at SPIE Smart Structures +Nondestructive Evaluation 2023 under Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning session. I have been granted conference support and secured funding, totaling nearly $1450. This includes coverage for airfare, lodging, and a waived conference registration fee.
- My research paper, "Threshold-Based BRISQUE-Assisted Deep Learning for Enhancing Crack Detection in Concrete Structures" was published in Journal of J.Imaging under Special Issue Feature Papers in AI in Imaging section. The APC charges have also been waived off by the journal.
- My research paper, "Directional Lighting-Based Deep Learning Models for Crack and Spalling Classification" was published in Journal of J.Imaging in AI in Imaging section. The APC charges have also been waived off by the journal.
- My research paper "An Empirical Evaluation of Input Minimization Algorithms for ADS Scenario Simplification" has been submitted to IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems journal, and is still under review.
- My research tool "REMO: Deterministic Scenario Record and Replay with Modification for ADS Debugging in CARLA" has been submitted to JOSS journal, and is still under review.
Co-author papers:
- My research paper, “Robotic concrete inspection with illumination-enhancement”, was presented at SPIE Smart Structures +Nondestructive Evaluation 2023 under Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning session.
- My research paper, "A novel directional lighting algorithm for concrete crack pixel-level segmentation”, was presented at SPIE Smart Structures +Nondestructive Evaluation 2023 under Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning session.
- My research paper, "Skeleton-based noise removal algorithm for binary concrete crack image segmentation" was published in Automation in Construction journal.
- My research paper, "Automated Concrete Crack Inspection With Directional Lighting Platform" was published in IEEE Sensors Letters.
- My research paper, "Towards Simplification of Failure Scenarios for Machine Learning-Enabled Autonomous Systems" was published in IEEE 24th International Conference on Software Quality, Reliability, and Security Companion (QRS-C).
- My research paper, "Concrete crack pixel-level segmentation: a comparison of scene illumination angle of incidence" was published in e-Journal of Nondestructive Testing.
- My research paper, "3D reconstruction and measurement of concrete spalling using near-field Photometric stereo and YOLOv8" was published in Automation in Construction journal.
- My research paper, "Comparison of Directional and Diffused Lighting for Pixel-Level Segmentation of Concrete Cracks" was published in Infrastructures journal.
- My research paper, "A Systematic Mapping Study on the Debugging of Autonomous Driving Systems" has been submitted to ACM Transactions on Software Engineering and Methodology journal, and is still under review.
Affiliations
- Achieved University of Strathclyde's Student Excellence Award studentship (a yearly stipend of nearly £15,285 to £17,664 and yearly scholarship amount of £4039.75 - (Nov 2020 to Nov 2023).
- My research project was funded by the Scottish Funding Council (BE-ST and CENSIS Innovation Centre) and the University of Strathclyde's Advanced Nuclear Research Centre (ANRC).
- Awarded Gold Medal by Central Tobacco Research Institute in March2009.
- Awarded Gold Medal by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research in March 2011.
- Awarded President Gold Medal by GITAM University in Nov 2017.
- Received two Patent rights for my PhD work – ALICS.
- Reviewed 10 manuscripts for Automation in Construction, an Elsevier journal, ensuring the publication of high-quality research articles.
- Served as Programme committee member for top-tier conference ICSE 2026 and reviewed 8 papers.
Languages
English
Full Professional
Telugu
Native or Bilingual
Hindi
Professional Working
Timeline
Postdoctoral Research Associate
University of Sheffield
01.2024 - Current
Teaching Staff
University of Strathclyde
09.2022 - 01.2023
Demonstrator
University of Strathclyde
09.2021 - 11.2021
Tutor
University of Strathclyde
09.2021 - 10.2021
Assistant Professor and Head of the Department
UNITY DEGREE COLLEGE
06.2019 - 02.2020
Teaching Assistant
GITAM Deemed University
08.2016 - 05.2017
Bachelor of Technology - Electronics and Communication Engineering
GIET, JNTU Kakinada
Ph.D. - Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Strathclyde
Master of Technology - Embedded systems
GITAM Deemed University
PERSONAL INFORMATION
- Address: Stonecliffe Road, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Visa: Global Talent Route
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sanjeetha-pennada
- Email: pennadasanjeetha85@gmail.com