University of Michigan - Flint

Paul Knific Major: Business and Computer Science Paul is working on an Image-Based retrieval system. This system is different than most images systems like Google, which requiring images to be analyzed and annotated by humans. Instead, this system allows the computer to search inside the image for certain desired shapes.

Please describe your UROP project.
My UROP project focuses on Content-based Image Retrieval systems. I am working with Dr. Michael Farmer from the Department of Computer Science.

How did you get involved in research?
I was always interested in the research possibilities at the University. Upon pursuing the Office of Research and the Computer Science department, I was able to obtain a position on his staff for the Content-based Image Retrieval System in 2008.

How has participating in research impacted your education?
Participating in research at the University has had a profound impact on my education. Team work, analytics and problem solving are all tools added to my skill set from my research work.

What has been the most satisfying aspect of your research experience?
The most satisfying aspect of my research is knowing that the research I partake in is on the cutting edge of science, and could directly benefit society.

What are your future plans? How has participating in research helped you in preparing for those future plans?
I plan on using my skills from this research position by applying for a job in a related field.

What advice would you give to students interested in being involved in research?
It's never too early or too late to get started. Participating in research can be for anybody.