Will Compton

Summer Camp Counselor

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Pasadena, California, United States

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Timeline
About me
Doctoral Student | Robotics and Control | California Institute of Technology
Education
- Caltech
  2022 - 2027
  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD Control and Dynamical Systems 3rd Year
  Activities and Societies: Advanced Mechanical Bipedal Experimental Robotics (AMBER) Lab Doctoral Student pursuing a Ph.D. in Control and Dynamical Systems at California Institute of Technology, focusing on applications in dynamic motion systems including robotic systems utilizing bipedal and quadrupedal locomotion.
- Georgia Institute of Technology
  2018 - 2022
  Bachelor of Science - BS Mechanical Engineering Senior
  Activities and Societies: Undergraduate Research Assistant at EPIC Labs (Machine Learning/High-Level Controls, Biomechanics) Shell Sponsored Dynamics of Rigid Bodies Tutor Invention Studio PI Club Basketball, Club Spikeball Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a Primary Minor in Robotics
Experience
- San Luis Obispo Athletic Department
  Jun 2017 - Aug 2018
  Summer Camp Counselor
  Worked with children aging from 3 to 13, teaching and coaching a variety of sports. Setup and cleanup coordinator. Only worked during summers.
- Ernst Law Group
  Aug 2018 - May 2019
  Research and Internet Presence Advisor
  Work to analyze social media and internet presence of the firm, and recommend action to maximize the efficiency of the firm's digital footprint. Additionally, provide research in areas relevant to the firm's current and changing needs.
- Georgia Institute of Technology
  Aug 2019 - Dec 2019
  COE 2001 Statics Course Grader
  Graded coursework for Dr. Min Zhou in both of his sections of COE 2001 - Statics.
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering
  Jan 2020 - Dec 2020
  Shell Tutor: ME 2202 - Dynamics of Rigid Bodies
  I work as part of a tutoring network for the ME department at Georgia Tech, sponsored by Shell. I aid with any student seeking help in ME 2202, Dynamics of Rigid Bodies.
- GeoVisual Analytics
  May 2020 - Aug 2020
  Hardware Integration and Data Aquisition Intern
  Developed a data acquisition backend in python for the Downwelling Light Sensor, including edge computing and data visualization capability. Performed electrical and physical integration of the downwelling light sensor with a Raspberry Pi 4, with resulting capacities for both remote field capture and drone-mounted airborne capture, while integrating with the existing proprietary GeoVisual multispectral imaging system. Responsible for literature review, competitor analysis, and full sensor selection for both Downwelling Light Sensors and LIDAR systems for integration with the GeoVisual Analytics drone fleet. Member of the field data aquisition team, operated at farms throughout California. Show less
- Los Alamos National Laboratory
  May 2021 - Aug 2021
  Deep Reinforcement Learning Research Fellow
  As a research fellow at the Los Alamos National Laboratories Dynamics Summer School, I am part of a 3-person team working researching the use of deep reinforcement learning in the area of active structure control. Additionally, LANL organizes a series of faculty lectures on topics of system dynamics and control, system modeling, and other topics, with the goal of preparing interns for future work in graduate school or dynamic systems research.
- Caltech
  Aug 2022 - now
  Doctoral Student
  Researcher in nonlinear control and robotics with a focus on intersections between model-based control and learning, with primary applications in legged robotics and dynamic agility. Head TA for courses on Nonlinear Dynamics and Control (CDS 232, CDS 233).
Licenses & Certifications
- Certified Associate Mechanical Design
  SolidWorks Authorised Training Center
Honors & Awards
- Awarded to Will Compton
  Kortschak Scholar Caltech Department of Computing and Mathematical Sciences Nov 2022 The Kortschak Scholars program is a nationally-prestigious multi-year fellowship program and community that helps exceptional doctoral students become meaningful leaders in their chosen field and throughout society. Scholars receive multi-year fellowships that give students the freedom to explore multiple research areas, including highly interdisciplinary or unexplored areas, without the pressure to decide on a topic too early, and to truly take a broad approach to research, potentially working… Show more The Kortschak Scholars program is a nationally-prestigious multi-year fellowship program and community that helps exceptional doctoral students become meaningful leaders in their chosen field and throughout society. Scholars receive multi-year fellowships that give students the freedom to explore multiple research areas, including highly interdisciplinary or unexplored areas, without the pressure to decide on a topic too early, and to truly take a broad approach to research, potentially working with multiple faculty, during their first years at Caltech.Beyond the fellowship support, Kortschak Scholars participate in yearly workshops and mentorship opportunities connecting them to accomplished professionals in both academia and industry. These activities include, among other things, opportunities to collaborate and connect with these professionals in a mentorship role, opportunities for summer internships and full-time employment, and an annual retreat to meet industry leaders and engage in thought-provoking activities and discussions. The founders of the Kortschak Scholars program are Walter and Marcia Kortschak. Show less
- Awarded to Will Compton
  Richard K. Whitehead Jr. Memorial Award The Georgia Scientific and Technical Research Foundation May 2022 The Georgia Scientific and Technical Research Foundation established this award in memory of its first president, Richard K. Whitehead Jr. It is presented to outstanding mechanical engineering seniors who exemplify high standards of scholarship and service. The award consists of an engraved plaque, a monetary gift, and the student's name added to the Whitehead Plaque in the atrium of the Manufacturing Related Disciplines Complex.
- Awarded to Will Compton
  Fall 2020 PURA Scholarship Georgia Institute of Technology Jul 2020 As a PURA Scholarship Recipient, I will be paid to perform original research at EPIC Labs, in parallel with the Knee-Ankle Prosthesis Team. My research will focus on the concept of data augmentation techniques for machine learning in high-level control of advanced robotic prostheses. Increasing the size of data sets available for ML techniques has been shown to dramatically increase the accuracy and effectiveness of these techniques in prosthesis control. However, collecting massive data… Show more As a PURA Scholarship Recipient, I will be paid to perform original research at EPIC Labs, in parallel with the Knee-Ankle Prosthesis Team. My research will focus on the concept of data augmentation techniques for machine learning in high-level control of advanced robotic prostheses. Increasing the size of data sets available for ML techniques has been shown to dramatically increase the accuracy and effectiveness of these techniques in prosthesis control. However, collecting massive data sets is severely limited due to many factors, such as patient availability, lab time, patient stamina, among others. My research intends to investigate the effectiveness of data augmentation techniques which artificially augment the size of existing data sets. Show less
Volunteer Experience
- Prototyping Instructor
  Issued by Invention Studio at Georgia Tech on Jan 2020
  Associated with Will Compton
- Handyman
  Issued by United Methodist Childrens Center on Jan 2015
  Associated with Will Compton