Logan Schexnaydre, PhD in Computer Engineering, 2026
Autonomous vehicles are becoming more common and can make transportation safer. Yet, it is uncertain how autonomy will affect a vehicle’s energy consumption. While pursuing a PhD in Computer Engineering, I worked to understand how perception systems affect this uncertainty. My research models the effect of lidar sensing and processing on the energy efficiency of automated vehicles.
I explore two ways of saving energy with lidar: automated vehicle following and road grade estimation. First, I show that a leader and follower vehicle can be aligned using lidar, reducing the follower’s aerodynamic drag and energy use. Then, I expand this work to adverse weather by characterizing the effect of snow on lead vehicle estimation. Finally, I show that the lidar can measure the grade of a road ahead of a vehicle, information which can be used for efficient traversal of hilly terrain. This work will enable engineers to design efficient perception systems and autonomous vehicles.
What I appreciate about my time at Michigan Tech is learning how to design technology for the environment and its inhabitants. Enjoying the nature of the Keweenaw with friends I have made here has shown me how important this work is.
Thank you to the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel for awarding me the Finishing Fellowship. I am also grateful to my advisor, Dr. Jeremy Bos, and my dissertation committee for their guidance and support. Without my peers on campus and in my lab, I would not be the researcher I am today. Without my family and friends, I wouldn’t be the person who I am today. Thank you to all who have helped me along the way.