The University of New Mexico
bmirka@unm.edu
I am a graduate student at the University of New Mexico looking at the applications of SfM modeling in a musuem setting to train convolutional neural networks to identify wildlife.
Research Experience
Museum Tech Conservator - Operational
New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
Created 3D models of fossils using photogrammetry which were then 3D printed. These prints were then used to enhance accessibility for blind and visually impaired visitors by facilitating tactile interaction within exhibits and educational materials.
Consultant
New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
Developed and implemented a comprehensive digitization protocol for museum objects in geoscience and biological collections, incorporating 2D images, 3D laser scanning, and photogrammetry.
Research Assistant
ASPIRE
Provided a workflow that would enable the automated distance estimation of animals from camera trap imagery using Structure from Motion (SfM)
August 2018 - August 2020
Research Assistant
ASPIRE, Center for Native American Environmental Health Equity Research
Worked to detect small fires associated with trash burning using high resolution satellite imagery
August 2018 - August 2020
Research Assistant
NSF Complex Human-Environmental Systems Project
Developed and tested techniques for using drones equipped with thermal infrared sensors to detect and locate monkeys in a forested environment and adapted Structure from Motion (SfM) 3D modeling techniques to generate models from thermal infrared imagery.
August 2018 - August 2020
Marshall Plan Foundation Scholar
Designed and executed flight plans to test the viability of different methods of primate detection using unoccupied aerial vehicles equipped with thermal sensors
May 2019 - August 2019
Geography Alliance of Iowa (GAI)
Undergraduate Assistant
Reviewed articles from the National Geographic's Pristine Oceans Initiative
August 2017 - May 2018
GeoTree
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Worked on variable contract jobs which ranged from creating maps for publication to digitizing water bodies in Iowa using ArcMap
June 2017 - May 2018
University of Northern Iowa
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Provided real-time ground measurments for the 30m Russian RESURS-P Hyperspectral images
Fall 2017
