Vasilisa Ignatova

Hello! My name is Vasilisa, and I am a rising senior studying Computer Engineering at the University at Buffalo in Buffalo, NY. My research interests focus on micro-robotics, particularly bio-inspired robots replicating mechanisms of insects and other natural organisms. I am especially interested in the field of swarm robotics and the various approaches to developing swarm intelligence in multi-robot systems. At my home institution, my previous research involved developing tactical communication among robots. Specifically, I worked on enhancing small robots with antennas capable of transmitting binary messages to establish peer-to-peer and human-robot communication.This summer, I am excited to work in Dr. Zeynep Temel’s Zoom lab on developing a robot capable of environmental mapping through a catapult mechanism that allows it to launch LEDs into its surroundings. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the RISS program and further develop my research skills while collaborating with so many other student researchers in my cohort!