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Grand Challenges Scholar, Spring 2024

Kyle Selasky

Kyle Selasky was drawn to Arizona State University due to its proximity and recognizable engineering program in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. The privilege of being able to make a direct impact on people’s lives is what led him to study robotics. He describes robotics as, “The perfect mixture of mechanical and electrical principles.”

Selasky studied under Nancy Cooke, professor of human systems engineering at The Polytechnic School. When he joined the Center of Human, Artificial Intelligence and Robot Teaming, or CHART lab, he realized that robotics transcends pure mechanical devices and keeping the end user in mind is essential throughout the design process.

“Becoming a paid research assistant and getting to participate in a research project with the U.S. Army was my biggest achievement,” he says.

An individual who was instrumental in Selasky’s success was Hudson Graham, the head of his research project.

“He took me under his wing, taught me basic principles of human factors and encouraged me to ask questions,” Selasky says, “He never shot down any ideas I proposed and actively encouraged me to speak up when I had something to contribute. Hudson encouraged me to look into and pursue ideas and new things that I wanted to learn.”

Initially drawn to Arizona State University for its esteemed engineering program, Selasky discovered his passion in robotics—a blend of mechanical and electrical principles.

After graduation, Selasky intends to find an overseas job that combines robotics and human factors, allowing him to take part in shepherding a device from the design phase to the final manufacturing.

“I’d like to work with drones and use them to detect dangerous devices such as Improvised Explosive Devices,” he says. “My degree will allow me to design devices that protect people and make work easier, faster and more enjoyable.”

Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ spring 2024 class here.

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