Education
Georgia Institute of Technology (GPA 3.9/4.0) Atlanta, GA
Ph.D. in Robotics August 2014 - Present
Dissertation: Models, Metrics, and a Mathematics of Interactional Trust for Humans and Automation
Princeton University (GPA 3.49/4.00) Princeton, NJ
B.S.E. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering September 2007 - June 2011
Certificate in Robotics and Intelligence Systems
Thesis: “Roo’bot: A Study in Hopping and Jumping for Biomimetic Locomotion”
The University of Melbourne Melbourne, Australia
Study Abroad February 2010 - June 2010
Research & Professional Experience
Cognitive Engineering Center, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
Graduate Research Assistant, (Advisor: Dr. Karen Feigh)
- Ran 9 human-in-the-loop experiments with 220+ participants to date
- Supervised 25 undergraduate and 4 graduate students
Interactional Trust for Humans and Automation August 2016-Present
- Setup, validated, and maintained a low-cost, replicable driving simulator
- Created immersive driving simulation environments for both highway & urban scenarios
- Designed dashboard UI/UX for facilitating human-machine experiments
- Implemented a range of autonomous and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) including blind
spot detection, emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, & adaptive cruise control
- Piloted and ran experiments focused on assessing trust between the driver, their own vehicle, and other
human-driven and autonomous vehicles
- Proposed a holistic model of human-machine trust based on meta-analysis of previous literature
- Devised and verified more accurate models of trust decision making from interdependence theory
Understanding Neuromuscular Adaptation in Human-Robot August 2014-June 2018
Physical Interaction for Adaptive Robot Co-Workers
- Developed a hybrid gaze classification and tracking algorithms using moving window Hidden Markov
Models that adapted to unknown environmental objects
- Created a machine learning based technique for intent prediction from end-effector motion
- Devised a novel layered Hidden Markov Model for intent prediction from forearm surface electromyography
- Integrated all previous algorithms into a larger telerobotic operation testbed, including hardware reconfiguration,
networking, on-the-fly egocentric image registration/stabilization, and data fusion
- Piloted and ran physical human-robot interaction studies to test and validate our algorithms
Department of Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
Graduate Teaching Assistant, (Professor: Dr. James Craig) January 2021-Present
AE-3140 Structural Analysis
- Graded homework for 138 students weekly with 2 other TAs
- Moderated office hours 1-2x per week and helped students understand the material by fielding questions
- Assisted Professor Craig who has been teaching this material for 54 years and gained tremendous insight
into course preparation and engineering pedagogy
Princeton Satellite Systems, Plainsboro, NJ September 2011-December 2013
Mechanical Engineer
- Wrote software, including GUIs, for optimizing satellite launch simulations and conjunctions
- Invented the Direct Fusion Drive rocket propulsion system in cooperation with Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
- Managed, designed, prototyped, and tested a solar-powered electric vehicle charging station/home back-up-power
system with battery storage
- Devised and simulated a reaction wheel assembly for cubesats
- Redesigned company website and developed marketing materials
- Drafted and edited patents related to satellites, path-mapping, fusion propulsion, and solar-energy power systems
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Dept. of Energy, Princeton, NJ June 2011-August 2011
Mechanical Engineering Intern (Advisor: Dr. Samuel Cohen)
- Analyzed and formulated refueling processes for the Princeton Field-Reversed Configuration device (PFRC-2)
for plasma fusion experiments
- Modeled the high-vacuum plasma system and calculated its flow characteristics, conductances, and valve dynamics
Subaru Telescope: National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Hilo, HI June 2009-July 2009
Mechanical and Optics Engineering Intern
- Assembled and tested 3 optical systems for the Subaru Coronagraph Extreme Adaptive Optics Module
- Designed 1 testbed for surface characterization of highly-specialized deformable mirrors
High Contrast Imaging Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ July 2008-June 2009
Mechanical and Optics Engineering Research Fellowship (Adviser: Dr. N. Jeremy Kasdin)
- Designed and operated 3+ laser optics experiments with coronagraphs for exo-planet detection
- Simulated and validated the accuracy of a novel neural network for modelling deformable mirrors
Student Projects
Princeton University, Princeton, NJ September 2007-June 2011
- Thesis work: “Roo’bot: A Study in Hopping and Jumping for Biomimetic Locomotion”.
o Investigated the biodynamics of locomotion, with a focus on hoping and jumping
o Implemented dynamic models of hopping and studied their design parameters
o Designed a minimally-actuated mechanical hopper to validate our findings
- Simulated central-pattern generation for bipedal locomotion
- Combined self-organizing maps and radial basis networks to achieve high-accuracy facial recognition
- Designed and constructed a cost-effective, light-weight roots-type supercharger
University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia February 2010-June 2010
- Created a low maintenance, cost-effective, and fully-implantable neural electrode interface for direct
neuromuscular control and powering of prosthetic limbs
Teaching and Leadership Experience
Guest Speaker
Torah Day School of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA February 2021
Introduced middle school students in STE(A)M classes to the exciting world of robotics research
Guest Speaker
When I Grow Up, PJ Library, Atlanta, GA May 2019
Introduced a group of elementary school students to the exciting world of robotics, research and career opportunities,
and the research going on at Georgia Tech.
Instructor
CubeSat Club, John Witherspoon Middle School, Princeton, NJ September 2011- June 2012
Taught middle school students STEM concepts related to nano-satellite design, including orbit mechanics, subsystem
design and integration, and test-bed requirements. Organized through PSS.
Community Organizer
YAVNEH, Princeton University,Princeton, NJ February 2008-January 2009
Served as a community board, coordinating services, and representing the community, including
through the Jewish-Muslim Dialogue.
Eagle Scout
Troop 990, Boy Scouts of America, Wynnewood, PA May 2007
Organized and lead a service project involving 40+ volunteers building a nature path
Publications
Journal papers
K.M. Feigh et al., "Shifting role for human factors in an 'unmanned' era", Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science,
vol. 19, no. 4, pp. 389-405, 2018.
Y.S. Razin et al., "Predicting Task Intent from Surface Electromyography Using Layered Hidden Markov Models",
IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters, vol. 2, no. 2, p.. 1180-1185, 2017.
M. Goldfeder & Y. Razin, "Robotic Marriage and the Law", Journal of Law and Social Deviance, vol. 10, pp. 137-176, 2015.
Y. Razin et al, "A Direct Fusion Drive for Rocket Propulsion", Acta Astronautica, vol. 105, no. 1, pp. 145-155, 2014.
Conference proceedings
Y.S. Razin & K.M. Feigh, "Hitting the Road: Exploring Human-Robot Trust for Self-Driving Vehicles", ICHMS Intl. Conf.
on Human-Machine Systems, Rome, 2020.
Y.S. Razin & K.M. Feigh, "Committing to Interdependence: Implications from Game Theory for Human-Robot Trust",
SCRITA Trust, Acceptance, and Social Cues in Human-Robot Interaction Workshop, RO-MAN, Naples, 2020.
Y.S. Razin & K.M. Feigh, "The Measure of Trust between Man and Machine: A Meta-Analysis of Trust Metrics in HRI",
SCRITA Trust, Acceptance, and Social Cues in Human-Robot Interaction Workshop, RO-MAN, Naples, 2020.
Y.S. Razin & K.M. Feigh, "Toward Interactional Trust for Humans and Automation: Extending Interdependence",
IEEE Smartworld/Advanced Trusted Computing (ATC), Leicester, UK, 2019.
M.C. Canellas et al., "Framing Human-Automation Regulation: A New Modus Operandi from Cognitive Engineering",
WeRobot 2017, New Haven, 2017.
Y. Razin & K. Feigh, "Learning to Predict Intent from Gaze During Robotic Hand-Eye Coordination", ACM AAAI Conference
on Artificial Intelligence, San Francisco, 2017.
M. Paluszek et al., "Direct Fusion Drive for a Human Mars Orbital Mission," 65th International Astronautical Congress,
IAF, Toronto, 2014.
J. Mueller et al., "Direct Fusion Drive Rocket for Asteroid Deflection", 33rd International Electric Propulsion Conference,
Washington D.C., 2013.
Y. Razin et al., "Modular Aneutronic Fusion Engine", 63rd International Astronautical Congress, IAF, Naples, 2012.
G. Pajer et al., "Modular Aneutronic Fusion Engine", Space Propulsion Conference, Bordeaux, France, 2012.
Book chapters
M. Goldfeder & Y. Razin, "Robotic Marriage and the Law", In Beyond Same-Sex Marriage: Perspectives on Marital
Possibilities RC Den Otter (Ed.), Lexington Books: Lanham, MD, USA, 2016
Patents
S. Cohen et al, 2014. In Space Startup Method for Nuclear Fusion Rocket Engines. US Patent US10229756B2,
Granted March 2019.
S. Cohen et al, 2013. Method and Apparatus to Produce High Specific Impulse and Moderate Thrust From a
Fusion-Powered Rocket Engine. US Patent US9822769B2, Granted Nov. 2017. Japanese Patent JP6023876B2,
Granted Nov. 2016.
Y. Razin & M. Paluszek. 2012. Solar Power Camouflage. US Patent US8921685B2, Granted April 2014.
M. Paluszek, et al. 2012. Solar Powered Charging Station for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles. US Patent US20120313568A,
Published Dec. 2012.
Honors and Awards
Edison Patent Award for Emerging Technologies, Research and Development Council of New Jersey November 2020
Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society, Associate Member May 2011-Present
John Marshall II Memorial Thesis Prize, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Dept., Princeton University June 2011
Eagle Scout, Troop 990, Boy Scouts of America, Philadelphia, PA August 2007
Order of the Arrow, Brotherhood Member, Unami Lodge 1, Honor Society, Boy Scouts of America August 2006-Present
Technical & Laboratory Skills
Numerical and Data Analysis: MATLAB, R
Programming Languages: C++, C#, Java, Python, JavaScript, 16-bit Assembly, HTML, CSS
Structural Design & Simulation: Unity3D, Autodesk, SolidWorks, Creo
Machine Learning Techniques: Linear and logistic regression, Naïve Bayes, Decision Trees, Neural Nets, Random Forest,
k-Means, SOM, HMM, kNN, SVM, Q-learning, inverse reinforcement learning, dimensionality reduction
Human-in-the-loop Experiments: Experimental design, IRB protocol writing, validation, how to conduct appropriate data
analysis, physiological data acquisition and analysis, eye tracking, motion tracking, EMG
Miscellaneous: LaTeX, GitHub, machining, image matching and registration, circuit design, power systems, hardware prototyping,
patent writing
Georgia Institute of Technology (GPA 3.9/4.0) Atlanta, GA
Ph.D. in Robotics August 2014 - Present
Dissertation: Models, Metrics, and a Mathematics of Interactional Trust for Humans and Automation
Princeton University (GPA 3.49/4.00) Princeton, NJ
B.S.E. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering September 2007 - June 2011
Certificate in Robotics and Intelligence Systems
Thesis: “Roo’bot: A Study in Hopping and Jumping for Biomimetic Locomotion”
The University of Melbourne Melbourne, Australia
Study Abroad February 2010 - June 2010
Research & Professional Experience
Cognitive Engineering Center, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
Graduate Research Assistant, (Advisor: Dr. Karen Feigh)
- Ran 9 human-in-the-loop experiments with 220+ participants to date
- Supervised 25 undergraduate and 4 graduate students
Interactional Trust for Humans and Automation August 2016-Present
- Setup, validated, and maintained a low-cost, replicable driving simulator
- Created immersive driving simulation environments for both highway & urban scenarios
- Designed dashboard UI/UX for facilitating human-machine experiments
- Implemented a range of autonomous and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) including blind
spot detection, emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, & adaptive cruise control
- Piloted and ran experiments focused on assessing trust between the driver, their own vehicle, and other
human-driven and autonomous vehicles
- Proposed a holistic model of human-machine trust based on meta-analysis of previous literature
- Devised and verified more accurate models of trust decision making from interdependence theory
Understanding Neuromuscular Adaptation in Human-Robot August 2014-June 2018
Physical Interaction for Adaptive Robot Co-Workers
- Developed a hybrid gaze classification and tracking algorithms using moving window Hidden Markov
Models that adapted to unknown environmental objects
- Created a machine learning based technique for intent prediction from end-effector motion
- Devised a novel layered Hidden Markov Model for intent prediction from forearm surface electromyography
- Integrated all previous algorithms into a larger telerobotic operation testbed, including hardware reconfiguration,
networking, on-the-fly egocentric image registration/stabilization, and data fusion
- Piloted and ran physical human-robot interaction studies to test and validate our algorithms
Department of Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
Graduate Teaching Assistant, (Professor: Dr. James Craig) January 2021-Present
AE-3140 Structural Analysis
- Graded homework for 138 students weekly with 2 other TAs
- Moderated office hours 1-2x per week and helped students understand the material by fielding questions
- Assisted Professor Craig who has been teaching this material for 54 years and gained tremendous insight
into course preparation and engineering pedagogy
Princeton Satellite Systems, Plainsboro, NJ September 2011-December 2013
Mechanical Engineer
- Wrote software, including GUIs, for optimizing satellite launch simulations and conjunctions
- Invented the Direct Fusion Drive rocket propulsion system in cooperation with Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
- Managed, designed, prototyped, and tested a solar-powered electric vehicle charging station/home back-up-power
system with battery storage
- Devised and simulated a reaction wheel assembly for cubesats
- Redesigned company website and developed marketing materials
- Drafted and edited patents related to satellites, path-mapping, fusion propulsion, and solar-energy power systems
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Dept. of Energy, Princeton, NJ June 2011-August 2011
Mechanical Engineering Intern (Advisor: Dr. Samuel Cohen)
- Analyzed and formulated refueling processes for the Princeton Field-Reversed Configuration device (PFRC-2)
for plasma fusion experiments
- Modeled the high-vacuum plasma system and calculated its flow characteristics, conductances, and valve dynamics
Subaru Telescope: National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Hilo, HI June 2009-July 2009
Mechanical and Optics Engineering Intern
- Assembled and tested 3 optical systems for the Subaru Coronagraph Extreme Adaptive Optics Module
- Designed 1 testbed for surface characterization of highly-specialized deformable mirrors
High Contrast Imaging Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ July 2008-June 2009
Mechanical and Optics Engineering Research Fellowship (Adviser: Dr. N. Jeremy Kasdin)
- Designed and operated 3+ laser optics experiments with coronagraphs for exo-planet detection
- Simulated and validated the accuracy of a novel neural network for modelling deformable mirrors
Student Projects
Princeton University, Princeton, NJ September 2007-June 2011
- Thesis work: “Roo’bot: A Study in Hopping and Jumping for Biomimetic Locomotion”.
o Investigated the biodynamics of locomotion, with a focus on hoping and jumping
o Implemented dynamic models of hopping and studied their design parameters
o Designed a minimally-actuated mechanical hopper to validate our findings
- Simulated central-pattern generation for bipedal locomotion
- Combined self-organizing maps and radial basis networks to achieve high-accuracy facial recognition
- Designed and constructed a cost-effective, light-weight roots-type supercharger
University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia February 2010-June 2010
- Created a low maintenance, cost-effective, and fully-implantable neural electrode interface for direct
neuromuscular control and powering of prosthetic limbs
Teaching and Leadership Experience
Guest Speaker
Torah Day School of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA February 2021
Introduced middle school students in STE(A)M classes to the exciting world of robotics research
Guest Speaker
When I Grow Up, PJ Library, Atlanta, GA May 2019
Introduced a group of elementary school students to the exciting world of robotics, research and career opportunities,
and the research going on at Georgia Tech.
Instructor
CubeSat Club, John Witherspoon Middle School, Princeton, NJ September 2011- June 2012
Taught middle school students STEM concepts related to nano-satellite design, including orbit mechanics, subsystem
design and integration, and test-bed requirements. Organized through PSS.
Community Organizer
YAVNEH, Princeton University,Princeton, NJ February 2008-January 2009
Served as a community board, coordinating services, and representing the community, including
through the Jewish-Muslim Dialogue.
Eagle Scout
Troop 990, Boy Scouts of America, Wynnewood, PA May 2007
Organized and lead a service project involving 40+ volunteers building a nature path
Publications
Journal papers
K.M. Feigh et al., "Shifting role for human factors in an 'unmanned' era", Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science,
vol. 19, no. 4, pp. 389-405, 2018.
Y.S. Razin et al., "Predicting Task Intent from Surface Electromyography Using Layered Hidden Markov Models",
IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters, vol. 2, no. 2, p.. 1180-1185, 2017.
M. Goldfeder & Y. Razin, "Robotic Marriage and the Law", Journal of Law and Social Deviance, vol. 10, pp. 137-176, 2015.
Y. Razin et al, "A Direct Fusion Drive for Rocket Propulsion", Acta Astronautica, vol. 105, no. 1, pp. 145-155, 2014.
Conference proceedings
Y.S. Razin & K.M. Feigh, "Hitting the Road: Exploring Human-Robot Trust for Self-Driving Vehicles", ICHMS Intl. Conf.
on Human-Machine Systems, Rome, 2020.
Y.S. Razin & K.M. Feigh, "Committing to Interdependence: Implications from Game Theory for Human-Robot Trust",
SCRITA Trust, Acceptance, and Social Cues in Human-Robot Interaction Workshop, RO-MAN, Naples, 2020.
Y.S. Razin & K.M. Feigh, "The Measure of Trust between Man and Machine: A Meta-Analysis of Trust Metrics in HRI",
SCRITA Trust, Acceptance, and Social Cues in Human-Robot Interaction Workshop, RO-MAN, Naples, 2020.
Y.S. Razin & K.M. Feigh, "Toward Interactional Trust for Humans and Automation: Extending Interdependence",
IEEE Smartworld/Advanced Trusted Computing (ATC), Leicester, UK, 2019.
M.C. Canellas et al., "Framing Human-Automation Regulation: A New Modus Operandi from Cognitive Engineering",
WeRobot 2017, New Haven, 2017.
Y. Razin & K. Feigh, "Learning to Predict Intent from Gaze During Robotic Hand-Eye Coordination", ACM AAAI Conference
on Artificial Intelligence, San Francisco, 2017.
M. Paluszek et al., "Direct Fusion Drive for a Human Mars Orbital Mission," 65th International Astronautical Congress,
IAF, Toronto, 2014.
J. Mueller et al., "Direct Fusion Drive Rocket for Asteroid Deflection", 33rd International Electric Propulsion Conference,
Washington D.C., 2013.
Y. Razin et al., "Modular Aneutronic Fusion Engine", 63rd International Astronautical Congress, IAF, Naples, 2012.
G. Pajer et al., "Modular Aneutronic Fusion Engine", Space Propulsion Conference, Bordeaux, France, 2012.
Book chapters
M. Goldfeder & Y. Razin, "Robotic Marriage and the Law", In Beyond Same-Sex Marriage: Perspectives on Marital
Possibilities RC Den Otter (Ed.), Lexington Books: Lanham, MD, USA, 2016
Patents
S. Cohen et al, 2014. In Space Startup Method for Nuclear Fusion Rocket Engines. US Patent US10229756B2,
Granted March 2019.
S. Cohen et al, 2013. Method and Apparatus to Produce High Specific Impulse and Moderate Thrust From a
Fusion-Powered Rocket Engine. US Patent US9822769B2, Granted Nov. 2017. Japanese Patent JP6023876B2,
Granted Nov. 2016.
Y. Razin & M. Paluszek. 2012. Solar Power Camouflage. US Patent US8921685B2, Granted April 2014.
M. Paluszek, et al. 2012. Solar Powered Charging Station for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles. US Patent US20120313568A,
Published Dec. 2012.
Honors and Awards
Edison Patent Award for Emerging Technologies, Research and Development Council of New Jersey November 2020
Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society, Associate Member May 2011-Present
John Marshall II Memorial Thesis Prize, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Dept., Princeton University June 2011
Eagle Scout, Troop 990, Boy Scouts of America, Philadelphia, PA August 2007
Order of the Arrow, Brotherhood Member, Unami Lodge 1, Honor Society, Boy Scouts of America August 2006-Present
Technical & Laboratory Skills
Numerical and Data Analysis: MATLAB, R
Programming Languages: C++, C#, Java, Python, JavaScript, 16-bit Assembly, HTML, CSS
Structural Design & Simulation: Unity3D, Autodesk, SolidWorks, Creo
Machine Learning Techniques: Linear and logistic regression, Naïve Bayes, Decision Trees, Neural Nets, Random Forest,
k-Means, SOM, HMM, kNN, SVM, Q-learning, inverse reinforcement learning, dimensionality reduction
Human-in-the-loop Experiments: Experimental design, IRB protocol writing, validation, how to conduct appropriate data
analysis, physiological data acquisition and analysis, eye tracking, motion tracking, EMG
Miscellaneous: LaTeX, GitHub, machining, image matching and registration, circuit design, power systems, hardware prototyping,
patent writing