LAURA CASSENTI

Splashy Gradient
152 Quincy Shore Dr., Apt. 13
Quincy, MA 02171
(617)773-2489
ljc@alum.mit.edu

 

Objective

A challenging career in a research environment.

 

 

 

Education

Carnegie Mellon University, Robotics Institute
MS Robotics

Pittsburgh, PA
Sept. 1997 -- May 2002

 

Thesis was "Data Fusion: Registering 2D Images to 3D Surfaces," which constructed 3D mosaics out of 2D arthroscopic images. Part-time student. Courses include: Computer Vision, Fundamentals of AI, Computational Geometry, Robotic Manipulation, Math Fundamentals for Robotics, Sensing and Sensors.

 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
SB  Mechanical Engineering

Cambridge, MA
Sept. 1993 -- June 1997

 

S.B. Thesis was "Modeling the Kinematic Behavior of Mars Rovers," which simulated the motion of Rocky VII over rough terrain. Thesis done in the Field and Space Robotics Lab  with Steven Dubowsky. Advanced courses include: Lego Robot Design Competition, Robot Design Seminar, Dynamics, Mechanical Vibrations, Manufacturing, Design, Design for Production, Engineering Lab.

 

 

 

Experience

Carnegie Mellon University, Medical Robotics and Computer Assisted Surgery Lab
Research Programmer

Pittsburgh, PA
July 1999 -- July 2002

 

Developed an algorithm to create synthetic X-rays from 3D CT data used to register real postoperative X-rays to preoperative 3D CT data sets. Used the registration technique to find the orientation of implants following total hip replacement surgery (THR). Developed an algorithm that registered live arthroscopic images to generic 3D surface models to build 3D image mosaics. Created a tool for planning the implant orientation for THR surgery using preoperative X-rays and templates for the implants. Developed software suite to plan and perform live fluoroscopic THR surgery. Supervised numerous undergraduate researchers.

 

UPMC Shadyside, Center for Orthopaedic Research
Research Programmer

Pittsburgh, PA
Jan. 1999 -- July 1999

 

Created a client/server library for use with generic rigid body trackers. Developed generic viewer to visually examine 3D surface models and contours.

 

Carnegie Mellon University, Robotics Engineering Consortium
Research Programmer

Pittsburgh, PA
June 1997 -- Jan. 1999

 

As a key member of the AMTS project, worked on vision systems of an automated forktruck. Developed navigation system combining dead reckoning with downward vision for more accurate navigation. Implemented a look-up table to eliminate lens distortion in downward vision system. Developed a pallet tracker based on a kinematic model of the vehicle, capable of loading and unloading a trailer and stacking pallets. Overcame 2 cm resolution in fork positioning to achieve 1 cm accuracy in translation and 0.01 radian accuracy in rotation required for successful pallet stacking. Developed path planning routines and point generator which produced points in the path to be executed. Collaborated with NASA on 3D simulation of automated plant. Supervised 2 undergraduates.

 

Carnegie Mellon University, Microdynamic Systems Lab
Research Assistant

Pittsburgh, PA
Summer 1996

 

Adapted a chip-placement robot manufacturing circuit boards for wearable computers. Developed a C program to place SMDs on circuit boards with 1 micron accuracy. Developed new vision processing routine to increase the speed and accuracy of the chip-placement system.

 

Intelligent Automation
Programmer

Cambridge, MA
Jan. -- May 1996

 

Designed new user interface to a flexible parts feeder. Developed a new vision processing algorithm to accurately sort and place parts of varying shapes.

 

United Technologies Research Center
Engineering Research Assistant

East Hartford, CT
Summer 1994 and 1995

 

Designed and built five-axis robot used to deburr helicopter motor blades. Simulated robot to determine possible flaws. Developed communications library in C. Designed user interface to robot with Visual Basic. Successfully wrote PMAC programs with interface. Demonstrated robot and its interface to interested companies.

 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, AI Lab
Undergraduate Researcher

Cambridge, MA
Sept. 1993 -- Feb. 1994

 

Worked with Dave Brock on the use of polymeric gels as artificial muscles. Machined test apparatus. Performed tests on polymeric gel to determine its strength.

 

 

 

Skills

C/C++, OpenGL, xforms, Image Processing, Computer Vision, Medical Imaging Technologies, Matlab, Linux, UNIX, Windows, and HTML. Knowledge of G Codes, NC Codes, PMAC, Java, JavaScript, Python, Perl, Deburring Methods.

Publications

B. Jaramaz, L. Cassenti, D. LaRose, T. Kanade, J. Moody, A. M. DiGioia, T. Levison, H. Dostmohamed. "XALIGN: Determining Acetabular Cup Position Following Total Hip Replacement - A Patient Data Study". Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery (CAOS) Proceedings 2002.

L. Cassenti. Xalign: Postoperative Measurement of Acetabular Cup Position. Carnegie Mellon University Tech Report. 2002.

B. Jaramaz, L. Cassenti, T. Levison, C. Nikou, and A.M. DiGioia. "Determining Acetabular Cup Position Following Total Hip Replacement". Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery (CAOS) Proceedings 2001.

L. Cassenti. Data Fusion: Registering 2D Images to 3D Surface. Thesis. Carnegie Mellon University. 2001.

D. LaRose, L. Cassenti, B. Jaramaz, J. Moody Jr., T. Kanade, A. M. DiGioia. "Post-Operative Measurement of Acetabular Cup Position Using X-Ray/CT Registration". Medical Image Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention (MICCAI) Proceedings 2000: 1104-1113

R. LaBarca, B. Jaramaz, A. M. DiGioia, C. Nikou, L. Cassenti. "Development of Femoral Guidance and Intraoperative Range of Motion Simulation for the HipNav System". The Millennium Symposium on Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery, (CAOS/Davos 2000).

L. Cassenti. Modeling the Kinematic Behavior of Mars Rovers. Thesis. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 1997.

 

 

 

Activities

Hall Chair, 1995-1997; Financial Officer, 1996; Math Ambassador, 1992-1993; Math/Science Mentor, 1992-1993.

 

 

 

References

Available upon request.