Tufts student receives the IEEE Signal Processing Society Scholarship

Obafemi Jinadu, a PhD student in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Tufts, has been selected as a 2024 recipient of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Signal Processing Society (SPS) Scholarship. This prestigious award, which includes three consecutive years of financial support  and a one-year student membership in IEEE and the Signal Processing Society, recognizes Jinadu’s dedication to advancing the field of engineering through both academic coursework and impactful research.  

Jinadu conducts his research in the Vision, Sensing, and Simulation Lab at Tufts, under the guidance of Distinguished Professor and Dean of Graduate Education Karen Panetta of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. His work focuses on developing computer vision and deep learning applications to address complex real-world problems. One of his current projects involves a collaboration with the Tufts Elephant Conservation Alliance to create AI-equipped drones for tracking elephants in East Africa even in challenging conditions like nighttime or low visibility. The project aims to monitor migration patterns and assess elephant health through non-invasive methods. Jinadu’s contribution involves improving the AI’s ability to recognize elephants based on unique features such as ear shape and tusk orientation, ultimately aiming for higher accuracy than traditional tracking methods.

Founded in 1948, the IEEE Signal Processing Society is committed to advancing signal processing technologies and supporting engineering students who show promise in this critical field. The SPS Scholarship Program supports high-achieving students dedicated to making an impact through both their studies and practical applications. Jinadu’s recognition by the IEEE SPS highlights his commitment to applying advanced technology to conservation challenges, aligning with the Society's mission to empower the next generation of engineers.