︎

︎ Info
[2021 - Present]
Speech2Spikes
A real-time pre-processing algorithm that enables speech recognition on neuromorphic processors
(Accenture Labs)
MechSense
A fully multi-material 3D printed sensor for revolute motion
(Accenture Labs)
Fire Probe
An IoT sensor for wildfire detection, mitigation, and risk assessment
(Accenture Labs)

A smart joint sensor for measuring performance and chronic pain
(Work in Progress)
[2020 - 2021]
The Ventilator Project
Affordable ventilators to combat a global pandemic
Brain Switch
Brain-computer interface for ALS patients with real-time machine learning
(MIT Media Lab)
AttentivU
Wireless glasses that measure biopotentials and promote well-being
(MIT Media Lab)
Printed Monitors
3D printed studio monitors with flat, full-range sound and excellent off-axis response

HYDROGEL
Open-source 3D printer for printing fluid materials in hydrogel support
(Work in Progress)
If I Kiss You
Sculptural art from hundred-year old paper player piano scroll

[Pre-2020]
Metamaterial strain gauge for soft robots with high signal-to-noise ratio and orthogonal force rejection
Watchtower Robotics
MIT startup fixing water infrastructure using soft robots
(Techstars, MassChallenge)
CNC Controller
Three axis controller with motion control over Ethernet

About Me {
I'm a computer scientist combining physical sensors with intelligent algorithms to create smart systems that improve people's well-being.

My work involves neuromorphic computing, brain-computer interfaces,
3D printing, & IoT devices.

I'm a researcher in the Future Technologies Group @ Accenture Labs.
}

Mark

[ CNC Controller ]



CC / 2001
Final Assembly of the Controller

This CNC controller is a three-axis stepper motor driver controlled over Ethernet. With a custom laser-cut case, the controller houses a PMDX-126 and an Ethernet SmoothStepper and is compatible with CNC control software like Mach 4.

This controller was my high school senior design project, a culmination of skills and tools I learned to use in the Fab Lab I helped create. This space began my journey and laid the foundation for my current trajectory. In reality, this page is less about the controller itself, simple as it is, and more a place for me to tell a quick story about a pivotal time in my life.



When I was a sophomore in high school, I took a class called Digital Media which was my introduction to the room that later became the Tech Shop. It was also Bob Valli’s first year teaching. Bob is an educator of the best variety. If you have a vision, he gives you the tools to make it happen.

In the room there was an old 3D printer, a commercial spin-off of the original Darwin RepRap called the RapMan. The display was broken and the extruder wasn’t working correctly. Bob wasn’t sure what the machine was and gave me full reign to mess around with it. Over the next few weeks, I read everything I could find including old manuals and 3D printing tutorials. Slowly, the printer came to life, whirring musically and printing basic shapes.


For the rest of high school, I went to the shop every single day. I repaired and restored plasma cutters, lathes, old mills, and an old Frasca 141 flight simulator from the early 90s. As more people started to use the equipment we fixed, we got budgets for newer supplies. New 3D printers, laser cutters, additional flight simulators for ground school classes, and CNC routers became part of the growing Fab Lab. I set up, learned how to use, and began teaching others about each machine. The Fab Lab became my second home, full of late nights, homework, and tools.

I can tie almost all of my foundational knowledge to that space and period of time. I gained a skillset I never knew I’d have and a passion for making things that I know I’ll never lose.
Mark