Surname: Jose Santos
Research areas: Biomedical feature preserving signal compression, wireless area sensor networks, machine learning, robotics, and computer architectures
Hometown / State (Provence) / Country: San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Welcome to IS&T! Can you tell us about your subject and the classes you will be teaching?
My current research interests are in biomedical feature preserving signal processing and compression in wireless (body) area sensor networks (WBASNs) and their combination with machine learning applications. I also worked for a self-developed educational robotics platform called CEENBoT here in Nebraska, which has had a significant impact on STEM education in many of our K-12 schools, also in Nebraska. Currently, I am either teaching or intended to teach digital design and computer organization, C programming, communication networks, operating systems, and computer architecture.
When did you realize what you wanted to do? Any role models will help you on your way?
I’ve always known what I wanted to do since I was very little as I’ve always been interested in STEM-related topics – especially in electronics. My grandfather, who was a self-thinking electronics hobbyist, and my uncle, a self-thinking technician, were my role models during this period. My parents are of course my role models too, as they made great sacrifices that ultimately enabled me to reach the point where I am in life today.
As an undergraduate / graduate student, what were your most important stepping stones to take your career to where you are now?
As an adult, when I started my bachelor’s degree here on the Omaha campus, I came into contact with many people who are responsible for making my career choices where it is today. I fell in love with teaching especially when my Calculus 1 teacher put me aside and suggested that I attend the MathLab department, led by Mary Rita Dennison, at the Durham Science Center on the North Campus. Within a short period of time I was allowed to teach and after that I knew exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Many of the “stepping stones” turned out to be wonderful people with whom I worked exclusively during my Bachelor and Master career here at this university.
Tell us about IS&T! What does a typical day look like for you?
Since I was hired during the Covid-19 era, I spend most of my time in my home office, constantly creating classroom materials, planning and preparing lectures and project-based activities for my students, meeting with and reviewing my from time to time Time students to make sure they are fine in the face of these troubled times we currently live. As a new faculty member, I am working on cultivating new relationships with colleagues here at IS&T and building bridges with my colleagues next door in the UNL’s ECL department.
What important advice do you have for students as they embark on their own career path?
Don’t give up on your goals and dreams. Don’t let the problems you are facing now distract you. You will encounter difficulties no matter which career path you choose. Temporary defeat hits most of us from time to time, but those who succeed never give up. Learn from your mistakes and realize that it is human to fail from time to time. Reminding yourself that things are never “over” until either they actually are or until you say they are over. Never take your eyes off what you are looking for and you will be able to weather any storm.
Would you like us to know something else about you?
I enjoy drawing (Japanese manga style) and am a passionate film musician. I can’t believe I’m part of the IS&T family either, and I’m very happy to be here. I am very grateful for this remarkable opportunity. Everyone here was really amazing.
