\textbf{Professional Summary:} Computer Science and Engineering student with experience in software development, robotics research, and technical leadership.
Demonstrated experience building practical solutions for real-world problems, from modernizing business operations to contributing to academic research.
Interested in human-robot interaction and developing technology that enhances human capabilities, with a background spanning commercial software development and educational mentorship.
\end{minipage}
\resumesection{Research Interests}
I'm passionate about human-robot interaction and developing technologies that make robots better collaborators with humans. My work focuses on creating reproducible research methodologies, particularly through Wizard-of-Oz experiments, and building platforms that lower barriers for HRI researchers. I'm especially interested in how we can make robot behaviors more trustworthy and explainable, and how to design effective frameworks for studying human-robot collaboration across different contexts and applications.
% Education section
\input{shared/sections/education}
\resumesection{Experience}
% Publications - moved higher for PhD applications
\textit{Advisor: Dr. L. Felipe Perrone, Computer Science Department}
\begin{itemize}[noitemsep,topsep=2pt]
\item Developing HRIStudio, a novel web-based platform addressing reproducibility challenges in Wizard-of-Oz HRI studies, with two first-author publications at IEEE RO-MAN 2024 and 2025
\item Designed modular architecture enabling cross-platform robot control without specialized programming knowledge, lowering technical barriers for HRI researchers across disciplines
\item Implemented comprehensive data logging and playback capabilities for experimental analysis, supporting rigorous scientific methodology in human-robot interaction studies
\item Conducted literature review identifying key challenges in WoZ methodology reproducibility, informing platform design decisions and feature prioritization
\end{itemize}
\textscbf{Interdisciplinary Research Collaboration}\hfill\textscbf{Bucknell University}
\textbf{Computer Science Research Assistant - Chemical Engineering Department}\hfill\textbf{Aug 2023 – May 2025}
\textit{Collaborating with Chemical Engineering Department on Environmental Monitoring}
\begin{itemize}[noitemsep,topsep=2pt]
\item Developed automated data collection and analysis tools for environmental research, processing real-time sensor data streams for atmospheric and water quality monitoring
\item Built custom Python pipelines integrating multiple data sources, enabling researchers to identify patterns in environmental data that informed conference presentations
\item Bridged computer science expertise with domain-specific research needs, demonstrating ability to collaborate across disciplines
\itemTransformed organizational culture by building trust in data-driven decision making, replacing manual paper-based workflows with integrated digital solutions that eliminated processing delays and improved operational efficiency
\itemRevolutionized fan engagement through a real-time statistics platform serving 1500+ concurrent users, enabling spectators and racers to access live standings and plan race attendance more effectively
\itemEmpowered non-technical staff with intuitive content management tools, enabling immediate publication of race results and statistics rather than posting physical papers on walls days after events
\itemModernized entire technical infrastructure through containerization and automated systems, ensuring reliable operations and remote support capabilities
\itemArchitected and deployed production systems handling 250k+ monthly users and \$100,000+ in payment processing
\itemLed digital transformation initiative, replacing legacy paper-based systems with modern web applications
\itemImplemented CI/CD pipelines, containerization, and infrastructure as code using Docker and GitHub Actions
\itemDeveloped RESTful APIs and microservices architecture for scalable, maintainable systems
\itemLed complete infrastructure overhaul from consumer-grade to enterprise systems, dramatically improving operational reliability while enabling continuous remote support during university attendance
\itemEstablished comprehensive data protection and disaster recovery protocols, safeguarding years of racing data and ensuring business continuity
\itemStreamlined operations through centralized user management and standardized deployment processes, reducing setup time and maintenance overhead across all facilities
\item Built foundation for digital transformation that enabled all subsequent software development and modernization efforts
\item Launched facility's first professional broadcast capability, expanding audience reach through live streaming to national networks including FloRacing and NBC Sports
\item Created seamless integration between live timing data and broadcast graphics, enhancing viewer experience and setting new standards for local racing broadcasts
\item Coordinated complex live production workflows during high-pressure race events, ensuring professional-quality coverage that elevated the facility's reputation
\item Established broadcast infrastructure that became a model for other racing facilities seeking to modernize their media capabilities
\item Developed a web-based platform for human-robot interaction experiments that addresses reproducibility challenges in Wizard-of-Oz studies, contributing to improved experimental rigor in the field
\item Led research and authored first-author paper presented at international conference, with second publication forthcoming based on continued platform development
\item Built framework that enables researchers to conduct experiments across different robot platforms without specialized programming knowledge, lowering technical barriers to HRI research
\end{itemize}
\textbf{Computer Science Research Assistant - Chemical Engineering Department}\hfill\textbf{Aug 2023 – May 2025}
\begin{itemize}[noitemsep,topsep=2pt]
\item Built automated data collection tools that enabled researchers to focus on analysis rather than manual data gathering, providing critical environmental measurements that guided research direction
\item Developed technical solutions that supported conference presentations and research outcomes, bridging the gap between engineering expertise and domain-specific research needs
\item Mentored 150+ students in software engineering principles, employing a unique pedagogical approach that connects theoretical concepts to real-world applications through recently-acquired student perspective
\item Developed learning environments that embrace productive failure, enabling students to understand the "why" behind programming concepts rather than just memorizing syntax and procedures
\end{itemize}
\textbf{Engineering Study Spot Tutor - Computer Science}\hfill\textbf{Aug 2024 - Dec 2024}
\begin{itemize}[noitemsep,topsep=2pt]
\item Provided personalized academic support to students across the entire computer science curriculum, using a gentle but functional approach that breaks down complex concepts into relatable, manageable components
\end{itemize}
\textbf{Engineering Teaching Assistant}\hfill\textbf{Aug 2023 - Dec 2023}
\begin{itemize}[noitemsep,topsep=2pt]
\item Empowered 40+ engineering students from diverse disciplines to master embedded systems programming, translating complex technical concepts into accessible learning experiences
\item Guided students through hands-on project development while fostering critical thinking about engineering ethics and real-world design implications
\end{itemize}
\textbf{Physics Teaching Assistant}\hfill\textbf{Aug 2023 - May 2024}
\begin{itemize}[noitemsep,topsep=2pt]
\item Supported 30+ students in developing scientific reasoning and experimental design skills, helping them connect abstract physics principles to hands-on laboratory discoveries and data analysis
\itemModernized IT infrastructure from consumer to enterprise-grade systems, improving uptime to 99.9\%
\itemImplemented comprehensive backup and disaster recovery protocols protecting critical business data
\itemAutomated system administration tasks using PowerShell and Bash scripting
\end{itemize}
\textscbf{Miller Place School District}\hfill\textscbf{Miller Place, NY}
\textbf{Information Technology Intern}\hfill\textbf{Sep 2020 - May 2022}
\begin{itemize}[noitemsep,topsep=2pt]
\itemWorked under senior technical staff to assist faculty, staff and students with district-owned printers and computers
\itemAssisted staff in one-laptop per person deployment and support in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, teaching students how to fully utilize newly-available remote learning tools and programs
\itemSupported 1000+ students and faculty during COVID-19 transition to remote learning
\itemDeployed and maintained educational technology platforms and troubleshooted hardware/software issues
\textbf{Former President, Electrical and Mechanical Team Lead}\hfill\textbf{Jan 2023 – Present}
\textbf{Former President, Current Electrical/Mechanical Team Lead}\hfill\textbf{Jan 2023 – Present}
\begin{itemize}[noitemsep,topsep=2pt]
\itemPioneered team's first custom hardware solution by designing and fabricating a microcontroller-based control system with isolated power circuits for hydrogen fuel cell regulation, implementing finite state machine architecture integrating spectrometer readings, relay control, and LED feedback for real-time reaction monitoring
\item Improved team dynamics by introducing agile development principles and structured communication protocols, then strategically transitioned from leadership role to focused technical contribution while remaining active team lead, recognizing that direct engineering impact would better serve team and personal objectives
\itemLed 15-member interdisciplinary team in designing autonomous chemical-powered vehicles for national competition
\item Introduced agile development methodologies and version control practices to hardware development process
\item Mentored junior members in embedded systems programming and control theory
\textscbf{IEEE RO-MAN 2025}\hfill\textscbf{Eindhoven, The Netherlands}
\textbf{34th International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication}\hfill\textbf{Aug 2025}
\begin{itemize}[noitemsep,topsep=2pt]
\itemLed and participated in group discussions in a new lab bridging computer science and psychology perspectives on human-robot interaction, working with the complexities of human-robot trust, job replacement, and autonomy
\itemPresented: "A Web-Based Wizard-of-Oz Platform for Collaborative and Reproducible Human-Robot Interaction Research"
\textscbf{IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication}\hfill\textscbf{Aug 2024}
\textbf{33rd International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication}\hfill\textbf{Aug 2024}
\begin{itemize}[noitemsep,topsep=2pt]
\item Presented first-author research at international conference on HRIStudio - a platform that lowers technical barriers for human-robot interaction experimentation by enabling researchers without programming backgrounds to conduct rigorous studies
\item Presented: "HRIStudio: A Framework for Wizard-of-Oz Experiments in HRI Studies" (Late Breaking Report)
\itemAttended as a representative of the Bucknell Coffee Society, meeting with vendors and equipment manufacturers to request sponsorship, donations, and educational materials for our club
\item Attended as a representative of Bucknell's Chem-E-Car team, discussing designs and reactions with other teams to kickstart development of the next year's car
\itemTransformed organizational culture by building trust in data-driven decision making, replacing manual paper-based workflows with integrated digital solutions that eliminated processing delays and improved operational efficiency
\itemRevolutionized fan engagement through a real-time statistics platform serving 1500+ concurrent users, enabling spectators and racers to access live standings and plan race attendance more effectively
\itemEmpowered non-technical staff with intuitive content management tools, enabling immediate publication of race results and statistics rather than posting physical papers on walls days after events
\item Modernized entire technical infrastructure through containerization and automated systems, ensuring reliable operations and remote support capabilities
\itemDeveloped a web-based platform for human-robot interaction experiments that addresses reproducibility challenges in Wizard-of-Oz studies, contributing to improved experimental rigor in the field
\itemLed research and authored first-author paper presented at international conference, with second publication forthcoming based on continued platform development
\item Built framework that enables researchers to conduct experiments across different robot platforms without specialized programming knowledge, lowering technical barriers to HRI research
\itemLed research and authored first-author papers at IEEE RO-MAN 2024 and 2025 conferences
\itemDeveloped web-based HRIStudio platform addressing reproducibility challenges in Wizard-of-Oz studies
\end{itemize}
\textbf{Computer Science Research Assistant - Chemical Engineering Department}\hfill\textbf{Aug 2023 – May 2025}
\begin{itemize}[noitemsep,topsep=2pt]
\item Built automated data collection tools that enabled researchers to focus on analysis rather than manual data gathering, providing critical environmental measurements that guided research direction
\item Developed technical solutions that supported conference presentations and research outcomes, bridging the gap between engineering expertise and domain-specific research needs
\item Built automated data collection tools enabling researchers to focus on analysis over manual gathering
\item Mentored students across computer science, engineering, and physics using a pedagogical approach that connects theoretical concepts to real-world applications through recently-acquired student perspective
\itemDeveloped learning environments that embrace productive failure, enabling students to understand the "why" behind programming and engineering concepts rather than just memorizing procedures
\item Created automated testing frameworks and personalized feedback systems that streamlined grading while providing students with detailed, actionable guidance for improvement
\item Mentored 200+ students across CS, engineering, and physics connecting theory to real-world applications
\itemCreated automated testing frameworks with personalized feedback streamlining assessment processes
\textbf{President, Electrical and Mechanical Team Lead}\hfill\textbf{Jan 2023 – Present}
\textbf{Former President, Electrical and Mechanical Team Lead}\hfill\textbf{Jan 2023 – Present}
\begin{itemize}[noitemsep,topsep=2pt]
\itemPioneered team's first custom hardware solution by designing and fabricating a microcontroller-based control system with isolated power circuits for hydrogen fuel cell regulation, implementing finite state machine architecture integrating spectrometer readings, relay control, and LED feedback for real-time reaction monitoring
\item Improved team dynamics by introducing agile development principles and structured communication protocols, then strategically transitioned from leadership role to focused technical contribution while remaining active team member, recognizing that direct engineering impact would better serve team objectives
\itemDesigned custom microcontroller control system for hydrogen fuel cell regulation using finite state machine architecture
abstract={Human-robot interaction (HRI) research plays a pivotal role in shaping how robots communicate and collaborate with humans. However, conducting HRI studies, particularly those employing the Wizard-of-Oz (WoZ) technique, can be challenging. WoZ user studies can have complexities at the technical and methodological levels that may render the results irreproducible. We propose to address these challenges with HRIStudio, a novel web-based platform designed to streamline the design, execution, and analysis of WoZ experiments. HRIStudio offers an intuitive interface for experiment creation, real-time control and monitoring during experimental runs, and comprehensive data logging and playback tools for analysis and reproducibility. By lowering technical barriers, promoting collaboration, and offering methodological guidelines, HRIStudio aims to make human-centered robotics research easier, and at the same time, empower researchers to develop scientifically rigorous user studies.},
author={O'Connor, Sean and Perrone, L. Felipe},
title={\href{http://www.eg.bucknell.edu/~perrone/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ro-man2024.pdf}{{HRIStudio: A Framework for Wizard-of-Oz Experiments in Human-Robot Interaction Studies (Late Breaking Report)}}},
title={\href{https://www.soconnor.dev/api/publications/hristudio-lbr.pdf}{{HRIStudio: A Framework for Wizard-of-Oz Experiments in Human-Robot Interaction Studies (Late Breaking Report)}}},
booktitle={2024 33rd IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (RO-MAN)},
abstract={Human-robot interaction (HRI) research plays a pivotal role in shaping how robots communicate and collaborate with humans. However, conducting HRI studies can be challenging, particularly those employing the Wizard-of-Oz (WoZ) technique. WoZ user studies can have technical and methodological complexities that may render the results irreproducible. We propose to address these challenges with HRIStudio, a modular web-based platform designed to streamline the design, the execution, and the analysis of WoZ experiments. HRIStudio offers an intuitive interface for experiment creation, real-time control and monitoring during experimental runs, and comprehensive data logging and playback tools for analysis and reproducibility. By lowering technical barriers, promoting collaboration, and offering methodological guidelines, HRIStudio aims to make human-centered robotics research easier and empower researchers to develop scientifically rigorous user studies.},
author={O'Connor, Sean and Perrone, L. Felipe},
title={A {Web-Based}{Wizard-of-Oz} Platform for Collaborative and Reproducible {Human-Robot Interaction} Research},
title={\href{https://www.soconnor.dev/api/publications/ROMAN25_0574_FI.pdf}{{A {Web-Based}{Wizard-of-Oz} Platform for Collaborative and Reproducible {Human-Robot Interaction} Research}}},
booktitle={2025 34th IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (RO-MAN)},
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