Dr Sankaran Iyer

I obtained my PhD degree in 2023 from UNSW. My research focused on ‘Vertebral Compression Fracture Detection with a Novel 3D Localization Algorithm.’ I combined deep reinforcement learning with imitation learning to achieve this. Initially, I used a fully supervised learning approach for predicting vertebral compression fractures within localized regions. Later, I explored weakly supervised multiple instance learning. Additionally, I adapted my localization algorithm to work in a semi-supervised setting.

My Master’s degree in Computer Science, which I earned from UNSW in 1994, centered around detecting Latin characters using artificial neural networks.

With over 30 years of industry experience, I’ve contributed to complex projects related to real-time embedded systems, intelligent networks, and operation support systems. I retired voluntarily in 2016 as a senior project manager at Nokia/Alcatel Lucent.

I’ve also collaborated with the Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) group at UNSW. Together, we developed house dust mite and pest detection systems. Additionally, I contributed to an Android-based app for wildlife species detection as part of the Bushfire Recovery program.

Currently, I work as a senior research associate in collaboration with the Black Dog Institute, focusing on people behavior analysis for suicide detection and prevention which involves pedestrian detection and tracking in various settings, including GAP parks, railway stations, bridges, and shopping centers."