From PhD to Lecturer: Dr Jasmin Martin's Journey

Dr. Jasmin Martin, a proud alumna of the QUT Centre for Robotics, has made significant strides in her career since completing her PhD. Now a Lecturer at the University of Queensland, Dr. Martin specialises in the advanced techniques of robotic vision, a field she explored in depth during her doctoral studies. In this interview, she shares insights into her academic journey, the challenges she overcame, and the pivotal role her time at the QUT Centre for Robotics played in shaping her career.

Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to pursue a PhD in robotics at QUT?

I did my undergraduate in engineering at QUT. I really enjoyed doing some research in my capstone project and decided to pursue a PhD.

What was your specific area of research within the QUT Centre of Robotics, and what attracted you to it?

My PhD was on advancing quickest change detection techniques and applying them in robotic vision applications.

What was the most exciting project or research initiative you worked on during your time at the Centre?

My favorite piece of research was applying my quickest change detection techniques in the vision-based aircraft detection applications. I found it very rewarding to see optimal theory applied in a principled manner and the performance benefits that come from it.

How did the Centre’s resources and facilities contribute to your research?

The Centre’s resources enabled me to collect my own data of complex aircraft collision course encounters.

In what ways did your PhD at the QUT Centre of Robotics prepare you for your current career, and what valuable skills did you gain?

Currently I’m a lecturer at the University of Queensland, I’m grateful for the skills I leant during my time as a PhD student with the Centre.

Were there any specific professors or mentors at the Centre who had a significant impact on your academic journey?

Without the guidance, support and mentoring of Professor Jason Ford and Dr Tim Molloy I never would have finished my PhD.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your PhD, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge for me was imposter syndrome and the feeling of overwhelm.  I was grateful that my supervisors always just encouraged me to work on my next piece of research and then eventually it adds up.

What advice would you give to potential PhD students considering joining the QUT Centre of Robotics?

Enjoy the PhD process, I loved my time in the Centre and the lab is a lovely environment to work and prosper.

Thanks Jasmin for sharing your insights with us!

Stayed tuned for my alumni stories coming soon.