Visual Odometry & 3D Mapping for Rover Navigation
Method: Feature extraction, motion estimation, and sparse 3D map reconstruction using LiDAR and camera data. Result: Robust 3D mapping for autonomous rover navigation.
Hi — I'm Indu
PhD student @ The George Washington University
Building smarter, safer autonomous systems|
I love building things especially autonomous rovers and systems that move and think on their own. My journey into security started during my undergrad, when a grey-hat hacker's session completely changed how I viewed technology. Since then, I've been fascinated by the idea of making autonomous systems not just intelligent, but secure and dependable. Today, my work focuses on cyber-physical system security, where I get to combine my love for hands-on engineering with solving complex, real-world problems.
Education
The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
Ph.D. in Computer Science
Focus: V2X Security, Sensor Security, Autonomous navigation, 3D perception, multi-modal sensor fusion.
Aug 2024 – Present
Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Hyderabad, India
M.Tech. Software Systems (Cybersecurity)
Jan 2020 – Jul 2022
Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
M.Sc. Computer Science
May 2016 – May 2019
Jul 2013 – May 2016
Skills
A selection of technologies and areas I work with.
Programming
Python (primary)
C
SQL
ML / DL Frameworks
PyTorch
TensorFlow
Keras
Scikit-learn
NumPy
OpenCV
Autonomous Systems / Robotics
Path planning
SLAM
Localization
Mapping
Visual odometry
3D object detection & tracking
Semantic segmentation
Multi-modal sensor fusion
Tools & Platforms
ROS
Docker
Git
Linux
NVIDIA Jetson
VehicleSpy
Vector
PCAN View
Computing Environments
Windows
Linux (Kali & Ubuntu)
Arduino
Raspberry Pi
NVIDIA GPU
Hardware
PCAN
ValueCAN 4-2 EL
NI
Kvaser leaf light v2
OBD-II connector
Soft Skills
Research mentoring
Systematic thinking
Collaborative teamwork
Featured Projects
AI-based IDS for Automotive Networks
Method: Trained models on in-vehicle network data to detect anomalies. Result: Early detection of abusive or unsafe network behavior.
OVERTON: Real-Time Vehicle Network Anomaly Detection
Method: Edge deployment on Raspberry Pi and Jetson Nano. Result: Real-time anomaly detection in vehicle networks.
BITLabs Remote Control
Method: Secure remote desktop orchestration for lab devices. Result: Reliable access to physical robotics setups from anywhere.
Privacy-Preserving ITS Services with Homomorphic Encryption
Method: ML for CO2 prediction on encrypted vehicle data (HE). Result: Privacy-preserving ITS insights without revealing raw data.
Teaching & Mentoring
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Teaching Assistant • Design of Autonomous Systems Lab, The George Washington University (2024 – 2025)
- Led labs in Python, Algorithms, Object Detection, ROS, and Linux.
- Guided projects on ROS waypoint navigation, traffic sign detection, Raspberry Pi integration, PID control, and EKF fundamentals.
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Lab Faculty • Automotive Cyber Systems Lab, BITS Pilani (2020 – 2024)
- Conducted hands-on sessions on Automotive Networking, Communication, and Security.
Professional Experience
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Visiting Faculty • Birla Institute of Technology and Science (2022 – 2024)
- Designed labs on CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, and Ethernet including monitoring, simulation, signal tracking, scripting, automation, and data logging.
- Built CAN fuzzing environments, analyzed outcomes, and documented issues.
- Introduced BITLabs for secure remote access to physical lab setups.
- Configured and visualized LiDAR setups.
- Developed a CAN exploitation experiment with capture and reverse engineering via PCAN View.
- Collaborated with Intrepid Control Systems on vehicle networking projects.
- Mentored projects on CAN Firewall, Message Authentication, TCU watermarking, FOTA, and secure ECU updates.
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Instructor (Deputed in BITS Pilani) • ReynLab by Sirius Motorsports (2020 – 2022)
- Built an Automotive Cyber Systems lab for working professionals with applied course materials.
- Developed CAN exploitation setups on Instrumentation Cluster and tapped CAN from steer-by-wire and head unit of a Skoda with a team of 3.
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Service Desk Associate (Deputed in Wipro Technologies) • Scoop Technologies (2019 – 2020)
- L2 Engineer handling chat-based support, meeting SLAs and ensuring reliable IT operations.
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Software Trainee • Aalan Technology (2018 – 2019)
- Built applications to automate and streamline textile industry workflows.
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System Engineer • Cognizant Technology Solutions (2016 – 2018)
- L1 Engineer ensuring uptime and customer satisfaction across IT systems and applications.