OERC Research — Maritime Autonomy
WorkOcean Engineering Research Center · Supervised by Dr. Wei Qiu · Jan – May 2026
Overview
During my research term at the Ocean Engineering Research Center under Dr. Wei Qiu, I worked across three interconnected projects in maritime autonomy — developing scientific visualization software, authoring a large-scale research report on autonomous vessel communications, and designing an autonomous model vessel for tank-testing experiments.
Projects
Ship Hull Visualization Tool
C++ · OpenGL · NURBS · IGES
Developed a C++/OpenGL desktop application for ship hull visualization and hydrodynamic preprocessing. The tool parses IGES files to render NURBS surfaces, control nets, and surface normals in an interactive 3D viewer. Integrated with a frequency-domain hydrodynamic solver developed by Dr. Wei Qiu to ingest vessel geometry and mass-distribution inputs and display motion RAOs, drift forces, and wave-induced loads.
MASS Connectivity Research
Technical Writing · IMO Standards · Transport Canada
Authored a large-scale research report on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS) connectivity requirements, evaluating communication needs across key operational phases to inform recommendations relevant to IMO and Transport Canada aligned autonomous vessel frameworks.
Autonomous Model Vessel
Arduino · LiDAR · PID Control · Embedded C++
Designed and built an autonomous model vessel using Arduino microcontrollers and LiDAR sensors. Completed hardware design, wiring schematics, and embedded C++ PID-based control for wall tracking, obstacle avoidance, and course correction in tank-testing environments.