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Research matters at Monash

10 September 2008

PhD student Jan Carlo Barca from the Faculty of Information Technology is exploring the use of motion capture animation to control physical multi-agent systems, or robots.

The 30 year old student, of Norwegian Italian decent, has studied multimedia in Europe and Australia for eight years and is completing his PhD at the Berwick campus.

Mr Barca said the high standard of research and international reputation is what attracted him to Monash.

"Another factor was that I could focus completely on my research, as I had to move away from the comfort zone of my own country," Mr Barca said.

"It has been one of the best decisions I have made."

Mr Barca is researching a new marker for optical motion capture.

"At the end of my undergraduate degree in Information Technology, I still had so many questions about my area of interest -- motion capture for control of physical multi-agent systems -- so completing a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) was an obvious next step for me," Mr Barca said.

"Optical motion capture has a number of application areas. It can be used for animation, the control of machines and for motion analysis. I'm interested in how it can be used to control groups of semi-autonomous machines."

Mr Barca said research was one of the best ways to contribute to the world of human knowledge.

"It's exciting to think that something I have developed or discovered may help to improve the way that things work in my chosen field," Mr Barca said.

"Completing a Higher Degree by Research at Monash has resulted in me becoming more scientific.

"The research community at Monash has been very supportive, which encourages both personal and academic growth.

"If you have a strong desire to know more and to make a difference, I highly recommend undertaking a research degree at Monash.

"It has been one of the most character building and personally rewarding experiences I have ever had."

For more information about Higher Degrees by Research visit the Postgraduate students website.

For more information on Research Month visit the Research Matters website.