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<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>SHEP AI</title>
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<p class="title" align="center">Dexter Shepherd</p>
<a align="left" class="topnavlogo"><img src="assets/eyeT.png" width="50px" height="50px"></a>
<a class="topnavleft" href="#">Home</a>
<a class="topnavleft" href="#about">About</a>
<a class="topnavleft" href="downloads.html">Downloads</a>
<a class="topnavleft" href="contact.html">Contact</a>
<br>
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<th class="textInfo2 rightText"><h3>Outreach, Volunteering and International Work</h3>
<p class="textInfo">Some of the outreach programs I have been involved with organising. In addition my international teaching experience.
</p>
</th>
<th id="ic4"><a href="outreach.html"><div class="iconPage">
<img onmouseover="select('ic4')" class="imageCircle2" src="assets/outreach/IMG-20250314-WA0010 (1).jpg">
</div></a></th>
<th id="ic5"><a href="development.html"><div align="center" class="iconPage">
<img onmouseover="select('ic5')"class="imageCircle2" src="assets/design.jpg">
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<th class="textInfo2 leftText">
<h3>Projects Past and Present</h3>
<p class="textInfo">
</p>
</th>
</table>
<table align="center">
<!--<tr class="sizeBox" style="background-image:url('backgrounds/blue2.jpg');"> -->
<th class="textInfo2 rightText"><h3>Libraries and Tools</h3>
<p class="textInfo">Check out the libraries/modules I have made for you to use in your own projects.
</p></th>
<th id="ic1"><a href="libraries.html"><div class="iconPage">
<img onmouseover="select('ic1')" class="imageCircle2" src="assets/python.png">
</a></th>
<th id="ic2"><div align="center" class="iconPage">
<img onmouseover="select('ic2')"class="imageCircle" src="assets/me.png">
</div></th>
<th id="ic3"><a href="positions.html"><div class="iconPage">
<img onmouseover="select('ic3')" class="imageCircle2" src="assets/outreach/pal.jpg">
</div></a></th>
<th class="textInfo2 leftText">
<h3>Academic Positions</h3>
<p class="textInfo">Some of the roles I have held
</p></th>
</table>
<table align="center">
<th class="textInfo2 rightText"><h3>Tutorials</h3>
<p class="textInfo">Setting up some of the software I made in past projects
</p></th>
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<img onmouseover="select('ic6')" class="imageCircle2" src="assets/biped.PNG">
</div></a></th>
<th id="ic7"><a href="publications.html"><div align="center" class="iconPage">
<img onmouseover="select('ic7')"class="imageCircle2" src="assets/libbook.jpg">
</div></a></th>
<th class="textInfo2 leftText">
<h3>Publications</h3>
<p class="textInfo">Check out my publications and public datasets.
</p></th>
</table>
<div class="mobileTable">
<h3 align="center" class="contentText">Press icons to find out more...</h3>
</div>
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<div style="color:black;" >
<div class="main">
<h2 id="about" class="headerText">Dexter Shepherd</h2>
<hr class="break">
My PhD “Get a Grip: Comparing Optical and Electrical Tactile Sensors for Adaptive Robotic Locomotion” at the University of Sussex has focused on constructing various tactile sensors (PCB manufacturing and soft body development) to explore how legged robots can perceive and adapt to the richness of real-world contact. This entailed a number of elements: constructing many tactile sensors including a novel one of my own design, testing them on board self-built robots, constructing equipment to gather large datasets (all openly available); and using a range of ML models of different complexity and temporal aspects such as regression, support vector machines and random forests on the less heavy side, and CNNs and LSTMs on the larger model side to classify this data. As seen in my recent publication “Texture and friction classification: optical TacTip vs. vibrational piezoelectric and accelerometer tactile sensors” I have a strong background in using datasets and performing statistical analysis.
<br><br>
My research has demonstrated that low-cost, low-resolution sensors can still achieve complex perceptual tasks such as texture and orientation detection, challenging the notion that high-resolution sensing is always necessary [<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/16/4971">1</a>,<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S026322412401217X">2</a>]. Alongside sensor development I have worked across simulation environments, and neural control models (including CTRNNs for evolved gait control), bridging hardware and software to create embodied systems capable of adaptive behaviour. Through this work, I have presented at various conferences winning a best paper at UKRAS and best presenter at IEEE AIRC, and contributed open datasets and open-source libraries [<a href="https://doi.org/10.25377/sussex.26935696">3</a>,<a href="https://doi.org/10.25377/sussex.30256453">4</a>,<a href="https://doi.org/10.25377/sussex.28033589">5</a>] that support reproducibility and accessibility in AI research.
<br><br>My PhD puts me in the rare position of being at the intersection of AI and engineering. I can use CAD, 3D print, laser cut, PCB design, construct electronics and robotic chassis (servos, DC motors, microcontrollers) but also program it. In addition, I have a strong understanding of machine learning/AI concepts including: evolutionary algorithms, neural models and deployment of embedded machine learning on circuits. Outside my PhD I pursue many passion projects (as seen on my Github) looking into new directions and trying to develop new skills in trending AI topics such as large language models and new types of simulators such as MuJoCo.
<br><br>My knowledge of AI and machine learning is not limited to robotics or tactile sensing. I have coordinated and led teaching projects across Africa, working multiculturally to teach biomedical and agricultural students to construct data logging devices, gather datasets in the field and then use AI/ML to process and analyse this data. Working interdisciplinarily comes naturally to me having worked and collaborated across a university committed to interdisciplinary research.
<br><br>I bring a commitment to building inclusive and collaborative communities. For several years I led the Peer Assisted Learning scheme at Sussex in which students support their peers, expanding student support and winning consecutive education awards. I also co-founded and co-organise conferences and mentoring programmes that foster exchange between early-career researchers and students across disciplines and continents.
This website serves as a living portfolio, a space to document my projects, research, and technical explorations over time.
<br><br>
<a href="https://shepai.github.io//downloads/CV (7).pdf">View CV</a>
<h2 class="headerText">Qualifications</h2>
<div class="education-item">
<h3>PhD in Bio-Robotics and Artificial Intelligence</h3>
<p><strong>University of Sussex</strong>, Brighton, United Kingdom</p>
<p><em>Oct 2022 – Present (Expected completion: March 2026)</em></p>
<ul>
<li>Research focus on machine learning for tactile sensing and bio-inspired robotic locomotion.</li>
<li>Development of optical and electrical tactile sensors alongside spatial-temporal AI models.</li>
<li>Application of reinforcement learning, evolutionary algorithms, and embedded AI systems.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="education-item">
<h3>BSc in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (First Class Honours)</h3>
<p><strong>University of Sussex</strong>, Brighton, United Kingdom</p>
<p><em>Sept 2019 – May 2022</em></p>
<ul>
<li>Specialised in machine learning, robotics, and software engineering.</li>
<li>Awarded highest mark in cohort for AI dissertation project.</li>
<li>Strong foundation in algorithms, data science, and embedded systems.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h2 class="headerText">Experience</h2>
<section id="experience">
<section id="research">
<h3 class="headerText">
Research
<a href="development.html" class="info-link" target="_blank">ⓘ</a>
</h3>
<ul class="teaching-list">
<li class="teaching-item">
<div class="teaching-header">
<span class="teach">Postdoctoral Fellow - be.AI </span>
</div>
<div class="location">
University of Sussex • 2026 - 2027
</div>
<ul class="details">
<li>Designing tactile technologies that can be worn, to gather multimodal datasets for locomotion. </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="teaching-item">
<div class="teaching-header">
<span class="teach">Engineer </span>
</div>
<div class="location">
University of Sussex • 2026
</div>
<ul class="details">
<li>Designed and built a large numbere of environmental data logging devices supproting environmental monitoring work</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="teaching-item">
<div class="teaching-header">
<span class="teach">Engineer <a href="https://www.sussex.ac.uk/research/centres/centre-for-research-in-opera-and-music-theatre/research/projects/robot-opera" class="info-link" target="_blank">ⓘ</a></span>
</div>
<div class="location">
University of Sussex • 2024
</div>
<ul class="details">
<li>Designed and built a humanoid torso on an off the shelf robot base</li>
<li>Robot was used for an artistic opera</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="teaching-item">
<div class="teaching-header">
<span class="teach">Developer <a href="https://github.com/BeeHive-org/BeeHive" class="info-link" target="_blank">ⓘ</a></span>
</div>
<div class="location">
University of Sussex • May 2022 – Aug 2022
</div>
<ul class="details">
<li>Supported a repo by making a library to communicate via serial to micropython</li>
<li>Used for devices that can easily be deployed on life science experiments</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="teaching-item">
<div class="teaching-header">
<span class="teach">Research Assistant <a href="dev/GPS.html" class="info-link" target="_blank">ⓘ</a></span>
</div>
<div class="location">
University of Sussex • May 2021 – Jul 2021, May 2022 – Aug 2022
</div>
<ul class="details">
<li>Built low-cost 3D-printed robotic platforms using Jetson Nano controllers.</li>
<li>Investigated ant-inspired navigation algorithms in real-world environments.</li>
<li>Integrated GPS and mobile signal tracking systems for outdoor robotics experiments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</section>
<section id="mentoring">
<h3 class="headerText">
Mentoring
</h3>
<ul class="teaching-list">
<li class="teaching-item">
<div class="teaching-header">
<span class="teach">Head of Student Mentor Scheme <a href="positions.html" class="info-link" target="_blank">ⓘ</a></span>
</div>
<div class="location">
University of Sussex • Aug 2022 – Dec 2025
</div>
<ul class="details">
<li>Led a student mentoring team delivering academic and welfare support sessions.</li>
<li>Coordinated workshops and provided regular briefings to senior faculty on student needs.</li>
<li>Doubled student participation during tenure through improved engagement and support structure.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</section>
<section id="teaching">
<h3 class="headerText">
Teaching
<a href="positions.html" class="info-link" target="_blank">ⓘ</a>
</h3>
<ul class="teaching-list">
<li class="teaching-item">
<div class="teaching-header">
<span class="teach">Workshop Facilitator <a href="outreach.html" class="info-link" target="_blank">ⓘ</a></span>
</div>
<div class="location">
Sussex, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Soochow University, and Minnan Normal University • 2026
</div>
<ul class="details">
<li>Designed and led day long workshops for electronic device construction, datalogging <a href="tutorials/datalogging.html" class="info-link" target="_blank">ⓘ</a> </li>
<li>Designed and led day long workshops robotics <a href="tutorials/robotarm.html" class="info-link" target="_blank">ⓘ</a> </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="teaching-item">
<div class="teaching-header">
<span class="teach">Nigeria Computational Neuroscience Summer School <a href="outreach.html" class="info-link" target="_blank">ⓘ</a></span>
</div>
<div class="location">
Sussex (Facilitator), BioRTC • 2024
</div>
<ul class="details">
<li>Delivered machine learning workshops for computational neuroscience in Yobe State, Nigeria.</li>
<li>Worked alongside Nigerian special forces responsible for site security and participant safety.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="teaching-item">
<div class="teaching-header">
<span class="teach">Malawi Electronics and Machine Learning Course <a href="outreach.html" class="info-link" target="_blank">ⓘ</a></span>
</div>
<div class="location">
Sussex AI (Team Leader), LUANAR • 2025
</div>
<ul class="details">
<li>Directed African operations, managing logistics, curriculum design, and deployment of machine learning and data-logging hardware courses.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="teaching-item">
<div class="teaching-header">
<span class="teach">Malawi Data Science and Machine Learning Course <a href="outreach.html" class="info-link" target="_blank">ⓘ</a></span>
</div>
<div class="location">
Trend in Africa (Facilitator), LUANAR • 2024
</div>
<ul class="details">
<li>Delivered postgraduate machine learning courses covering data analysis, regression, classification, and deep learning.</li>
<li>Led an online Python crash course, coordinating five instructors and producing video content and worksheets.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="teaching-item">
<div class="teaching-header">
<span class="teach">Introduction to Python (MSc)</span>
</div>
<div class="location">
University of Sussex (Teaching Assistant) • 2023
</div>
</li>
<li class="teaching-item">
<div class="teaching-header">
<span class="teach">Acquired Intelligence and Adaptive Behaviour <a href="tutorials/openEduBot.html" class="info-link" target="_blank">ⓘ</a></span>
</div>
<div class="location">
University of Sussex (Teaching Assistant) • 2022–2025
</div>
<ul class="details">
<li>Designed assessments involving evolutionary agents for real-world robots.</li>
<li>Led construction of 200+ Python-controlled robots.</li>
<li>Developed open-source machine learning and robotics libraries for embedded systems.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="teaching-item">
<span class="teach">Computer Vision</span>
<div class="location">University of Sussex (Teaching Assistant) • 2022</div>
</li>
<li class="teaching-item">
<span class="teach">Ghost in the Machine</span>
<div class="location">University of Sussex (Teaching Assistant) • 2022</div>
</li>
<li class="teaching-item">
<span class="teach">Artificial Life</span>
<div class="location">University of Sussex (Helpdesk Tutor) • 2022</div>
</li>
<li class="teaching-item">
<span class="teach">Data Structures and Algorithms (Java)</span>
<div class="location">University of Sussex (Teaching Assistant) • 2022</div>
</li>
</ul>
</section>
<section id="other">
<h3 class="headerText">
Other Roles
</h3>
<ul class="teaching-list">
<li class="teaching-item">
<div class="teaching-header">
<span class="teach">Reserve Infantry Soldier <a href="army.html" class="info-link" target="_blank">ⓘ</a></span>
</div>
<div class="location">
British Army – Princess of Wales Royal Regiment • Oct 2019 – Oct 2022
</div>
<ul class="details">
<li>Completed advanced first aid and combat training.</li>
<li>Developed resilience, teamwork, and leadership under high-pressure conditions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</section>
<section id="reviewer-work">
<h3 class="headerText">Reviewer Work</h3>
<ul class="review-list">
<li>
<span class="conf">ALIFE 2025</span>
<span class="location">Kyoto, Japan</span>
</li>
<li>
<span class="conf">IROS 2025</span>
<span class="location">Hangzhou, China</span>
</li>
<li>
<span class="conf">ICRA 2023</span>
<span class="location">Yokohama, Japan</span>
</li>
</ul>
</section>
<section id="public-work">
<h3 class="headerText">Public engagement</h3>
<ul class="review-list">
<li>
<span class="conf">Robotics for hazardous environments</span>
<span class="">Ireland Astro talk</span>
<span class="location">Jun 2026</span>
</li>
<li>
<span class="conf">Robotics for hazardous environments</span>
<span class="">Brighton Astro talk</span>
<span class="location">Feb 2026</span>
</li>
<li>
<span class="conf">Robotics and AI interactive demo </span>
<span class="">Portslade STEM fair</span>
<span class="location">Jul 2025</span>
</li>
<li>
<span class="conf">STEM fair organiser</span>
<span class="">Sussex community and school visit</span>
<span class="location">2022 and 2023</span>
</li>
<li>
<span class="conf">Robot wars school tasters </span>
<span class="">BHASVIC, Varndean, Bogner Reigis Academy</span>
<span class="location">2022</span>
</li>
</ul>
</section>
</section>
</div></div>
<!--
<div class="main">
<hr id="aidemo">
<h2 id="about" class="headerText">Demo</h2>
<p class="contentText" style="text-align:center;">Below shows a basic browser version of the AI verbal reasoning software</p>
trials
<div class="console">
<div class="AIbox" id="consoleC">
<p id="AIoutput">>Use the bottom of the console to type
</p>
<br/>
<div class="inputline">>>> <input type="text" id="AIinput" class="codeinput" name="fname"><br></div>
</div></div>
<p class="contentText">Type your sentence and press enter. SHEP will break down what you are saying
based on its current collected data.</p>
<h3 id="explaintitle">Verbal understanding mock up</h3>
<p id="explain">This is the basic version of the AI. It checks your words matches what it knows in the data. Click button 2 to see the next stage, and have a go by typing
where it says: >>></p>
<hr>
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<div class="main">
<h2 class="headerText">SHEP Chatbot</h2>
<h3 class="contentText">
The SHEP chatbot is a system made to make natural language processing and intelligent user interaction
easy. <a href="chatbotSHEP.html">Find out more...</a>
</h3>
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<br>
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}
</script>
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