PhD Profile: Meet Xinjie Deng

What led you to this research topic? I experienced the devastating 2019 Australian bush fires. That experience motivated me to pursue research that could help reduce future disaster losses. I want to contribute to early detection and response using AIpowered technologies.

Why is your research important and how will it make a difference? My research focuses on developing lightweight deep learning models that can be deployed on drones for realtime image analysis. These models can support rapid, on-site decision-making during disasters or emergencies, potentially saving lives and reducing damage by enabling faster response.

What inspired you to start a career in research? I’ve always been passionate about discovery and problem-solving. The research process is deeply fulfilling to me—I enjoy exploring new ideas and turning them into practical solutions that can benefit society.

Why did you choose to complete your PhD at IISRI? IISRI offers a supportive and collaborative environment, with strong expertise in AI technologies. It’s an ideal place to develop cutting-edge research that has real-world impact.

What have been your highlights so far? One of the key highlights has been developing and optimizing lightweight neural networks that can run efficiently on edge devices. I’ve also enjoyed collaborating with a diverse and talented team.

What would you like to do once your PhD is completed? After completing my PhD, I aspire to work in academia, education, or industry, where I can apply the technologies I’ve developed to improve public safety. My goal is to contribute to areas such as disaster management, environmental monitoring, and emergency response by leveraging AI to build smarter, faster systems that benefit the community.

This article was originally published in the 2024 IISRI Annual Report.