Project:	Development of hyperspectral data processing and visualization software
Disciplines:	Computer Science, Data Science
Mentor:	Rebecca Greenberger, Lab Manager and Research Scientist, (GPS), greenberger@caltech.edu
Mentor URL:	https://ehlmann.caltech.edu  (opens in new window)
Background:	Imaging spectroscopy is an analytical technique that measures the light reflected from or emitted by surfaces at many wavelengths and produces images with a spectrum for every pixel. Applications span disciplines, from understanding planetary surface composition to ecological studies of vegetation water stress and biodiversity, identification of methane leaks, and quality control in food and pharmaceutical settings. The Workbench for Imaging Spectroscopy Exploration and Research (WISER; https://wiser.caltech.edu) is being developed by the Caltech Schmidt Academy for Software Engineering (https://sase.caltech.edu) for analysis of imaging spectroscopy datasets. The main framework of the software has been developed and hundreds of users around the world have downloaded the software. WISER permits development of plugins to allow users to build their own analytical tools to use within WISER. With a new NASA Planetary Data Archiving, Restoration, and Tools grant, we are expanding the capabilities of WISER and will release it open source in the next 1-2 years. Plugins will be open source immediately.
Description:	The Undergraduate Programmer(s) will expand the capability of WISER software by creating plugins. Possible examples include development of Python modules for smoothing, a baseline correction, spectral feature fitting to identify compositional materials, and adapting some existing tools for planetary data analysis for WISER. The individual(s) will work with Dr. Rebecca Greenberger and Prof. Bethany Ehlmann to identify potential plugins and test cases and Schmidt Scholar and software engineer Joshua Garcia-Kimble on the implementation. The student will gain experience in key software development skills, and will provide valuable help exercising the WISER application's APIs and internals.
References:	http://www.wiser.caltech.edu Lunar and Planetary Science Conference abstract: https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2023/pdf/2360.pdf American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting 2024 poster: https://ehlmann.caltech.edu/graphics/wiser/WISER AGU 2024.png Greenberger, Rebecca N., John F. Mustard, Bethany L. Ehlmann, Diana L. Blaney, Edward A. Cloutis, Janette H. Wilson, Robert O. Green, and Abigail A. Fraeman. “Imaging Spectroscopy of Geological Samples and Outcrops: Novel Insights from Microns to Meters.” GSA Today 25, no. 12 (2015): 4–10. https://doi.org/10.1130/GSATG252A.1.
Student Requirements:	Required • Proficient in Python • Demonstrated ability to write clean and well-documented code/scripts, along with automated tests • Good organization skills • Ability to work independently • Statistics and linear algebra coursework Preferred • Experience with Python numpy, matplotlib, Qt/Pyside2 and GDAL packages • Computer science algorithms or software development coursework This opportunity is best suited to an advanced undergraduate who can communicate with non-technical team members. Interested students should send a CV/resume and code sample to greenberger@caltech.edu
Programs:	This AO can be done under the following programs:   Program    Available To        SURF    both Caltech and non-Caltech students  Click on a program name for program info and application requirements.