Franz J. Kurfess

Dr. Franz J. Kurfess is a Professor in the Computer Science and Software Engineering Department at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo). Since 2020, he has participated in the CSU Pre-Retirement Reduction in Time-Base (PRTB) Program, teaching primarily during Fall and Winter quarters while maintaining academic advising roles. He coordinates international exchange programs for the College of Engineering and focuses on interdisciplinary research in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and Deep Learning applications in agriculture, environmental science, and public safety.

Education and Professional Background: No formal education details provided in the text, but his career spans over three decades in academia with a focus on computational systems and educational innovation. His teaching includes advanced courses like Human-Computer Interaction (CSC 486) and User-Centered Design (CPE/CSC 484), emphasizing practical, project-based learning with industry collaboration.

Research Interests: Combines technical expertise in AI with societal applications, including wildlife population monitoring, UAV navigation systems, agricultural automation, and ethical considerations in data science. His work bridges theory and practice through collaborations with external partners, such as the 'CSU-FORWARD' diabetes initiative and shark surveillance projects.

Publications Highlight: Over 50 publications since 1983, with recent focus on AI-driven solutions for environmental challenges (e.g., livestock detection via aerial imaging) and educational technology (e.g., cross-class AI project collaboration). Early work includes foundational contributions to neural networks and knowledge management systems.

Awards and Recognition: No explicit awards listed, but sustained academic contributions are evident through his prolific publication record and leadership in international exchange programs. His role as a faculty advisor for student theses and senior projects underscores his commitment to mentoring.

Labs and Teams: Engaged in interdisciplinary collaborations, including the School Safety Project and UAVSim open-source development. Active in curriculum design for HCI and AI courses that integrate real-world problem-solving.