Pint of Robotics: Dr Yeijing Fan (PhD), Serafine Coupe, Dr. Mary Paterson (PhD)

Speaker 1: Dr. Yiejing Fan, PhD (School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds)

Title: Deep Learning-Based EMI and Jammer Localization in Railway Wireless Communications

Bio: Yejing is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Leeds, currently researching foundation models for 6G networks and AI for next-generation wireless systems. Her background is in wireless communications and AI-driven signal processing, with a focus on electromagnetic interference (EMI/IEMI) in railway and high-mobility communication systems, plus interests in vehicular/edge computing task offloading. She received her PhD in January 2026, completed on a full-time studentship, and holds a Beng (First Class Honours) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering, jointly awarded by the University of Leeds and Southwest Jiaotong University. She also received the IEEE Prize for the Best Final-Year UG Project (Telecommunications) in 2021. Alongside research, she passionate about inclusive education and digital skills training, and an Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) (Higher Education Academy).

Abstract: This talk focuses on enhancing the resilience of railway wireless communications against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and intentional jamming (IEMI). It will briefly outline the progression of my work - covering EMI/IEMI impact analysis, detection, classification, and localization - and focus on my latest development in jammer localization. A deep learning model combining CNN and BiLSTM is used to estimate the angle of arrival (AOA) of interference signals, followed by 3D triangulation for localization. The proposed method achieves real-time performance with high accuracy, maintaining sub 3 m localization error across diverse railway scenarios and train speeds up to 500 km/h.

Speaker 2: Serafina Coupe (School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds)

Title: DNA Origami for Single Molecule Sensing

Bio: Serafina is a PhD student at the University of Leeds, focusing on the capabilities of DNA origami for single molecular sensing. In 2025, she received an MSci in Natural Science (First Class with Distinction) specialising in Physics, from the University of York.

Abstract: When coupled with electrochemical single molecule sensing techniques, DNA nanotechnology can open exceptional possibilities for biosensing. Nucleic acid sensing using nanopore technology is routine, however multiplexed protein analysis remains an unmet challenge. Using DNA origami as a carrier molecule in nanopore sensing offers a modular, enhanced detection platform. In this talk, research towards developing a robust barcode for multiplexing will be discussed.

Speaker 3: Dr. Mary Paterson, PhD (School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Sheffield)

Title: Using Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy for Fast and Painless Oral Cancer Diagnosis

Bio: Mary is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Sheffield, focusing on the use of electrical impedance spectroscopy for minimally invasive oral cancer diagnosis. She attended the University of Birmingham, receiving First Class with Honours in Meng Electrical and Electronics Engineering. She received her PhD in computer science from the University of Leeds in 2025.

Abstract: Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the UK. With the majority of patients being diagnosed at late stages of the disease, it is essential that new, faster diagnostic methods are developed to detect cancer earlier and save lives. Our team has developed a new diagnostic method which uses electrical impedance spectroscopy and artificial intelligence to measure changes in oral tissue structure and assist in the diagnosis of oral cancer.