Jason Hallstrom

photo of Jason Hallstrom

Internet of Things

Jason Hallstrom, Ph.D., the director of the Institute for Sensing and Embedded Network Systems Engineering (I-SENSE) and professor in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, is changing the world with an "Internet of Things." His research includes embedded network systems, internet-scale sensing infrastructure, data analytics, and computer education. Previously he spent time as a key member of a research team that created an information web to monitor and analyze the health of the Savannah River Basin.

Here is more information about Dr. Hallstrom, in his own words:

How did you first become interested in computer and engineering science?  

I've been interested in computer science and engineering since I was a little kid, when I received an Atari 800 computer as a Christmas gift. It came with a programming guide for Atari Basic, and from there, I was hooked.

What makes you most excited about computer and engineering science?  

Our team develops technology that enables visibility into the physical world for purposes of understanding and automation. The applications range from environmental science, to healthcare, to sculpture. As a result, we collaborate with brilliant people from a variety of domains — and it's that collaboration that I most enjoy.

Tell me about your most interesting research accomplishment.  

I'm always the most excited about projects that combine hardware engineering and software engineering to produce devices that people use. One project that stands out for me is a low-power wireless sensing platform that I developed for water quality and atmospheric monitoring. That device and its later revisions have been used in a number of sensing projects over the last twelve years. I still enjoy working on the revisions.

What new developments and innovations can we expect to see in computer and engineering science in the next 5 years?  

I think that some of the most exciting developments will be driven by increased municipal adoption of sensing, computing, and communication technology. When our municipal infrastructure is smart, when it can understand how the infrastructure is currently being used, cities will be able to provide a whole new set of services to improve resource utilization, public safety, mobility, and quality of life.

Discuss a positive experience with the Office of Technology Development.  

I-SENSE recently launched its fourth startup company, e-Spectoco, LLC, focused on agricultural sensing and data science. Working closely with OTD, e-Spectoco was able to execute an exclusive license for FAU technology that serves as the foundation of the company's first product.

What is an interesting fact that people at FAU may not know about you?  

As one of my hobbies, I renovate old arcade machines. I'm currently working on a Ms. Pac-Man cabinet in my garage.