Project
Description: The goal of the final project is for you to explore a topic of your choice related to optimization-based control or estimation. Possible project ideas include applying the tools we have discussed in class to a problem of interest, implementing and evaluating a research paper, or developing your own novel method. Projects can be done individually or in teams of up to three students.
Grading: The project will be graded based on four parts: a one-page (max) project proposal (5%), a 2–6 page milestone report (10%), a three-minute video (10%), and an 8-page (max) final report (20%). All deliverables should be submitted via Gradescope.
Format: For the milestone and final reports, use the provided LaTeX template, available as a zip download or as an Overleaf project.
Timeline: We encourage you to talk with course staff early about potential project ideas. The important dates are as follows:
Project Proposal (5%): Due Thursday, February 19, 11:59 PM ET. Submit a one-page (max) proposal on Gradescope including: title, team members, a clear description of the problem(s) you are interested in studying, and relation to your current research (if any). You do not need to have chosen a single idea—you may submit multiple ideas with a discussion of each. We will respond on Gradescope within one week, either approving the proposal or suggesting changes.
Milestone Report (10%): Due Thursday, March 19, 11:59 PM ET. Submit a 2–6 page report on Gradescope including: an introduction and sketched related work section, a precise problem statement, a discussion of your proposed approach, and preliminary results (if any). We will provide feedback within two weeks.
Project Workshop: Thursday, April 30 (final lecture). Students can receive last-minute feedback from course staff and peers. You are encouraged to attend and discuss your work-in-progress.
Final Video (10%): Due Monday, May 4, 11:59 PM ET. Submit a 3-minute (max) video describing your project and results, which will be shown in class on Tuesday, May 5. Graded on clarity, visual quality, and how well it frames the significance of your work.
Final Report (20%): Due during the final exam slot (TBA). Submit an 8-page (max) report on Gradescope. Graded on clarity of writing, significance of the problem, novelty of approach, and quality of results.
Publishing your work: Some projects may contain novel results suitable for publication in a conference or journal. If you are interested in pursuing this, please discuss with course staff, who would be happy to support you in preparing your work for submission.