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Sep Makhsous

Assistant Teaching Professor
Robotics and Controls, Computing and Networking, Data Science
ECE 234
Campus Box 352500
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195
Email: sosper30@uw.edu
Research Web Page: ARC Lab
Research Web Page: LinkedIn


Biography

Sep Makhsous is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of Washington. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering and an MBA in Technology Commercialization from the University of Washington. His research interests include digital signal processing, robotics, embedded systems, controls, and entrepreneurship.

Makhsous's research focuses on developing cutting-edge technologies for real-world applications. As the director of the Autonomy, Robotics, and Connectivity (ARC) Lab, he leads research initiatives such as Project Aether, which focuses on developing next-generation motor controllers and propulsion systems for electric and hybrid aircraft. The project emphasizes lightweight, high-efficiency designs that integrate novel hardware and algorithms for enhanced autonomy and reliability. His lab also advances 3D geo-localization solutions for UAVs, addressing navigation challenges in urban environments where traditional GPS solutions fall short. These innovations include hybrid neural network architectures that improve navigation accuracy and real-time adaptability.

In addition to his research, Makhsous has significant entrepreneurial experience. He has participated in the NSF I-Corps program as both a technical and entrepreneurial lead and has successfully launched startups, including spinoffs from the University of Washington. He has competed in prestigious startup competitions, such as the Rice University Business Plan Competition and the UW Dempsey Start-Up Competition. Currently, he serves as an associate at OMEGA Venture Partners, where he evaluates startup pitches for their technical and business feasibility.

Makhsous is also a passionate educator and mentor. He has designed and taught several hands-on courses, including Embedded Systems, Introduction to Robotics, and Control Systems Engineering. He has introduced innovative projects, such as using ESP32 boards for embedded systems design and programmable robotic arms for controls and robotics courses, giving students practical tools to enhance their learning. His emphasis on active learning and real-world problem-solving helps students build the skills needed to succeed in both academia and industry.

Through his research and teaching, Makhsous aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, providing students with opportunities to work on advanced technologies while fostering entrepreneurial thinking. His work has helped numerous students secure internships, win awards, and launch their own ventures.

Awards and Honors

  • 2021 - James A. Cottone Award for Excellence in Investigative Research. Research entitled: "Evaluating Aerosol Persistence During Dental Procedures Using a Real-Time Network of Sensors."
  • 2020 - Outstanding Research Award Nominee. Research entitled: "Generalizable Methodology for Measurement and Analysis of Nutritional Intake."
  • 2019 - CoMotion Innovation Gap Fund Award. Awarded for Project entitled: "AeroSpec: a portable air quality analyzer." 
  • 2018 - Jandhyala and Vaidyanathan Endowed Innovation Award in Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • 2017 - NSF I-Corps Entrepreneurship Award

Research Projects

  1. ÆTHER: Autonomy is about bringing the latest developments in AI and ML to the physical domain. Project ÆTHER pushes this vision forward by integrating modern AI-driven techniques within conventional automation frameworks, specifically focusing on aerospace applications.
  2. SuperThermo Motor: Advancing the future of sustainable electric aviation requires innovative solutions to overcome thermal challenges in motor technology. This research focuses on optimizing electric motors by addressing overheating issues through advanced thermal management strategies, including using thermoelectric materials and exploring the integration of high-temperature superconductors (HTS).Efficient Motor Control for Electric and Hybrid-Electric Aircraft: Design and Implementation of a High-Performance Motor Control System
  3. Equity Engine: EquityEngine is a multi-phase research initiative to make the educational experience in engineering fields more accessible and personalized for Students Living with Disabilities (SLWD), particularly those with Neurodevelopmental disorders, in post-secondary education.
  4. EchoLearn: EchoLearn is a web-based platform designed to make learning accessible for individuals with vision and speech impairments. Leveraging adaptive technologies like text-to-speech and gesture-independent feedback ensures users can communicate knowledge and receive feedback effectively, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
  5. AeroSense: Optimizing Building Energy Consumption and Indoor Air Quality: A Novel Approach using Sensor-Based HVAC Control

Recent Publications

  • G Nathan, and S Makhsous, “Design, build, and test of UAV Flight Payload for Data Collection Hardware for Multimodal Fusion of Non-Traditional Sensors and Machine Learning for Enhanced Flight Parameter Generation.,” IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine (In progress), [Online]. Available: IN PREPARATION
  • K. Shao, D. Wilson, E. Cho, S. Tang, H. Ma, and S. Makhsous, “Bridging Educational Equity Gaps: A Systematic Review of AI-Driven Tools for Students Living with Disabilities in Engineering and STEM Education,” presented at the 2025 The Collaborative Network for Engineering and Computing Diversity (CoNECD), ASEE, Feb. 2025.
  • S. Makhsous, J. M. Segovia, J. He, D. Chan, L. Lee, I. V. Novosselov, Igor V. A. V. Mamishev,. 2021. "Methodology for Addressing Infectious Aerosol Persistence in Real-Time Using Sensor Network" Sensors 21, no. 11: 3928. 
  • S. Makhsous, M. Bharadwaj, B.E. Atkinson, I.V. Novosselov, A.V. Mamishev. DietSensor: Automatic Dietary Intake Measurement Using Mobile 3D Scanning Sensor for Diabetic Patients. Sensors 2020, 20, 3380.
  • S. Makhsous, H. M. Mohammad, J. M. Schenk, A. V. Mamishev, and A. R. Kristal, "A novel mobile structured light system in food 3D reconstruction and volume estimation," Sensors, vol. 19, no. 3, p. 564, 2019.
  • S. Makhsous, A. Zielinski, and A. V. Mamishev, "Post-Operative Stoma Management Based on 3D Image Reconstruction and Pattern Recognition.," FSDM, vol. 309, pp. 794–801, 2018, doi: 10.3233/978-1-61499-927-0-794.
  • S. Makhsous, J. Gentsch, J. Rollins, Z. Feingold, and A. Mamishev, "DietSkan: Food Volume Estimation for Dietary Intake Analysis Using 3D Mesh Scanning," International Journal of Engineering & Technology, vol. 7, no. 4.38, pp. 1368–1371, 2018.

Students

  • Gokul Nathan, PhD ECE
  • Christina Sarieddine, PhD, ECE
  • Kevin Shao, PhD, ECE
  • Please see https://www.arcuw.org/team-4-1 for all current students