Dr. Pietro Perona

Professor

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Biography

Professor Perona's research focuses on machine vision, visual psychophysics, and machine learning, specifically in the area of visual recognition and categorization. He studies how machines can learn to recognize various objects, such as frogs, cars, faces, and trees, with minimal human supervision, drawing upon the expertise of human specialists. One of his significant projects, 'Visipedia,' has led to the development of smart device applications like iNaturalist and Merlin Bird ID, enabling users to recognize species of plants and animals through photographs. In collaboration with other faculty members, Professor Perona has been involved in creating vision systems utilizing statistical techniques to study actions and activities in fruit flies and mice, aiding geneticists and neuroethologists in exploring the connections between genes, brain function, and behavior. He is also interested in how humans accomplish visual tasks such as searching for and recognizing image content, with recent research focusing on leveraging the visual abilities of thousands of people on the web.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Puckett Professor, Director of Center Neuromorphic Systems Engineering, active in various teaching and research roles.

Assistant Professor

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Professor

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Director

— Present

Center Neuromorphic Systems Engineering • Pasadena, CA

Executive Officer

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Courses

EE/CNS/CS 148 ab – Deep Learning CNS/Bi/EE/CS/NB 186 – Vision: Computational Theory Neuronal Mechanisms EE/CNS/CS 148 – Selected Topics Computational Vision

Requirements for California Institute of Technology

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong background in mathematics and physical sciences
Application Checklist
  • Online Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Most Caltech graduate programs are PhD-only. GRE General and Subject tests vary by department; many have made them optional or no longer accept them.