Pop culture inspired grad to build helpful robots

Editor’s note: This is part of a series of profiles for fall 2018 commencement. Read about more graduates. 

Inspired by the Star Wars and Star Trek franchises, Jayden Booth often envisioned himself building robots like R2-D2 or creating a spaceship like the USS Enterprise.

“My deep love of innovation and knowledge began well before I received my first robotic arm kit for Christmas,” said Booth, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Arizona State University’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering and Barrett, The Honors College. “I had an innate desire to understand the world around me, which is what has led me to study engineering.”

Booth received the President’s Scholarship, which influenced his decision to study at ASU.

During his time at the university, he participated in two semesters of the Fulton Undergraduate Research Initiative.

Booth conducted research with Junseok Chae, a professor of electrical engineering and the associate dean of research for the Fulton Schools, to design and develop a smart ankle brace to wirelessly monitor patients recovering from an ankle injury. Booth had the opportunity to expand upon his research project by designing wireless “button-type” pressure sensors for gait analysis.

“These sensors are small enough to place inside someone’s shoe, can communicate with your phone and have an extremely long battery life,” said Booth. “This will allow doctors to better care for patients who require long-term monitoring from leg or ankle injuries.”

Booth had the opportunity to assist on other research projects, such as designing wireless electrode arrays in collaboration with neurosurgeons from the Florida Mayo Clinic and building a robotic vehicle for his senior design project.

Outside of the classroom, Booth was an active member of ASU’s Latter-Day Saint Student Association. The association offers religious, service, social and recreational activities for students.

“I firmly believe it is important for a person to find ways to serve his community,” said Booth.

Next semester, Booth will be pursuing a master’s degree in computer systems engineering at ASU. He wants to become a full professor at the university with a focus on robotics research.

“My quest for knowledge and innovation drives me toward a PhD and a life of research,” he said.