ALERT Student Spotlight: David Femi Lamptey
An international student from Ghana passionate about computer engineering, David “Femi” Lamptey’s story is about mentorship and a commitment to using technology for the greater good. As a student researcher on two ALERT projects, Correlation of Luggage and Specific Passengers (CLASP) and Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), he learned how developing technology could safeguard communities and create positive change.
From the outset, Femi demonstrated a proactive approach to his education and career. He reached out to Professor Carey Rappaport about a potential research opportunity, and the resulting lunch led to years of participation in ALERT’s CLASP and AIT projects. Working on security systems for airport safety, Femi found purpose in converting mathematical formulas into practical algorithms. His efforts aimed to enhance security measures and streamline processes for travelers, making the experience safer and more convenient.
Throughout his academic journey, Professor Rappaport served as a guiding force and mentor to Femi. Under his mentorship, Femi explored thesis topics and delved into advanced research, igniting a passion for academia and a desire to pursue a Ph.D. in the future. His journey was also enriched by the support and guidance of Deanna Beirne, who recognized his potential and fostered his growth as a researcher.
Femi’s work with AIT and CLASP increased his technical and problem-solving skills. Converting MATLAB algorithms into Python, he overcame challenges to deliver efficient, open-source solutions for threat detection and baggage tagging. His work within ALERT not only honed his technical skills but also instilled in him a deep sense of purpose, fueling his ambition to leverage technology for the betterment of communities locally and globally.
Femi recently graduated with a master’s degree and has accepted a position developing IT solutions for businesses and consumers near his home in Ghana. He is excited about the potential to use technology to prevent bias and working to improve people’s quality of life in his new role.
Beyond his technical achievements, Femi’s interests extend to animation and storytelling. Through platforms like Procreate and Procreate Dreams, he explores his passion for visual storytelling, with aspirations to create unique animated media that celebrates African culture and history.
