Peter Sand

Biology

• My current focus is improving our understanding of biology, which could have benefits in treating cancer and other diseases.
• To this end, I'm working on computational/statistical models of human cells, built using data from massively parallel lab experiments (see Sync Bio).
• I've previously built and sold 10+ machines to biology labs (small biotechs and university labs).

Farming

• I spent several years exploring ways of doing more sustainable/soil-friendly farming.
• I operated a couple small research farms and spent a few years testing prototype machines in the Salinas Valley.

Art and Video Projects

• I worked on music videos for Daft Punk, Bjork, and the Dresden Dolls.
• I directed music videos for several other musicians (including Garvy J, Only Son, and The Annuals).
• I worked on museum installations for Michel Gondry (including one at the Centre Pompidou in Paris).
• I had a small solo exhibition in NYC for a robotic planting installation.
• I created video/robot art installations for a couple festivals.

Urban Exploration

• Friends and I explored the Minneapolis storm drains, as featured in National Geographic Adventure.
• In New York City, we explored bridges, subway tunnels, and aqueducts.
• We once accidentally ended up inside an operating hydroelectric power plant.
• We explored the Big Dig in Boston (while it was under construction), the Paris catacombs (not the tourist parts), and Chernobyl.

Computer Vision and Robotics

• I have a Ph.D. in Computer Science from MIT and a B.S. in Computer Science from CMU.
• I was co-president of the CMU Robotics Club. Our team won first place in an international robotics competition (including an award for Excellence in Autonomy).
• I did a brain imaging postdoc at Harvard/MGH.
• I presented twice at SIGGRAPH and won a best paper award at CVPR.
• My research work was funded by an NSF fellowship and MIT presidential fellowship.

Other

• I worked for a few years on science education, focusing on helping students learn about the strengths and limitations of using data to understand the world.
• I gave a talk titled "Utopian Land Use" at several events. It describes a world in which we set aside more than 80% of the land for conservation.
• I've also given talks on telescopes, urban infrastructure, and the origin of life.
• I debated a parking spot with Noam Chomsky and ate Trent Reznor's birthday cake.
• I enjoy hiking, backpacking, road trips, and time with friends in mountain cabins.