Jackson Cox

Where did you complete your undergraduate degree?
Washington University in St. Louis

Are you performing any research in a lab?
I currently work in the Clark Lab led by Dr. Andrew Clark. The Clark Lab is focused on the control, safety, and security of cyberphysical systems. For my research, I am investigating different methods of fault-tolerant control for autonomous systems, allowing us to guarantee safety even when our system experiences a mechanical fault or adversarial attack. Using control barrier functions, I investigate strategies for detecting faults in systems, analyze the negative effects of those faults on the system, and create controllers to compensate for such faults or attacks. 

What made you want to pursue a graduate engineering degree?
Upon completing my undergraduate degree in Systems Engineering at WashU, there was so much more to learn in the field of Systems and Applied Mathematics. My last couple of classes focused on the application of advanced control systems, which became the peak of my academic interest. I wanted to continue working with these systems and investigate their capabilities through research, so I decided to obtain my Master's and Doctoral degrees in Systems Science and Mathematics.

Why did you choose WashU?
WashU's McKelvey School of Engineering is a very special place to me. My undergraduate alma mater, WashU creates a learning environment that pushes you to be better, because the university truly wants to see you succeed. Additionally, WashU attracts students who want to work with one another, not compete with one another. The community is kind and supportive, and this is especially evident in the department of electrical and systems engineering. After experiencing this community in undergrad, I wanted to continue to be a part of this community in my graduate studies.

What is your favorite thing about St. Louis?
My favorite thing about St. Louis is all the events the city puts on to showcase its culture. St. Louis makes an effort to host many free outdoor activities in places like Forest Park or Tower Grove Park that give residents the chance to get active and explore the food, music, and culture of St. Louis. St. Louis is proud of its diversity, and it helps its people appreciate all the cultures present in its population.

What advice would you give to a new student?
My main advice would be to "chop up your problems." In engineering research, we are here to solve the world's most complex problems. Often, we can try to solve all our problems at once, and get worried when a solution is not readily available. My advice is to pick a small problem that moves you a step closer towards your main goal, and attack it! Slowly but surely, all these small problems will solve your big problem, or at least provide you with a new insight on approaching your problem. Take a breath and go one (small) step at a time.

What campus activities or groups would you recommend to a new student?
I would recommend utilizing Sumers Rec center for working out, whether that be through a spin class or lifiting weights. Physical health is a key component of mental health and academic success, so I would find ways to incorporate daily exercise into your schedule.

What are your plans for the future?
I plan on conducting research in an industrial setting, hopefully in the aerospace or automotive fields, to ensure safe autonomy of our transportation infrastructure.