Sub-cent Processors, Earable Computers, and Space Microdatacenters: Novel Computer Systems for Truly Ubiquitous Computing

Abstract:

I am interested in extending the reach of computing to new applications and domains whose constraints are not met by traditional computing platforms. This talk will focus on architectures, systems, and chips for three such domains. First, I will discuss the computer chips I have designed, taped out, and tested in flexible electronics for applications with conformality, thinness, and cost constraints that cannot be met by silicon chips. Second, I will discuss the novel architectures for earable and olfactory computing platforms that I believe will drive a large class of new and important computing applications in the future. Third, I will discuss computer systems for in-space computing – I believe that space is going to be a new and increasingly important frontier of computing.

Bio:

Nathaniel “Nate” Bleier is a PhD candidate advised by Rakesh Kumar at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research interests are in computer systems and architecture, and system-level design automation with a focus on designs and prototypes which extend the reach of computing to new domains. His research has been recognized with the Min Wang and Pi-yu Chung Endowed Research Award, the Lieutenant General Thomas M. Rienzi Graduate Award, an ISCA-50 Retrospective selection, an ISCA best paper award nomination, and an IEEE MICRO Top Picks honorable mention. A system-level design automation tool he developed was licensed by ARM Research. His work on high yield, flexible microprocessors was chosen among three “biggest semiconductor headlines of 2022” by IEEE Spectrum. His service efforts focus on military veterans in higher education through the Warrior Scholar Project, for which he received a Boeing Scholarship. Nate also teaches and mentors incarcerated men through the Education Justice Project.