From Idaho to the Moon: Building the Future of Intelligent Robotic Mapping
Annika Thomas is a Ph.D. candidate at MIT whose work lies at the intersection of robotics, computer vision, and spatial intelligence. After beginning her academic path in Idaho at Renaissance High School and The College of Idaho, she went on to study mathematics, physics, and engineering through a dual-degree program at Columbia University, then to MIT. Over the course of her studies, she has contributed to astrophysics research, rocket propulsion, and the design and deployment of satellites currently in orbit, and she has worked in field robotics labs around the globe.
Her current research focuses on developing photorealistic, semantically rich, and shareable map representations for autonomous robots using Gaussian Splatting and multi-modal sensor fusion. These structured world models enable multi-agent mapping, loop closure, and planetary-scale localization. Applications range from terrestrial robotic perception to lunar surface mapping for upcoming space missions with NASA.
Her journey illustrates how a STEM career can unfold from small-town beginnings to cutting-edge global research. Alongside her technical work, she is committed to clear and accessible scientific communication, which has led her to share ideas on collaborative robotics for lunar and Martian exploration through TEDx talks and international presentations across four continents. Annika ultimately aims to launch her own lab centered on intelligent mapping and embodied AI while contributing to a more inclusive culture for women in STEM.
The talk is co-hosted by the following organizational units in the IEEE Boise Section:
IEEE Boise Communications Society/Robotics & Automation Society/Signal Processing Joint Chapter
IEEE Boise Computer Society Chapter
IEEE Boise Women In Engineering Affinity Group
IEEE Boise Young Professional Affinity Group
IEEE Boise State University Student Branch
This talk is free and open to the public. Registration is optional but helps us plan the headcount.
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- Boise State University
- 1435 W University Dr
- Boise, Idaho
- United States 83706
- Building: Micron Center for Materials Research (MCMR)
- Room Number: MCMR 106
- Starts 12 February 2026 07:00 AM UTC
- Ends 06 March 2026 01:30 AM UTC
- No Admission Charge