Computer whiz wins top engineering medal

Building his first computer at age seven and graduating from an IT tertiary course by age 14 may have been an indication that James Cook University’s Michael Peever would excel in a computing and engineering career.

The fourth-year electrical engineering student, who specialised in Computer Systems Engineering, has won JCU’s 2012 Engineers Australia Charles (CN) Barton Medal. The medal is awarded to a student who presents the best fourth-year engineering thesis seminar at JCU’s School of Engineering & Physical Sciences.

Each year four students compete for the medal, one from each discipline: Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.

“I built my first computer at age seven, and completed my Certificate 1 in IT through TAFE at 13, going on to complete Certificate 2 in IT at age 14,” Peever said. “I always knew that engineering was for me, especially computer systems engineering - there was never a doubt in my mind.”

Peever was employed by apprentice and trainee specialists TORGAS as the company’s IT manager when he was 19. “During this time I built their state-wide IT infrastructure from scratch single-handedly while studying my second year of Engineering,” Peever said.

Peever was awarded the medal for his thesis presentation ‘Machine Simulation using EMISA Collision Detection Architecture’ in the mining industry. The project was designed to improve the efficiency of an iron ore stockyard.

“I developed the first mining industry-specific stockyard collision detection algorithm, which I called EMISA,” Peever said. “This is a dynamic algorithm which adapts to changing simulation requirements and when used alongside the simulation software package I developed, generates dynamic machine exclusion zones.

“Exclusion zones are areas where machines are not allowed to move, essentially stopping them from colliding. These exclusion zones can be used to enhance pre-existing machine Anti-Collision Systems.”

The system is designed to aid mines in upgrading their anti-collision systems in order to reduce stockyard machines downtimes.

Peever was awarded the medal at a ceremony in Townsville last week. The Barton Medal winner receives $500 and the three runners up $100 each.