Johny Lopez: Austrian Marshall Plan Scholar from New Orleans

"Johny Lopez, a visiting researcher from the University of New Orleans, recently had the opportunity to join the CoDiS Lab at TU Graz as an Austrian Marshall Plan Scholar. During his stay, Lopez’ research focused on developing efficient, edge-optimized AI models that allow robots to autonomously detect and report structural defects in underground environments. This collaborative work directly contributed to his Master's thesis, titled “Deployment of AI-Powered Robotic Systems for Culvert and Sewer Infrastructure Inspection.”

While Lopez was deeply engaged in researching edge robotics and AI, his time outside the lab was just as impactful: “I absolutely fell in love with Austria and the beautiful city of Graz! I spent a lot of my free time exploring as much of the country as I could, hiking the stunning local landscapes, and soaking in the vibrant Austrian culture. But the absolute best part of my trip was the people. I met so many amazing friends, both inside the lab and out in the city, who made Graz feel like a second home. From our daily chats to weekend travel excursions, the friendships I built are truly something I will cherish forever. Thank you to my wonderful supervisor and the entire CoDiS team for making this such an unforgettable adventure,” he noted.

Johny Lopez