Simron Thapa, Ph.D. | Computer Vision & AI Expert

About Me

Distinguished AI researcher and Computer Vision specialist at 3M with a remarkable track record in solving physics-based vision problems. Pioneered breakthrough research in underwater image distortion removal and fluid surface reconstruction (CVPR Oral < 2%), while contributing to cutting-edge industrial applications resulting in multiple patents.

Currently driving innovation at the intersection of robotics, physical systems modeling and deep learning, with extensive experience spanning both academic research (120+ citations) and industry applications. Core team member of the 3M Finesse-it Robotic Paint Repair Solutions — the first-ever complete automotive solution powered by physics-based computer vision algorithms, robotic planning, 3M tools, repair recipes, and 3M consumables.

Post-academic industrial R&D experience has resulted in 3+ granted patents, several pending filings, 6+ trade secrets, and multiple technical innovation and peer-nominated awards. Focused on advancing state-of-the-art computer vision and AI while delivering impactful, real-world solutions.

Education

PhD in Computer Science

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge (Fall 2017 – Fall 2021)

MS in Computer Science

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge (Fall 2015 – Fall 2017)

Bachelors in Computer Engineering

Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal (Aug 2009 – Dec 2013)

Industrial Experience

Specialist, Data Science and Computer Vision R&D

3M, Greater Minneapolis Area, MN (Sep 2023 - Present)

Senior Data Scientist, Computer Vision R&D

3M, Greater Minneapolis Area, MN (Oct 2021 - Sep 2023)

Internship, Distributed Rendering Engine

OPPO US Research Center, Palo Alto, CA (Summer 2021)

Internship, Advanced Graphics Platform

Futurewei Technologies, Santa Clara, CA (Summer 2020)

Summer Assistantship

Experimental Statistics on Machine Learning Mosquito Analysis - LSU and St. Tammany Mosquito Abatement District Project (Summer 2019)

Software Engineer

Deerwalk Inc., Lexington, MA | Kathmandu, Nepal (Jan 2015 – Jul 2015)

Associate Software Engineer

Deerwalk Inc., Lexington, MA | Kathmandu, Nepal (Nov 2013 – Jan 2015)

Academic Experience

Graduate Research Assistant

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA (Fall 2015 – Fall 2021)

Graduate Teaching Assistant

Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA (Fall 2015 – Fall 2021)

Course Instructor

CSC 2463 Programming Digital Media (Spring 2018 - Spring 2021)
Teaching Report 2021 | Teaching Report 2020 | Teaching Report 2019

Research Publications

"Learning to Remove Refractive Distortions from Underwater Images"
S. Thapa, N. Li, and J. Ye
IEEE/CVF International Conference of Computer Vision (ICCV 2021)

"Unsupervised Non-Rigid Image Distortion Removal via Grid Deformation"
N. Li, S. Thapa, C. Whyte, A. Reed, S. Jaysuriya, and J. Ye
IEEE/CVF International Conference of Computer Vision (ICCV 2021)

"Dynamic Fluid Surface Reconstruction Using Deep Neural Network"
S. Thapa, N. Li, and J. Ye
IEEE/CVF Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition (CVPR), 2020 ORAL < 2% [GitHub] [PDF]

"Dynamic Fluid Surface Reconstruction Using Deep Neural Network"
S. Thapa, N. Li, and J. Ye
IEEE International Conference on Computational Photography (ICCP), 2020 [Poster Presentation]

"Interactive Web-Based Visualization of Atomic Position-Time Series Data"
S. Thapa and B. B. Karki
American GeoPhysical Union (AGU), 2017 [Poster Presentation]

Patents

"US Patent Ref. No. PA103503US01, Feb. 18, 2025, Hand-held Deflectometry"
S. Thapa, Rudy M Lawler, Sarah A. Medley, Robert A. Knutson, Jonathan B. Arthur, and Alireza Golgouneh

"US Patent Ref. No. PA102888US01, Feb. 21, 2025, Abrasive Wear Field Measurement System"
S. Thapa, Rudy M Lawler, Sarah A. Medley, Robert A. Knutson, Jonathan B. Arthur, and Alireza Golgouneh

"US Patent Ref. No. PA102947US01, Dec. 20, 2024, Method of Inspecting Defects of Differing Painted Surfaces with Deflectometry"
S. Thapa, Rudy M Lawler, Sarah A. Medley, Robert A. Knutson, Jonathan B. Arthur, and Alireza Golgouneh

"US Patent Ref. No. PA103412US01, Feb. 21, 2025, Surface Normal Alignment on a Curved Reflective Surface for Relocation and Reflection Validation."
S. Thapa, Rudy M Lawler, Sarah A. Medley, Robert A. Knutson, Jonathan B. Arthur, and Alireza Golgouneh

"WO2024141859A1 Robotic Surface Modification Systems and Methods"
S. Thapa, Rudy M Lawler, Sarah A. Medley, Robert A. Knutson, Jonathan B. Arthur, and Alireza Ghaderi
World wide Application PCT/IB2023/062953, 3M Innovative Properties Company [PDF]

"WO2024141858A1 Robotic Surface Modification Systems and Methods"
S. Thapa, Rudy M Lawler, Sarah A. Medley, Robert A. Knutson, Jonathan B. Arthur, and Alireza Ghaderi
World wide Application PCT/IB2023/062938, 3M Innovative Properties Company [PDF]

Achievements and Services

Discover Grant Winner 2025- New Project Initiative - Team Award - Global 3M

Discover Grant Winner 2024- New Project Initiative - Team Award - Global 3M

2025 3M Circle of Technical Excellence and Innovation - Team Award - Global 3M

2024 3M Circle of Technical Excellence and Innovation - Team Award - Global 3M

2023 3M Circle of Technical Excellence and Innovation - Team Award - Global 3M

2022 Outstanding PhD Dissertation, College of Engineering - Louisiana State University

2022 3M Circle of Technical Excellence and Innovation - Individual Award - Global 3M

Professional Service:
IEEE/CVPR Paper Reviewer 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
IEEE/ICCV Paper Reviewer 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

In The News

SURCAR America - 2025 Congress Audience Choice Award: 3M and GM
Ucomplicating Automating Automotive Paint Finishing

3M - FANUC Robot Collaboration
First-Ever Robotic Paint Repair Solution on a Moving Automotive Line

3M - General Motors Collaboration
3M and GM Partner on First-Ever Robotic Paint Repair System on Moving Assembly Line