Hello. I'm a bioengineering student, Python dev, C++ dev and since a few months, Arduino programmer.
Your projects sounds like a lot of fun. Although Imnot an expert, as you say, I'm confident I can get your program running, given enough time to work on it.
Although I think 2 months is a lot, I prefer to set a long deadline and end sooner, rather than being too optimist and failing it.
So, if it's a personal project and my dilated times seem fine with you, let's discuss further in the chat.
Also, I'm thinking you don't really need a touchpad, and would be able to configure it via phone, tablet or computer using a bluethooth module (I'm using a similar setup in a personal project), but it's pretty much doable, to control it via touchpad.
Anyways, let me know, I'll be awaiting your message.
Also, just to add to your ideas, you can actually make a thermal camera using arduino, but would be a double edged blade.