PATHS-UP Digital Scholars Young Scholars 2022: PATHS-UP Final Week- Kaitlyn Chen

PATHS-UP Final Conclusion

How was the process of creating a research presentation? Which parts did you struggle with? What new things did you learn?

Creating and presenting our research presentations motivated me to try harder and be more proud of the work I put together! The presentation was a great way to format my thoughts about this program and the things I learned which helps significantly when thinking about what I want to do in the future. Specifically, I found it difficult to balance all of the things I wanted to do with the tiny-watch, especially into the last week! With the tiny-screen in particular I found the limit to what you could do to be endless, with all the resources given in front of us. I found it difficult to decide how far I wanted to reach/ what types of things I should prioritize in my watch. In my final watch, I incorporated the pedometer, pulse oximeter, GPS, and a clock with the time and date. Looking through options of code and code I found online, if prompted with more time, I would have enjoyed incorporating the Bluetooth notifications and a sleep-mode function, a bigger ambition of mine! Through this program I learned more about C++ and how similar it can be to other programming languages like java. I learned more about the history of electronics, how they work, and how they are coded! I also established a broader understanding of machine learning, neuro-engineering, and what general life in this type of field would consist of/ what type of research/projects they do!

What do you plan to bring back to your school and talk to other students/teachers about regarding your experience?

I plan to show my teachers and fellow peers my tiny-watch, its' development process, as well as try to start conversation about the practicality and incorporation computer science is able to have on everyday health. I'm a firm believer that machine learning and everyday electronics such as digital watches capable of tracking our health wellness, will be a big, crucial part of our future! Getting my classmates involved in the discussion would be a great exchange of views!

What are your future plans for working with concepts you learned this summer?

I want to experiment more with my tiny-watch and look into other Arduino electronics I can code! Regrading my tiny-watch specifically, I hope to incorporate the Bluetooth notification system, make the layout "nicer" looking, figure out more programs I can add to the watch, and improve button functionality. I think the concept of how electronics work in itself is really interesting, with the concepts I learned through this program, I intend to extend my knowledge of electronics and make more things like my tiny-watch. With what I learned this summer, I feel I can say with confidence my future lies somewhere in this field!