PATHS-UP First Week Experience- Kaitlyn C.

~~The PATHS-UP Rice First-Week Experience~~ 

~ Preparation ~ 

    To prepare for this program first I overlooked all the things I would need to be familiar with as well as did a small course on C++ after emailing the teacher asking what language this program would be coded in. Directly on the website/ application, it showed an overview on what topics would be covered and objects (oximeters, accelerometers, GPS devices, speakers), so I also tried to get myself familiar with them.

 ~ First Experiences ~ 

    The research projects are all very hands on and are good experiences to have especially if you are into computer science because you see the direct application of coding in real world objects like the Aduino board which connects to things like LEDs and motors, which is very fun to experiment with! The digital watch we have been working on is stimulating and thought-provoking, we have been working on adding pedometers and oximeters. The mentors are really engaging and friendly and always willing to answer any questions I’ve had about college, this field in general, and have made this experience even more worth-wild. Ms. Kim is very helpful in helping us solve our errors as well as giving helpful advice and Mr. Franklin makes the classes super engaging and is very encouraging! He always motivates students to be creative in their solutions! Joe Young also made an appearance over zoom and taught us about how to make a schematic using EasyEDA. He taught us a deeper understanding of how oximeters work as well as conceptual ideas of neuroengineering, which I found very interesting to think about!

 ~ Looking Forward ~ 

    In week two, I’m looking forward to seeing the further application of the digital watch and seeing how we incorporate the GPS and audio board! We took two tours this week, one of rice and one of the OEDK, both were great experiences getting to see the heart of Rice directly! I anticipate the tour of the biology lab and clean-lab Ms. Kim frequently studies at on the second week!
    So far, the program has been enlightening to experience! The various facilities Rice offers to its STEM students is really shown in this program, which gives insight in what life in engineering and technology would consist of which has been intriguing!