PATHS-UP Scholars First Week Overview- Ava A.

     I completed my first week in the PATHS-UP Young Scholars program and it has been riveting. I have very little computer science knowledge, so it is nice to go through this program and understand more about programming and computer science as a whole. Before the PATHS-UP Program started, I prepared myself by refreshing my memory on programming rules and languages. I have previous knowledge on Java and Python, but I did not keep up with the content so reviewing allowed me to go to the program with some knowledge. While we are not using Java or Python throughout this program, it was still nice to refresh my memory because it allowed me to better understand the code we were working on throughout the week. When our mentors introduced the research projects to us, I was a little intimidated because I had such little computer knowledge. However, our mentors engaged with us directly and encouraged us constantly, so it became easier to work on the projects. I found these projects to be captivating because they were applicable to other fields in the workforce such as healthcare. For example, we learned about neuroengineering and how we can use engineering and programming techniques to solve issues such as tremors and epilepsy. Additionally, we started building our digital health watch which includes a pulse oximeter, pedometer, and an accelerometer, enabling us to track certain health levels. While I am still learning more about computer science and programming, these research projects have allowed me to explore and think outside of the box. Also, these projects have allowed me to see specific details of computer science such as Arduino boards and the various components involved. By learning more about Arduino Boards, I was able to create different projects such as the game "Simon Says" and a Buzzer Trumpet instrument. My mentors have encouraged me to explore different components of the Arduino Boards and it has allowed to grasp a better understanding of computer science overall. I know with more time I will be able to understand how computer science connects to the world we live in today. In week two, I am excited to build upon the foundation of our digital health watch and include more components. Also, I am looking forward to building more projects with the Arduino Boards and going outside of my comfort zone by trying to create new projects. With the help of my mentors, I have gained more knowledge this week!

The digital health watch tracking the number of steps taken after a tour of Rice University.

The "Simon Says" game using the Arduino Board and breadboard.