I plugged in the last wire on my Arduino project, hit the run code button and my clap-controlled LED light was fully functioning. One of my favorite projects from Tennessee Governor's school was learning how to code and build an arduino controlled internal "home monitoring system”—as we called it. Once it was finished, it was fully equipped with a temperature reader, sound sensor, keypad to control what displayed on the LED display, and even a little light up LED matrix that could display a smiling emoji. Being one of thirty people selected statewide for this special summer session, I was able to explore emerging technologies.  

 

The program was initially planned to be in person at Tennessee Tech University. However, just as Covid interrupted so many other plans, my Gov School Summer Program was moved online. At first I thought this to be a disadvantage. How could the experience be the same? And it wasn't. However, it was much better in many ways. We gained access to so many online resources and platforms I still use today, even two years after the program has ended. 

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In the engineering class, I was immersed in the design/innovation process and studied design factors engineers must consider, such as axial stiffness. From a MATLAB course, I gained problem-solving skills through coding challenges. We practiced these skills with team projects—one of which was to design an app and another—build a chair with only foam poster board and adhesives. I used CAD modeling systems and pressure testing, learning how engineers utilize such software in solving problems. 

Throughout the summer, we took on two additional projects, guided by grad students. I worked on a mechatronics project (the arduino home monitoring system I designed) and a bioinformatics project developing inhibitors for a Coronavirus protease.

 

My presentation skills grew as well, as we were tasked with creating an elevator pitch to explain our work on the projects. The lessons I learned from my R&D session projects proved pertinent for science olympiad, especially for my Protein Modeling event and definitely for engineering events. I was thrilled to share what I learned—from the failures and successes along the way—with my science olympiad friends.

Each week, guest speakers discussed the breadth of opportunities and shared experiences working in fields like artificial intelligence. It was very insightful and inspiring to say the least.
 

Discovering how much I loved the problem-solving realm of engineering and coding through GSET unraveled new opportunities for me to contribute. It inspired me to pursue Computer Engineering as my major. It energizes me to think of how much more I will learn to do in my college engineering classes!