Year In Review
(2023 - 2024)
University Honors Program
June 5, 2024
Reflecting on the past year as a University Honors Scholar at the University of Cincinnati, I find myself reflecting on a series of impactful experiences that have significantly shaped my personal, academic, and professional trajectory. This year has been a whirlwind of opportunities, each contributing uniquely to my growth and aspirations.
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One of the most transformative aspects of this year has been my role as a Research Assistant at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Since January 2024, I have been involved in analyzing over 421 participant interviews to identify students at elevated risk for aggressive behaviors using the Automated Risk Assessment (ARIA) system. This work has not only honed my analytical skills but also deepened my understanding of the complexities involved in behavioral science. Collaborating with graduate students and post-doctoral fellows, I have contributed to the development of preemptive prevention strategies, applying Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques to pinpoint critical risk factors. This experience has cemented my passion for using technology and data science to address real-world issues, enhancing my desire to pursue a career at the intersection of healthcare and technology.
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In addition to my work at Cincinnati Children’s, I have also been involved in the PG & XR Labs at the University of Cincinnati, focusing on Digital Humanities in the Metaverse and Social VR. Since January 2024, I have delved into the cultural and educational impacts of metaverse and VR platforms, exploring how these technologies can reshape digital interaction. My collaboration with partners like PG, using Unity, Unreal Engine, and other tools, has allowed me to design immersive environments for platforms such as Microsoft Mesh and Nvidia Omniverse. Working with cutting-edge XR equipment at the XR-Lab at Digital Future has further enriched my research, driving my interest in creating inclusive digital experiences. This work is laying the groundwork for my future endeavors in virtual reality and digital humanities, blending technology with cultural studies to foster innovative learning environments.
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My professional journey also saw a significant milestone with my role as a Product Manager Marketing Co-op at Emerson Fisher from May to December 2023. Here, I employed PowerBI for competitive analysis, identifying trends and customer preferences to inform strategic pricing decisions. I centralized and validated 36,000 export and repair files, developing statistical models for Life Cycle Services Data Mining, which were crucial for training machine learning models. Converting MATLAB code into C# and Java to enhance a valve health assessment algorithm further strengthened my programming skills and deepened my understanding of data-driven product development. This experience not only enhanced my technical prowess but also refined my ability to translate complex data into actionable business strategies.
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Looking ahead, I am excited about my upcoming internship with Marmon Holdings in Chicago this summer. As an IoT Software Engineering Intern, I look forward to leveraging my skills in a dynamic environment and further exploring my passion for Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. Being in Chicago, my favorite city, adds an extra layer of enthusiasm to this opportunity, and I am eager to immerse myself in the vibrant tech scene and learn from industry leaders.
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As I plan for the next year, my goals are to deepen my expertise in data science and digital technology while continuing to explore interdisciplinary research. I aim to pursue advanced coursework in AI and machine learning, engage in research projects that bridge technology and social impact, and seek out internships that challenge and expand my technical and professional boundaries. I am committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative digital society, and I look forward to contributing to groundbreaking projects that blend technology with meaningful societal benefits.
This year has reinforced my belief in the power of resilience and collaboration. With the support of the University Honors Program, my mentors, and my peers, I am more determined than ever to push the boundaries of what I can achieve. As I continue this journey, I am driven by a vision of leveraging technology to create a positive impact, equipped with a robust foundation in both technical skills and interdisciplinary understanding.
