Project Archive 2022
Project Archive: Spring 2022
SHAREABLE WEARABLES
Project Advisors: Christopher Choy, Jingyuan Fang, Lily Klucinec
The goal of this project was to create a piece of technology to help combat a medical issue. Students researched medical issues that didn’t have a lot of preexisting tools. They created a pair of glasses meant to reduce sensory overload. The students used a light and sound sensor from an Arduino kit to warn the user if an area was too bright or too loud.
THE A* TEAM
Project Advisors: Ebrahim Karam, Jingyu Zhuang
The goal of this project was to create an interactive portrait that can detect what the user is doing and have the portrait respond. To achieve this, the students used Python and Tensorflow. The group had to train the avatar, which was created in blender. In the end, they wanted to incorporate a horror vibe, which they accomplished by doing spooky backgrounds and music.
ENvironmental Technology
Project Advisors: Brandon Wei, Carmen Hagerty, Michael Lau
The goal of this project was to simplify the composting process. The problem with composting is that there are many steps and labor associated with proper composting. To make it easier on people who want to start composting but don’t know how, the students built an automated composting bin. The bin is equipped with moisture and temperature sensors. The sensors are connected to an Arduino LED screen to indicate when the composting needs turned. Next steps in the project include automation of turning the bin.
GAME THEORY & FUN
Project Advisors: Trish Nhan, Jonathan Huang, Jay Madan
This group explored the question: “Can playing games give you a glimpse into your own unique decision making process?” The students were first introduced to economics/game theory concepts. For example, they looked at systems 1 and 2, prisoner dilemma, and deception. Through this, the group created an interactive card game based off of games such as BS, slapjack, and spoons to apply what they studied.
MUSIC THEORY FOR BEAUTI-FULL-ER MINDS
Project Advisors: Alyssa Robert, Kate Stamper
This groups goal was to combine biology, psychology, and music. They set out to create playlists that are perfect for each individual. The students looked into music beats often matching your heart beat. They also researched the ideal heartbeats for being calm, feeling energized, happy, cathartic relief, etc. Then, they found songs that matched those beats. Ultimately, the group combined everything into an interactive app.
Plasmid Palooza
Project Advisors: Elizabeth Masyukova and Grace Ouilline
CRISPR-Cas9 is a unique technology that enables researchers to edit parts of the genome by removing, adding or altering sections of the DNA. The goal of our project was to apply our understanding of CRISPR mechanisms to study properties of cancer. We used a Plasmid Editor software to design unique plasmids (circular pieces of DNA) with all the necessary CRISPR components and PyMOL software to visualize relevant proteins. We then planned a project that would involve identifying homolog cancer genes in yeast using the Saccharomyces Genome Database, inserting the plasmids into the yeast, inducing mutations using Ultraviolet light to study the functions of the PDX1 gene, which is heavily involved in Pancreatic cancer.