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AT THE LEADING EDGE
Less than a year ago, Electrical and Computer Engineering students interested in exploring next-generation technology had limited space to share and only a little equipment available to them. But things have changed! The Francis Wood, S.J. and Nick Arvanitidis, PhD Innovation Lab is open for business—and it’s already crackling with innovation. The cutting edge Innovation Lab is the brainchild of Electrical and Computer Engineering Chair Agnieszka Miguel, PhD, and was made possible by a generous lead gift from Electrical Engineering alumnus Nick Arvanitidis, ’63. Additional gifts from alumni, the Boeing Company and the Keck Foundation helped bring the lab to completion. “The Innovation Lab is a collaborative studio space for both informal, project-driven, self-directed learning and projects that will be integrated throughout the curriculum,” says Dr. Miguel. The Innovation Lab offers students the opportunity for hands-on use of emerging technologies, experimentation, innovative idea prototyping, and hardware development in wireless communication, robotics, intelligent systems, the Internet of Things, cyber-physical systems, human-machine interaction, and assistive technology. Seniors Devon Terayama, Henry Co and Austin Chong share an interest in Internet of Things (IoT). They spent last summer researching and designing a device that uses real-time alerts to measure sound intensity and help prevent hearing loss. “Active learning is a good way for us to experiment with concepts we are interested in,” says Austin. Their classmate Noah Weller is designing a car that uses IoT to detect and adjust for traffic congestion. He is running tests this quarter and will present his preliminary results in Cambridge, England, in a few months. He is interested in expanding his knowledge of machine learning and robotics. Noah plans to work in the area of embedded systems software for IoT projects before attending graduate school.
“It’s great to see how the spirit of Fr. Wood will live on with students working in an environment that will spur creativity and expand their exposure to modern tools and technology.” GENE ZIPP ’78 EE
Mirka Mandich, who is fascinated by biotechnology, renewable energy and fashion, collects articles about everything from warp drives to bioengineered fabrics. Mirka is eager to explore wearable technology in the Innovation Lab, and she is already brainstorming the possibilities for a long-term project. Her career goal? She wants to work in space exploration. Recently, junior Han Tran launched a new Maker Club, 25 members strong and growing. “I see wonderful opportunities opening up because of the new maker space,” she says. “The club is open to all majors. If someone from biology wants to build something for their research project that ties in with circuitry, they can do that!” For these and other students, access to the new Innovation Lab will unlock career possibilities that are as wide ranging as they are exciting.