Samual Smith at University of Idaho: College of Engineering
I worked with the University of Idaho’s (UI) College of Engineering. I assisted the computer engineering department as they administered two coding camps in Boise and Twin Falls. The students and I learned so much about the methods and means to code robotics and games. I also helped in improving the College of Engineering’s ambassadorship program. The ambassadorship program sends UI engineering students to local K-12 schools and engages them with exciting activities. Each activity informs students on what it means to be a “problem-solver” or an engineer. My primary responsibility within the program was to refine the materials that the UI ambassadors would take with them. These included guiding slideshows, informative instructions for ambassadors and follow-up worksheets for students. To better inform me on my duties, responsibilities and available resources, I had the opportunity to interview several UI engineering professors and researchers over the course of three days. Through this experience I am far more informed about what it means to be an engineer. I feel fully comfortable to counsel, direct and prepare my future students in the expansive field of engineering. Members of the UI staff were incredible and I am deeply grateful for their professionalism and contribution to the betterment of STEM fields in Idaho.