AESS Student Interviews: Esteban Rodriguez

Participating in the IEEE MIT URTC: A Valuable Experience in Advancing Engineering Knowledge 

The IEEE MIT Undergraduate Research Technology Conference (URTC), held over three days at the Ray and Maria Stata Center on the MIT campus in Boston, MA, provided a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to engage with cutting-edge developments in technology and research. This conference included a wide range of activities such as technical presentations, panels, poster sessions, and exhibits, all of which helped to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges and innovations in fields like computer science, data science, and electrical engineering. 

I was fortunate enough to attend and present my research paper, Identifying Potential Break-ins with Acoustics, developed at Virginia Tech. Presenting my work to an audience of experts and fellow students was an invaluable experience. It not only allowed me to receive feedback on my research but also provided me with a platform to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of technological advancements. 

This event was truly a remarkable experience, made possible by the unwavering support of my professor Dr. Mary Lanzerotti, IEEE, and AESS. My participation in the conference reinforced my passion for computer and electrical engineering. It also broadened my knowledge of diverse topics, including machine learning, computer vision, and the technologies shaping the future of logic, networks, and computation. 

Interacting with conference attendees, including experts and industry leaders from companies like Digi-Key Electronics, who provide essential electronic components to universities and industries worldwide, further emphasized the collaborative nature of the engineering field. The URTC showcased how a variety of disciplines, from computer science to electrical engineering, come together to solve some of the most pressing problems in technology today. 

Overall, the IEEE MIT URTC was a transformative experience that strengthened my academic and professional goals, and I look forward to future opportunities to participate in similar events that continue to push the boundaries of engineering and innovation.

Written by Esteban Rodriguez