48440 research outputs found
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Exploring Functional Programming Unit Plan
No full textFunctional programming is a new way of thinking when writing code and presents valuable opportunities for students to practice deeper computational thinking skills. In partnership with the Programming and Web Development shop at Worcester Technical High School, and based on insights from a pilot seminar I taught in spring 2025, I designed and implemented a scaffolded three-week unit titled Exploring Functional Programming. The unit is aligned to Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science standards, centers around an engaging phenomenon, and emphasizes discussion, reflection, and trade-offs. I have made the unit materials available for free online in an accessible and adaptable format
Understanding the Needs of Nantucket Youth
No full textOur House, on Nantucket, is a non-profit organization that provides a safe and welcoming place for teens to rest, learn, and socialize. Through adult stakeholder interviews, high school and Our House student focus groups, and a high school survey, we evaluated how Our House can improve its efforts to meet the needs of teens. We found that Our House is meeting the needs of teens who already take advantage of its offerings, but can do more to attract more teens. In addition, we found a lack of accessible spaces for teens outside of home and school, the dominance of sports over other interests, stigma around seeking help, and gaps in outreach. We recommend activities to help raise teen voices and bridge gaps between Our House, sports teams, and other youth-focused organizations on Nantucket
Hydrant Mapping on Nantucket
No full textThe Nantucket Fire Department has been using hydrant location data that are incomplete and outdated, leading to wasted time and increased risk during emergency response. To improve the quality of this data, we used professional grade surveying equipment to verify and update the location data for all hydrants on the island. We identified 814 hydrants, whereas the current Town GIS (Geographic Information System) lists only 592. We found 274 hydrants that were unmarked in the current GIS, 67 that had been moved since the GIS was last updated, and 36 that had been removed. 16 hydrants in GIS were inaccessible due to obstructions or were on private property. We recommended procedures to ensure the hydrant location data are regularly updated and shared among pertinent parties in a timely manner
NN-Based UAV Navigation in Confined Space
No full textThis project studies how wall induced aerodynamics disturb small UAVs in confined flight and builds a data and learning pipeline to model those forces. We modernized Crazyflie 2.1 firmware for calibrated thrust and reliable SD card logging. Using a load cell stand, we ran system ID to fit per motor thrust models from PWM and battery voltage, then integrated them into a thrust mixing mode that compensates for voltage sag and hardware variation. We collected repeated 1.4 m wall passes, estimated disturbance forces from logged states and motor signals, and trained a Deep Sets network on an initial dataset, validating the approach for future scaling
Understanding Access to Increase Museum Visitation
No full textThe Santa Fe Children’s Museum (SFCM) provides a space for young children to learn through play. Regardless of accessibility needs, everyone is welcome to visit the museum. Our project aimed to create strategies around accessibility to increase visitation and participation at the SFCM. We conducted interviews with museum visitors, off-site program visitors, and SFCM partner organizations. Through our research, we curated recommendations to help the SFCM become even more engaged with the community to increase visitation and participation
Create “MyAnalyst” Fidelity’s analytics search engine
No full textJust as AI “vibe coding” shattered barriers to programming, “vibe analytics” marks the next frontier of data access, empowering users of all technical skillsets to derive data-driven insights. Financial analysts face heavier workloads and tighter deadlines as databases expand and customer expectations rise. To address this, our team built MyAnalyst, an AI-driven vibe analytics search engine designed to support and elevate Fidelity’s analysts. Using a multi-agent pipeline, it converts natural language queries into semantic-layer requests, delivering structured outputs with visualizations. Developed as a functional, feature-complete application built entirely within Fidelity-approved infrastructure, MyAnalyst is an impactful solution to democratize enterprise data access across Fidelity
Supporting Cultural Understanding through Student Resources
No full textOur project addresses previously identified gaps in student preparedness by developing materials that strengthen students’ cultural awareness, logistical readiness, and community engagement. Deliverables include: a student handbook, a series of short cultural modules, and a repeatable end-of-project celebration. We gathered insight from students, faculty, cultural advisors, and community members regarding issues and opportunities for the student researchers in Hawai'i. These perspectives allowed us to develop accurate, culturally grounded resources to help students more confidently navigate their community research and interactions. These deliverables provide a foundation for improving student experiences at the HPC and support the project center's long-term success
Recycling Fastefood Waste (Waste Canola Oil into 3D printed Resin)
No full textThis project utilizes flow reactor technology to synthesize resin out of waste cooking oil recovered from Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s dining services. We explored a sustainable way to reduce fast food waste and promote a circular economy. The innovative concept elaborates on a past approach using a batch reaction while exploring optimization with a flow reactor as safer and more efficient system. Our results demonstrate that waste canola oil produces a viable plant-based resin that is UV-curable and can be used for a wide variety of applications including stereolithography printing, resin coatings, paints, or similar products
Improving data management and the Member/Friend experience for Land Covenantors Victoria
No full textIn this project Land Covenantors Victoria required an improved way to store and manage their members’ data as their current system was becoming outdated. The solution to this problem was to adopt a Customer Relationship Management system which could not only organize their data but automate its entry as well. As there are many CRM services available the first step was to map out LCVs workflow and create an ideal version. Next the ideal version was compared against many different CRMs to determine which few could be the right fit. Then trial versions of these CRMs were used to make a final decision on which CRM would be purchased and then set up. Finally, documentation on how to use the CRM was created and then tested on clarity to ensure that LCV could continue to use this system after the completion of the project. As a result, LCV would have a new fully set up CRM to manage and understand their data with allowing them to better accomplish their goals of protecting the biodiversity of Victoria
The Power of Play: How a Playground Can Strengthen a Community
No full textThis project focused on the revitalization of a community playground within the Banksia Gardens Community Housing Estate in Broadmeadows, Victoria, Australia. Conducted in partnership with Banksia Gardens Community Services, the initiative aimed to enhance the space through a community-centered design approach that prioritized sustainability, creativity, and social impact. The project was shaped by extensive engagement with residents, whose insights informed decisions on safety improvements, spatial use, and inclusive play features. Working within the constraints of an existing layout, limited budget, and a no-removal policy for current equipment, the team emphasized co-creation over imposition. The outcome was not only a reimagined playground but also a reaffirmation of the community’s dignity, visibility, and right to safe, welcoming public spaces