July 15, 2022
Professional Experience
Chapter 1: Zoox
This past summer I spent 14 weeks in San Francisco working for the autonomous ride sharing company Zoox. They are working to make transportation safer, cleaner, and more productive! These are all motives that I stand behind, and the mission-driven environment of Zoox made the decision to join easy.
The goal of vehicle autonomy in dense urban areas is bold, and even more so while developing a ground-up vehicle platform. I was lucky enough to work on the Advanced Hardware Engineering team, which is devoted to integrating the unique and original hardware that is required to enable autonomous driving. I was quickly immersed in the workflow and had my hands-on from day 1. My assigned project involved testing of an embedded ECU unit, to ensure it could perform all functions for the lifetime of the vehicle. It was a challenge to rapidly learn and understand the complex systems of the vehicle and gain insights into how various control systems interacted. I faced this challenge by digging deep into documentation, leveraging the surprisingly unique coursera offerings, and asking a LOT of questions. One of my highlights of this experience was the willingness of others to answer my questions and engage in meaningful conversation to help me learn and accomplish my goals. The collaborative environment, responsibility, and permissions I was given made me feel as though I was much more than an intern.
With helpful coworkers at every turn, and an enabling fail-forward environment, I was able to attack my projects with efficiency and enthusiasm. I was able to spearhead and guide multiple firmware, mechanical, and electrical improvements for various projects I worked on. It was incredibly exciting to see my dedication make a true difference at the production level.
Challenges
At such a fast moving company that is deep in development, abstracting my work was not always the easiest of tasks. With team changes and limited knowledge and documentation, collecting the proper information was the name of the game. I created spreadsheets to map who was knowledgeable in what fields and focus areas, while keeping a running personal log of knowledge and key tidbits I picked up every day. I also did my best to spread and publish my learnings, by contributing significant documentation whenever I saw a gap. I was approached by a number of my teammates and even those from other teams, receiving words of appreciation. It was cool to see that going the extra mile to share 'tribal knowledge' made ripples in the engineering process.
One of the largest challenges that any intern faces while working for a company is deciding what is in/out of the scope of their role. After a couple short weeks at Zoox and a conversation with my manager, I created a new rule for myself: ask for forgiveness not permission. The 'go for it' mentality took my productivity to another plane. Learning how to apply my best judgment without leaning into the chain of power earned me the trust of my colleagues and produced many great developments to the product!
Leveraging my Internship
During my internship, I truly recognized the value of seizing every opportunity for growth and development. I leveraged my time wisely by taking advantage of the learning resources available to me and enrolled in courses on Python, CAN, Networking, and program management. These courses not only expanded my technical skill set but also provided me with a deeper understanding of various aspects of the industry. Additionally, I proactively sought knowledge beyond my assigned tasks by engaging with over 10 full-time employees from different departments. By listening to their experiences and learning about their career trajectories, I gained invaluable insights into the diverse paths one can take within the company. To ensure I didn't miss out on any valuable information, I diligently maintained a running note of everything I learned, excluding intellectual property, to carry with me even after the internship concludes. This experience taught me the importance of being proactive, resourceful, and continuously seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Largest Takeaways
Coming soon in blog format...
My experience working at the Qualcomm Institute Makerspace at UC San Diego has been an extraordinary journey of growth and learning. Over the course of a full year, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a dynamic and hands-on environment, where I was constantly challenged to think on my feet and assist students with a wide range of projects encompassing woodworking, electrical work, and metalworking.
One of the key skills I developed during my time at the Makerspace was the ability to adapt quickly to the ever-changing needs of the students. Every day brought new challenges, as individuals approached me with diverse projects that required expertise in various fabrication techniques. Whether it was assisting with woodworking projects, tackling complex electrical work, or delving into metalworking endeavors, I had to think critically and draw upon my knowledge to guide students effectively.
The Makerspace provided me with invaluable exposure to cutting-edge technologies and a wide array of tools and equipment. Throughout my tenure, I actively engaged in training myself on the operation and maintenance of these tools, including laser cutting machines for metal, acrylic, and wood, 3D printing utilizing both SLA and FDM techniques, welding, machining, soldering, and circuitry, among others. This immersive experience not only expanded my technical skill set but also allowed me to become proficient in using these tools to bring students' ideas to life.
Image: A T-nut I made during my first week, while developing custon fixtures for the mini-lathe's..
Building and maintaining machines became a significant part of my role at the Makerspace. Right from my first day, I found myself assisting in the construction of a full-size CNC machine. This hands-on experience taught me the importance of attention to detail, precision, and troubleshooting skills. Assembling and fine-tuning complex machinery required patience, resilience, and a willingness to constantly learn and adapt. The satisfaction of seeing the CNC machine come to fruition and witnessing its impact on student projects was incredibly rewarding.
Working in a makerspace environment presented unique challenges that fostered personal and professional growth. Collaboration and effective communication were crucial skills that I developed while collaborating with students and fellow staff members. I learned to ask probing questions, actively listen to students' needs, and provide guidance that was tailored to their specific projects. Moreover, I honed my ability to break down complex concepts into easily understandable instructions, ensuring that students could grasp and implement them successfully.
The Makerspace experience not only provided me with technical expertise but also taught me the value of creativity, problem-solving, and resilience. It fostered an environment where failure was viewed as an opportunity for growth and innovation. Encouraging students to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and iterate on their designs was a fundamental aspect of my role. Witnessing students' perseverance and ultimate success was a testament to the power of the maker mindset and the transformative potential of hands-on learning.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role at the Qualcomm Institute Makerspace was witnessing the multitude of creative ideas that walked through our doors. I found great joy in using my experience and expertise to make recommendations and assist students in bringing their projects to life. One particular student stands out in my memory: he came to me with the idea of printing a 3D topographic map of the shoreline in San Diego. Drawing on my knowledge of the available resources, I suggested that he laser cut the piece in layers instead. This recommendation allowed him to create a much larger and visually striking display, showcasing the intricate details of the shoreline in a way that a 3D print couldn't achieve. Witnessing the student's excitement and satisfaction with the end result was a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and innovative thinking within the makerspace environment.
Looking ahead, my time at the Qualcomm Institute Makerspace has equipped me with a strong foundation in fabrication techniques and an aptitude for teaching and guiding students in their creative pursuits. I aim to leverage this experience to continue supporting and inspiring individuals to explore their potential in the realm of making. I aspire to further expand my knowledge and expertise, staying updated on emerging technologies and advancements in the field.
Throughout my journey as a tutor, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of students, each with their unique learning styles and preferences. Starting as a volunteer tutor, I dedicated 2-5 hours per week to support middle school and high school students in San Diego. This experience laid the foundation for my growth as an educator and allowed me to adapt quickly to the various communication styles and modalities of learning.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned during my time as a volunteer tutor was the importance of tailoring my approach to meet the individual needs of each student. I encountered students who thrived with visual aids, others who preferred hands-on activities, and some who excelled through auditory instruction. It was a challenging yet fulfilling task to identify and implement the most effective teaching methods for each student. This adaptability allowed me to foster a positive and engaging learning environment, where students felt comfortable and motivated to explore their potential.
Building on this foundation, I transitioned into a professional role with a private tutoring company, where I dedicated 10 or more hours per week to supporting college and high school AP students. This opportunity expanded my repertoire of subjects, ranging from calculus to organic chemistry. The experience of tutoring advanced topics pushed me to deepen my understanding of the subjects, ensuring that I could provide comprehensive guidance to my students.
Image: Quick break between some late night tutor sessions!
As a professional tutor, I was entrusted with the responsibility of not only imparting knowledge but also fostering a growth mindset within my students. I strived to create a supportive atmosphere that encouraged students to embrace challenges and view them as opportunities for growth. Recognizing that each student had their unique set of strengths and areas for improvement, I personalized my teaching strategies to maximize their learning potential.
Working with college and AP-level students demanded a higher level of academic rigor and strong organizational skills. It taught me the importance of meticulous preparation and the ability to break down complex concepts into more manageable components. Furthermore, I honed my ability to provide clear explanations, allowing students to grasp challenging topics with greater ease.
Image: I was highly sought after as the students loved my use of iPad drawings and visuals for explanantions!
In retrospect, my tutoring experiences have not only enhanced my teaching skills but have also enriched my own personal growth. The satisfaction of witnessing a struggling student overcome obstacles and achieve success has been profoundly rewarding. It has reinforced my belief in the power of education and the impact that dedicated educators can have on students' lives.
Moving forward, I aim to continue refining my tutoring techniques, expanding my subject knowledge, and staying abreast of innovative teaching methodologies. I also plan to further develop my ability to foster effective communication with students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that I can provide a truly inclusive learning environment.
My tutoring experiences have been transformative, both for the students I have had the privilege to work with and for my own professional growth. Through adapting to diverse learning modalities, teaching a wide range of subjects, and nurturing a growth mindset, I have been able to make a meaningful impact as an educator. I am grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to the academic journeys of my students, and I look forward to continuing this rewarding path of guiding and inspiring future learners.
