Name: Aureliane Tchamdja

Pronouns: She/Her

Semester of Internship: Summer 2025

Major: Computer Science 

Current Class Level: Junior

This semester I completed a(n)...: Research experience

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): University of Nebraska-Lincoln Summer Research Program

Location of the Organization (City, State): Lincoln, Nebraska

Title of position: Research Scholar

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities: 

I worked with Dr. Wissam Kontar and Mohammad Elayan on our project, "Autonomous Ground and Air Systems for Last-Mile Mobility: A Case Study on the Agriculture System". This research allowed me to explore the logistics of last-mile delivery and learn how to solve route optimization problems using autonomous vehicles and drones in rural, agricultural settings. I had the opportunity to present my research as a poster at both UNL's 2025 Engineering Summer Research Fair hosted by the College of Engineering, and UNL's 2025 Summer Research Symposium hosted by the Office of Graduate Studies. Other than my poster, other deliverables that I had completed by the end of the program were a 10+ page scientific paper on my project and an oral presentation in front of my peers and faculty in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department. I was also able to attend workshops and panels that have better prepared me for graduate school and strengthened my skills as a scientist/researcher.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

I heard of the Nebraska Summer Research Program through emails that were sent to me during the Fall 2024 semester. I applied and submitted my application to the program in January.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

Student Organizations/Scholar Groups, University website 

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?

I enjoyed being able to explore the sustainability/transportation research field, especially being able to look at the use of autonomous technology. I also found the workshops and panels that the program provided to be very valuable. 

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

Although my work was more so in a preliminary stage, I believe that it is still a great contribution to the scientific community because it will help start conversations on how to better address transportation gaps in agriculture and in rural areas as a whole.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

Advice that I would give to another student seeking an internship is to not be afraid to apply to any and as many programs/experiences as they desire. The more you open yourself up to these opportunities, the more likely you are to get them.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.

What I liked most about my research experience was being able to explore a research field that I may not have been able to otherwise, as well as being able to learn more about graduate school and what to expect as a student who wants to pursue a PhD degree.

Have you received an accommodation letter or faced questions about how to adjust your course? This virtual workshop is designed to support anyone in a teaching role at UMBC. The Office of Accessibility and Disability Services will cover practical approaches, share case examples, and answer your questions about navigating student accommodations.

Date and Time: Friday, October 3rd, 2–3 p.m.
Format: Virtual workshop

REGISTER HERE

Topics include:

• Q&A and discussion of real scenarios

• Resources, policies, and procedures available to instructors

• Preparing for Section 508 accessibility requirements (all digital content accessible by 2026)

This workshop is presented by the Office of Accessibility & Disability Services (a unit of the Division of Institutional Equity).

• October 3, 8, 27: Campus Accessibility Walk & Roll Tours (Noon, MP 222)

• October 3: I Have an LOA (Letter of Accommodation), Now What? (Online, 2-3 PM)

• Oct 9: Digital Accessibility 101: Principles and Practices – 12–12:30 PM, Online
  If you can click it, you can fix it. Learn what digital accessibility is and why it matters.

• Oct 10: Accessible Images: Basics of Alt Text & Decorative Images – 12–12:30 PM, Online
  

• October 13: Disability Awareness Month Film Screening: Quad Life (4:30–7 PM, UC 310)- Click the link to save your spot!

• October 15: Campus Accessibility: Facilities Management & ADS Project Discussion (Hybrid, Noon, ILSB 101/ Engineering Lecture Hall 027*)

• Oct 15: Free Webinar – Making AI Work for All: Enhancing Accessibility for Students in Higher Education – 2–3 PM, Online
  Sponsored by Northwest Higher Ed Accessible Technology

• October 17: Accessible Documents and Course Materials: PDFs, PPTs, and More (Noon, MP 222)

• October 21: FMLA & Job Accommodations (Non-Supervisors) (Noon, Online)

• October 24: Tea Time with Tori (Noon, MP 222)
  

• Oct 24: Review & Improve Your Blackboard Course Accessibility Score with Ally – 12–12:45 PM, Online
  

• October 27: FMLA & Job Accommodations (Supervisors) (11 AM, Online)

We look forward to seeing you this semester.

Movies with Meaning: Honoring Awareness, Inclusion, and Hope

Stories have the power to inspire empathy, raise awareness, and spark meaningful conversations. In recognition of Disability Identity Awareness Month, the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we've curated a list of impactful films that celebrate resilience, identity, and community. Each of these movies sheds light on personal strength, inclusion, and the importance of support—values that resonate deeply with UMBC's commitment to accessibility, understanding, and compassion.

Disability Identity & Disability Employment Awareness

1. Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (2020) – A powerful documentary about a groundbreaking summer camp for teens with disabilities that sparked the disability rights movement and led to the creation of the ADA.

2. Door to Door (2002) – Based on the true story of Bill Porter, a man with cerebral palsy who became a top-performing door-to-door salesman. A touching example of persistence and dignity in employment.

3. The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019) – A heartwarming adventure about a young man with Down syndrome pursuing his dream of becoming a wrestler, highlighting inclusion and independence.

4. The Theory of Everything (2014) – Chronicles the life of physicist Stephen Hawking, showing his journey with ALS and his groundbreaking scientific achievements.

5. Ray (2004) – Chronicles the life of musician Ray Charles, focusing on his success despite blindness, illustrating employment, talent, and perseverance.
   

Freshly brewed coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are waiting for you in Commons 308. Come join us this morning for Coffee Monday from 10AM - 2PM! Start your week off right!

Tuesday, October 14, 2025, through Friday, November 7, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

Freshly brewed coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are waiting for you in Commons 308. Come join us this morning for Coffee Monday from 10AM - 2PM! Start your week off right!