CSEE Professor Chintan Patel and computer engineering student Gurashish Singh recently demonstrated a prototype system that can detect distracted driving behavior at the ATPA expo, the largest gathering of industries involved with transportation. Their novel wearable proximity sensor-based system alerts drivers who show signs of falling asleep, being distracted or driving dangerously.

The project is a collaboration between Professors Ryan Robucci, Chintan Patel and Nilanjan Banerjee. The system was built by graduate students Gurashish Singh and Tsu An Chen. This short video shows some of the dangerous behaviors being detected.

Name: Gretchen Quiteles

Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL)

Major(s)/Minor(s): Health Administration and Policy

Expected Graduation Year: December 2014

Briefly describe your internship, co-op, research, or service-learning opportunity, including your day-to-day tasks, responsibilities, and assignments.

When I come in I assist Hilary Strahota, the Senior Specialist of Communications. Since I've started I have transcribed an audio interview she had with one of the Emergency and Preparedness personnel from the CDC (Center for Disease Control). I have also been helping her keep track of the publications for the upcoming fiscal year. A big project I will be working on throughout my internship is sorting through all the photos the association has had since the beginning and determining which ones will be used for future publications. Responsibilities I have is to assist with the APHL twitter account, help proofread and edit publications, research images for articles and create weekly e-newsletter updates when needed.

Describe the process of obtaining your internship, research, or co-op opportunity.

This past summer I was on many job search engines and learned about Indeed. I didn't think I would be able to find an internship to my liking but when I found the internship position I applied immediately. When they sent me an e-mail about a phone screening for the position I prepped myself. I did the same prep for the team interviews that followed. I usually prep by reading through my resumes, reviewing my LinkedIn profile and thinking about my past leadership skills in organizations. After I prep I think of possibly interview questions and create answers that would strengthen my application. But before the phone screening and interviews, I always sat myself down and took a deep breath so I could relax. That's how I knew I wanted the position the most and it definitely helps.

Which of the following resources did you use to find your current experience?

Indeed.com

What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization/company?

I really enjoyed learning how influential this association is to public health. I never knew that this association is the reason why the CDC receives funding and how they retrieve the data needed to send out the public. Every time I come into the office I feel as if I learn something new about current public health issues and I love it!

What have you gained from your experience that you could not have gained from another opportunity?

Everyone in the workplace has their own work ethic and personality that creates a team. With each personality it can really strengthen a team. Diversity is what is needed the most to achieve a lot.

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

Always listen to your gut. Never give up applying to places. I was rejected by many internships that I thought would be perfect for me and when I got the offer for APHL I was happy the other places rejected me.

Please provide a short quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / the internship placement process.

Working with an open mind can take you further than you can imagine.