My STAR Experience: Wireless Communication

This summer, I learned to laugh at failure. My name is Ruby, I'm a computer engineering student, and I spent my first summer in college as a STAR student conducting research alongside researchers like Dr. Malvin Nkomo.

We worked together, asked for help, and didn't get discouraged by our struggles.

Over the course of ten weeks, I've not only conducted critical research into wireless communication, but built long-lasting relationships with others in my field. Wireless communication has quickly become vital to the modern world. It's used in cellular networks, Wi-Fi, and sensor networks in the Internet of Things. My group's project was to find a way to boost signal strength in wireless networks. As I'm writing this, I'm now at the end of the STAR program where I'm testing out a RIS — a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface — to increase connectivity no matter where one is.

I initially joined the STAR program so I could work with seasoned experts and discover cutting-edge technology and techniques. Though my project was supervised by Dr. Nkomo, I worked with another undergraduate researcher and was able to network with the Frances Velay Fellows, a group of women researchers connected through STAR. These connections really enriched my research experience. My fondest memories would be the laughter we shared after a test failed and while reading the data sheets, as we were both left clueless. We worked together, asked for help, and didn't get discouraged by our struggles.

And I'm not done yet! After this summer, I plan on continuing my research in Dr. Nkomo's lab, getting a deeper understanding of wireless technology. And I'm also looking forward to becoming a UREP ambassador, sharing my experience with the STAR program to inspire the next incoming first-year students.