Abstract
Technical Capstone Project
My technical capstone project focuses on the development of a pedagogical robot designed to enhance hands-on learning in embedded systems education. The project addresses a key limitation in current instruction, which often relies on abstract demonstrations such as LEDs rather than interactive, physical systems. By creating an affordable and modular robotic platform, the project enables students to directly observe how their code interacts with real-world hardware. The robot supports multiple microcontroller platforms, including Texas Instruments and STMicroelectronics boards, allowing flexibility in classroom use and maximizing compatibility with existing resources.
A central goal of the project is to balance performance, functionality, and cost. Working within strict budget constraints, the design prioritizes low-cost components while maintaining educational effectiveness through thoughtful engineering decisions, such as combining lower-precision sensors with complementary systems for reliability. The result is a scalable learning tool that can support a range of skill levels, from introductory programming to advanced embedded systems design. Ultimately, this project demonstrates how efficient resource utilization can expand access to high-quality engineering education and create more inclusive learning environments.
STS Research Paper
My STS research paper examines the challenge of efficiently allocating the radio frequency (RF) spectrum, a finite and essential public resource that underpins modern communication systems. As demand for wireless technologies continues to grow, the current system of static and exclusive spectrum licensing has led to inefficiencies, with some bands underutilized while others are congested. My research investigates how dynamic spectrum-sharing mechanisms and policy reforms can better balance innovation, economic fairness, and the rights of existing license holders.
Drawing on both technical studies and policy analysis, the paper explores solutions such as power-controlled spectrum sharing and AI-driven allocation systems that enable more flexible and efficient use of available frequencies. At the same time, it critically examines how regulatory frameworks and cultural values shape spectrum governance, emphasizing that allocation of decisions is not purely technical but also social and political. By applying STS frameworks, the research highlights how spectrum policy reflects broader societal priorities regarding access, equity, and public infrastructure.
Synthesis of Technical and STS Work
Although my capstone and STS projects operate at different scales, they are united by a shared focus on efficient resource utilization for the public good. The pedagogical robot addresses resource constraints in an educational context, demonstrating how thoughtful design can maximize learning outcomes within limited budgets. In contrast, the STS research examines resource allocation at a national level, where spectrum policy determines access to communication technologies.
Together, these projects illustrate that engineering challenges are inherently sociotechnical. Decisions about how resources are designed, allocated, and managed shape not only system performance but also who benefits from technology. Insights from my STS research inform my technical work by emphasizing the importance of fairness, accessibility, and efficiency, while my capstone provides a concrete example of how these principles can be implemented in practice. This synthesis reinforces the idea that responsible engineering requires both technical innovation and critical awareness of broader societal impacts.
