updated STEM

wright-application/essays/stem.tex

@@ -1 +1,62 @@
 % FTC, TEG, GaitGuardian, AIME + Contributing Solutions to AOPS, ACE, Full Server Setup, Hacking?, Science Bowl?, Debate Congress APp, MIDI technology??, 
+
+In the last three years, STEM activities have been the focus of my high school experience, both through and outside of school.
+I have had a strong passion towards STEM activities since middle school, and I believe that these experiences have prepared me
+to fully utilize the research platforms and opportunities provided by AFRL.
+
+\begin{enumerate}
+	\item From 9th to 11th grade, I have been an active member of my community First Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics team, serving as
+	      Co-Captain and Software Lead. I started in my freshman year from square one, knowing no programming languages or
+	      concepts. Slowly, I picked up Java through the FTC SDK, and I eventually started writing functional code for our robot. As the
+	      season had progressed, I had become a decent programmer, and our team was able to win as a State Finalist alliance team and
+	      Area Innovate Award Winner for a unique fully-automated hang mechanism. In the following two years, I ramped up my
+	      time commitment and progressed my skills. By applying the Calculus knowledge I was learning in the classroom, I was
+	      able to implement a fully custom autonomous pathing system for our robot, using trigonometry, inverse kinematics, and
+	      PID control to achieve precise movement. In addition, I tinkered with computer vision, developing a custom TensorFlow model
+	      for failsafe object detection (with 100\% match success). Our team went on to champion our league, become an Area Finalist
+	      captain, and place in the global top-30 for autonomous performance.
+	\item In my 9th grade, my independent research project for Science Fair qualified as a finalist project for the prestigious
+	      International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). My project started from a very simple idea of utilizing available thermal energy
+	      in a cooking pot to also stir the contents (to save energy for cooking). From here, I learned about the world of
+	      thermoelectric generators (TEGs) and the Seebeck effect. Applying the CAD and simulation concepts I learned from my
+	      Engineering class in school, I designed an aluminum enclosure that used a TEG, a heat sink, and a motor to convert heat
+	      energy into mechanical stirring. I also learned about electrical circuits as I used a voltage and current sensor to effectively
+	      graph my TEG's performance relative to the temperature differential. My final prototype, although simple, was able to win
+	      1st in Engineering Technology at my regional science fair, where I also won a special awards through the US Metric Association and
+	      the US Air Force Certificate of Recognition. At ISEF, I was able to present to domain experts and professors from
+	      around the world, gaining valuable insights and feedback to later improve my prototype and project.
+	\item In my 10th grade, my research project for Science Fair won 3rd in Robotics and Intelligent Machines at the
+	      highly-competitive International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
+	      After seeing many relatives of mine struggle with Parkinson's Disease, I wanted to help create a solution that could help them.
+	      Through research, I encountered an interesting method of using machine learning to aid in both walking and tremors. Using
+	      online published datasets, I applied a novel online signal processing approach that ensured real-time classification of
+	      gait patterns. After training multiple models and testing them through cross-validation, I ended up with a fully functional model
+	      with high accuracy and low inference times. However, I wanted to take this a step further and create a physical prototype. Using
+	      my engineering teacher's help, I designed a custom PCB with an ESP32 microcontroller and an IMU sensor, which I programmed
+	      to collect real time data to feed to my model. By using online resources and reading published literature methods, I was able to
+	      self-teach myself the needed Python and C++ to fully implement my working solution. My novel approach was recognized at the regional level,
+	      where I won 1st in Systems Software, TI Best Computing Project, and 2nd Grand Prize (qualifying me to ISEF). At ISEF, domain experts were
+	      equally impressed with my work, and I was awarded 3rd place in Robotics and Intelligent Machines, along with a \$1200 award.
+	\item This year, I have started a passion project in maintaining a full-time server. After repurposing a decade-old budget laptop,
+	      I installed an Ubuntu Linux OS onto my machine and setup a home server. From here, I slowly the basics of bash scripting,
+	      networking, Linux, and service management through a hands-on approach. I set up multiple services, including a
+	      Matrix client used by my friends for communicating while in school. I also set up a Git server to host my code,
+	      which taught me a lot about permissions and how servers actually interact with clients. Most recently, I set up an
+	      SSH service which allows users to view a shell interactive I made to display my portfolio. While this extremely risky
+	      ,with over 1 million attacks in two months, I have learned a lot about security measured, and none of the attacks have
+	      been successful due to my proactive measures. While my server is mostly used for tinkering, I have learned a lot about
+	      networking and computing fundamentals through this project.
+	\item In my 9th Grade, I started taking on competition math to challenge myself, qualifying for the AIME (American Invitational
+	      Mathematics Examination) through AMC 10. After self-studying through online resources and textbooks, I learned the art of
+	      solving math problems in a intuitive, creative, and timely manner. Not only did I learn advanced math concepts, but I also
+	      learned the critical logical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to tackle complex problems. I have also
+	      competed and placed in local math competitions, including Purple Comet and Math League. As I encounter these problems
+	      through the online community Art of Problem Solving (AoPS), I have also started contributing solutions to problems.
+	      I learned how to clearly and concisely explain my thought process and solutions in LaTeX format,
+	      helping other students understand my unique approach to these complex problems. Within my high school, I also
+	      contribute challenging problems through our tutoring club, ACE, to help students in Geometry and Calculus.
+	      %//TODO: SHORTEN BOTH ABOVE??
+	\item % MIDI AND AUDIO
+	\item % Debate congrews app
+    \item % Self LEarnign courses and LEet code, etc.??
+\end{enumerate}

wright-application/main.tex

@@ -317,6 +317,24 @@ raiser/tutoring/community service/volunteer work). Explain your duties.
 
 \end{onecolentry}
 
+\vspace{0.2 cm}
+\hrule
+\vspace{0.2 cm}
+\textbf{Prompt 4:} Provide detailed examples from high school that showcase your interest or participation in STEM platforms, such as FIRST Lego League, robotics
+competitions, science fairs, Science Olympiad, Math Olympiad, science/math clubs, 4-H competitions, etc. If your school does not offer these,
+provide detailed information on other hobbies/activities that demonstrate your interest in STEM, such as working with mechanical or electrical
+devices, building computers as a hobby, programming/coding skills, volunteering at a medical center, tutoring science/math, etc. Provide specific
+information that demonstrates your skills and capabilities in your area/s of interest.
+
+\begin{onecolentry}
+
+
+	\vspace{0.2 cm}
+	\input{essays/stem.tex}
+
+
+
+\end{onecolentry}
 
 
 \end{document}