Name:Rohit Rai 

Internship, Co-op or Research Site:Lasarrus Clinic & Research Center

Position Title:Graduate Level Software Intern

Major(s)/Minor(s):Computer Science

Current Class Level:Master's Student

Work Term:Fall 2020

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

At Lasarrus, we worked to make physical therapy better. I worked with my supervisor/mentor and UMBC Alumni Dr. Lloyd Emokpae, designing the WearMe system that is a novel wearable device. We designed a software to go with the device, the software can support up to 14 wirelessly connected mesh devices, with each device providing real-time data from their sensors. The data that is collected from the patient's body using the sensors is then relayed through our software to the physician in real-time. Thereby providing real-time diagnostics/treatment to the patient at home. 

We have also designed the user interface to incorporate an intelligent and customizable avatar, which acts both as a data interpreter and personal trainer. So the system can also be used for motion-sensor gaming, especially by athletes who will be able to see their vitals in real-time while training.

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

At UMBC, opportunities can present itself anywhere. You just have to be vigilant. For me the opportunity came when Dr. Lloyd visited my wireless class as a guest lecturer where he demonstrated his prototype. I was right away blown by his idea. Later, I found through my department faculty 'Dr. Mohammed Younis' that Lasarrus was looking for an intern, I submitted my application, after being shortlisted based on my resume I had an interview with a panel of 4 members including Dr. Lloyd. I was hired post-interview.

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

All the work I had ever done before was related to software. But, it was different at Lasarrus. I was introduced to the realm of hardware. I ran into various challenges with the hardware trying to enable data exchange between the Arduino based Xbee mounted devices. Every time I hit a brick wall, I researched and consulted my supervisor, and finally came through. I enjoyed this part the most. It was a pleasure working with Dr. Lloyd at Lasarrus, I had his guidance and at the same time had the liberty to express my own ideas from my technical standpoint.

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

The system we have designed has the potential to improve physical therapy. It enables the patients' to get diagnostic facilities without actually visiting the doctor. The work we have done at 'Lasaruss' is especially befitting in the time of COVID-19.

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

More than anything I would suggest they be self-aware of their skills, feeling, and vision. Only then you can compile them into a resume. To enjoy your work, it is important that your vision aligns with the company's vision. UMBC CSE department has abundant opportunities, you just have to be vigilant.

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Work with the best. Become a part of America’s premier intelligence  agency. There are countless opportunities for students and professionals to  contribute their talents to our mission: 

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At the CIA, analysts are charged with understanding and anticipating  developments around the world, providing unique insights through written  assessments and briefings to US policymakers to head off national security  threats and provide strategic advantage to the United States. We analyze  the full spectrum of functional, geographic and technical issues that can both  challenge and give opportunity to the United States today.

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Within the CIA, Digital Innovation Officers accelerate technological  advancement across all mission activities. These experts collaborate  to form a powerful engine of creativity, integration and rigor. From  developing the tools needed to excel in the cyber arena to optimizing our  business operations, we ensure that the men and women of the Agency  are equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the rapidly  changing world in which they operate.

  
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