Angela C.
An IQP is often called life-changing by WPI students, requiring teams to delve into a problem that matters to real people.

Project

Project

Angela and five other WPI students gathered data to determine the feasibility of implementing an intelligent transportation system in Acadia National Park to help mitigate traffic congestion and parking issues during peak season. The park's current infrastructure can't handle the increasing visitation traffic, so Angela and her team completed research, communicated with park officials, and completed field observation to determine if an intelligent transportation system for the park would be effective.

Reflection

Before coming to WPI, Angela had never had the chance to work on a project that could affect positive change. To her, one of the most valuable parts of her IQP experience was the opportunity to do just that for a sponsor who appreciated what she and her team were producing.

WPI’s project-based curriculum has helped Angela refine her skills in group work, something she believes will prove to be extremely valuable and practical in the future. Angela firmly believes that the curriculum enhanced her education in a way that distinguishes WPI students from their peers.
Angela Calvi
Hometown
Pleasantville, NY
Junior, BS in Chemical Engineering; Minor in Mathematics
Mentor/Advisor
Hometown
Pleasantville, NY
Mentor/Advisor
Achievements
  • Completing two major projects—practicum and IQP—and looking forward to completing my MQP.
  • Immersing myself in clubs, friend groups, and the community.
Achievements
  • Completing two major projects—practicum and IQP—and looking forward to completing my MQP.
  • Immersing myself in clubs, friend groups, and the community.
Aspirations
  • Finding a career in chemical engineering working with environmentally benign chemicals.
More about Angela’s Project
More about the Bar Harbor Immersion

Typical Work Week Schedule

7:30 AM

Wake up and get ready for breakfast.

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9:00 AM

Participate in fieldwork with my team.

12:00 PM

Head out to lunch.

1:00 PM

The afternoon is full of research and group work on our presentation and paper.

5:30 PM

We all meet up together for dinner.

6:30 PM

Spend part of the evening playing card games.

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7:30 PM

Head down to the pier to watch the sunset.

8:30 PM

Relax and enjoy some free time back in the cottage.

10:30 PM

Close out the day stargazing.

Typical Weekend Schedule

9:00 AM

Wake up and relax before grabbing breakfast or brunch.

10:30 AM

Spend the afternoon going on a hike in the park.

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1:30 PM

Head out to lunch.

2:30 PM

Explore town and hang out with friends.

5:30 PM

We all meet up together for dinner.

6:30 PM

Relax at the Village Green, the central hub of Bar Harbor.

8:30 PM

Stop by a local ice cream shop for some dessert.

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9:30 PM

Stargaze on top of Cadillac Mountain.

Working in the field with teammates assessing the existing intelligent transportation system in Acadia National Park

Meeting with the local sponsor from Acadia National Park, Charlie Jacobi, on the progress of the project

Taking a break with other WPI students on the grounds of the students’ residence at the College of the Atlantic

Enjoying the scenery from the rock banks along Sand Beach on the east side of Mount Desert Island in Acadia National Park

Drying off after a swim in the frigid ocean waters off the pier near the College of Atlantic where the students lived

Playing soccer on the field just outside the student residence at the College of the Atlantic

Walking along Sand Beach with teammates during a lunch break from field work

Conducting field work at the Nature Center in Acadia National Park with project team members

Quote

The IQP is a unique program that provides students with wonderful opportunities to travel and find themselves.