Jacob S.
An IQP is often called life-changing by WPI students, requiring teams to delve into a problem that matters to real people.
Junior,  BS in Management Engineering

Project

Jacob traveled to the Albania Project Center to complete his IQP, which was focused on the implementation of a robotics competition at a local technical high school in Tirana, as well as other schools in the region. Throughout the process, he and his three teammates mentored 24 high school students in robot design and construction; the project culminated with a robotics competition between the students.

Reflection

Jacob was impressed by the friendliness, drive, and passion of the students in the robotics club that he and his teammates mentored. They were very motivated to learn and grow as much as they could, despite feeling that they didn’t have the same opportunities in Albania as students in the United States. Jacob also appreciated the opportunity to become immersed in a different culture through his IQP, gaining a new perspective on life that opened his eyes to the world.
Preview
Hometown
Manchester, NH
Mentor/Advisor
Hometown
Manchester, NH
Mentor/Advisor
Achievements
  • Completing my IQP, which tested my ability to think outside the box, adapt to changes, and work in teams—overall a very rewarding experience.
  • Being elected Student Government President for the coming year, providing me the opportunity to help make WPI a better place for students.
Achievements
  • Completing my IQP, which tested my ability to think outside the box, adapt to changes, and work in teams—overall a very rewarding experience.
  • Being elected Student Government President for the coming year, providing me the opportunity to help make WPI a better place for students.
Aspirations
  • Pursue a career that provides me the opportunity to work with others to solve problems and contribute to positive change in the world.
More about Jacob's project
More about the Albania Immersion

Working with the students from the robotics club program at the Harry Fultz Institute

Team meeting with the project sponsor, Enxhi Jaupi, a teacher at the Harry Fultz Institute

Excursion to the beautiful region of Valbona in the tropical district of northern Albania

Providing hands-on robotics instruction to the Harry Fultz Institute students in their laboratory

Preparing the classroom lesson for the Harry Fultz Institute robotics club program

Ferry ride with the faculty advisors and other WPI students in the Valbona region

A team photo in the Harry Fultz Institute robotics club laboratory

Teaching the Harry Fultz Institute robotics club program to the students

A team photo with sponsor representatives at the final project presentation event at the Albania Project Center

Entrance to the Harry Fultz Institute—a technical high school and community college in Tirana, Albania

On a tour of the Berat Castle, one of the major and most popular attractions in Albania

Working with the project sponsor in the robotic club program laboratory

The project-based curriculum has given me the opportunity to gain valuable experience solving real life problems. Overall, I feel like I am part of a supportive community of people here at WPI who all have the same goal of changing the world.