Wake up, gather documents for the day, and get ready to carpool to Union Station with another group.
Thomas W.
Major/Minor
Junior, BS in Computer Science; Minor in Business
Completed Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP) at the Boston, Massachusetts Project Center
An IQP is often called life-changing by WPI students, requiring teams to delve into a problem that matters to real people.
Project
Thomas and the other members of his team researched the redevelopment options for Boston's four Inner Harbor Designated Port Areas (DPAs). Through interviews with representatives from community groups, site visits, and examinations of solutions that have proven in other local and international areas, Thomas and his teammates presented their sponsor, Boston Harbor Now, with several options on how to utilize the vacant land within the Inner Harbor meant to protect marine-dependent industries.
Reflection
Over the course of Thomas’ time at WPI, the project-based curriculum has become second nature and allowed him to gain a better understanding of subject matter than he would through a traditional lecture or study of theory.
He also appreciates the fact that his IQP experience gave him the chance to not only become comfortable with multitasking, but also take the concept of project-based learning one step further as he and his teammates were their own guides in determining their project by the end of the term.
Hometown
Norwood, MA
Major/Minor
BS in Computer Science; Minor in Business
Project Advisor(s)
Project Sponsor
Achievements
- Served as his fraternity's vice president.
- Completed Student Support Network training through the Student Development & Counseling Center.
- Mentored and taught students in local high school drumline.
Aspirations
- Working in cybersecurity as an analyst or software engineer, while also teaching music to high school students.
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Taking a water taxi tour of the Boston Harbor and Chelsea as part of the project field work
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Enjoying a guided walking tour of Boston with the other students from the Boston Project Center
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Attending a professional Red Sox baseball game and seeing the team win the 106 game of the season
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Working on a classroom exercise during the preparatory coursework
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Sharing the final project recommendations with sponsor contacts and guests at the Boston Project Center
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Participating in an architectural boat tour of Boston with the other students from the Boston Project Center
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Conducting a kick off project meeting in Worcester with teammates
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Enjoying a pizza party with other students from the Boston Project Center at the completion of the IQP