Zonglin P.

Major/Minor

Junior, BS in Computer Science; Minor in Electrical & Computer Engineering

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

For their project, Zonglin and his two teammates tackled the problem of reversing groundwater pollution caused by contaminated properties and waste sites around the country. Using state waste site databases, remedial monitoring reports, site visits, and interviews, the team worked with their sponsor, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, to determine if efficient, renewable energy sources like solar power could be effective in the groundwater remediation process.

Reflection

Students learn many skills over the course of an IQP experience, from time management and organization to leadership; the one with the biggest impact on Zonglin was communication. Whether discussing ideas or determining deadlines, learning the most effective methods of communication to ensure he and his teammates were on the same page in all regards proved invaluable from day one. It's a skill he’s confident he’ll be able to utilize in the future.