Student Profile – Nikitha Fernandes
Nikitha Fernandes, a senior in Biomedical Engineering, reflects on her 4-year journey pursuing engineering at San José State University (SJSU). Raised in Cupertino, California, Nikitha’s interest in engineering stems from her innate curiosity about building and coding, intertwined with her passion for bettering people’s quality of health.
Initially wanting to be a doctor, Nikitha’s trajectory shifted during high school as she discovered the field of biomedical engineering. Recognizing it as the perfect bridge between her passions, she set her sights on contributing to the healthcare sector through innovative engineering solutions, and SJSU was the perfect location due to the vast opportunities provided here, plus being close to her family.
She was nervous about entering engineering, due to her late decision to pursue the field, which resulted in a lack of foundation in math and science in her freshman year. However, Nikitha found the ideal environment to nurture her interests, supported by robust resources and a vibrant community at SJSU to support her success.
One pivotal aspect of Nikitha’s college journey is her involvement in extracurricular activities, particularly the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). Joining SWE not only provided her with a supportive network but also allowed her to assume leadership roles, fostering personal growth and a sense of empowerment. Serving first as club treasurer and currently as director of professional development, she was able to plan outreach events to help K-12 girls who are interested in engineering.
Between her studies and club leadership, Nikita was worried about her time not being used wisely to better her financial situation. However, as a recipient of the Gordon Family Scholarship, Nikitha expresses that these aids have eased her financial stress, allowing her to fully focus on college life without feeling guilty.
When navigating through moments of doubt during her college journey, particularly challenging coursework, Nikitha found solace in maintaining a balance and reconnecting with her passion for engineering through Girlstart, a program that teaches elementary girls fun STEM activities. It reminded her of why she chose an engineering major in the first place and her goal of being a role model for younger generations.
As Nikitha ends her undergraduate journey at SJSU, her story stands as a testament to passion, advocacy, and interdisciplinary engineering. From navigating doubts to discovering her true calling in biomedical engineering, her impact has been significant to our community, inspiring many young generations to come. Nikita’s journey serves as an inspiration to all who dare to chase their dreams with unwavering determination and purpose.
Women’s History Month – Inventions
image courtesy of The United States Patent and Trademark Office
In 1903, while visiting New York City, Mary Anderson from Birmingham, Alabama, conceived the idea for the windshield wiper. Frustrated by the obstructed view caused by snowfall blocking her view from her streetcar window, Anderson envisioned a device that could clear the windshield with ease. Her invention consisted of a lever-operated rubber blade mechanism, which she patented in 1903. The windshield wiper revolutionized automotive safety by ensuring clearer visibility during adverse weather conditions, reducing accidents caused by impaired vision caused by external factors such as rain, snow, etc.
Lisa Gelobter, a computer scientist and technologist, made a lasting impact with her creation of the Graphics Interchange Format, commonly known as GIF. Gelobter’s innovation gained popularity in the late 1980s while she was working as part of a team at CompuServe, where she focused on developing image compression techniques. The GIF format allowed for the storage and exchange of images with relatively small file sizes, making it ideal for online use, solving the technical problem of compressing images but ensuring minimal data loss. GIFs quickly gained popularity as a means of expressing emotions, humor, and communicating information across the rising internet landscape. Today, GIFs remain a global form of communication, adding personality to digital conversations with their animated visuals and versatility.
Patricia Bath, an ophthalmologist and inventor, introduced laser cataract surgery to the medical world. Born in Harlem, New York, in 1942, Bath was driven by a passion for addressing preventable blindness, particularly in underserved communities. In 1988, she patented the device and method for laser cataract surgery, which utilized a laser to make precise incisions in the eye, facilitating safer and more effective cataract removal. Bath’s invention significantly improved the outcomes of cataract surgeries, offering patients enhanced precision, quicker recovery times, and reduced risk of complications compared to traditional surgical techniques.
Nuclear AI – Prof Ahmed Banafa
Explore the dynamic frontier of Nuclear AI that examines its definition, benefits, risks, and future implications. This discourse navigates the potential of AI to revolutionize nuclear technology, enhance safety, and optimize energy generation. Emphasizing the need for ethical frameworks, regulatory oversight, and global collaboration.