Special from UTPB
Internships are an important way for students at University of Texas Permian Basin to gain real-world experience and insight into what their future could hold. For sophomore electrical engineering student, Eliza Delgado, this meant traveling to Rome, New York, to work at the Airforce Research Lab (AFRL).
The mission of this research lab is “to explore, prototype, and demonstrate high-impact, game changing technologies that enable the Air Force and Nation to maintain its superior technical advantage,” according to the Airforce Research Laboratory website.
UTPB electrical engineering faculty member, Dr. Mohsin Jamali, recommended Delgado apply for the Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program internship. Delgado said the internship was 10 weeks long. The first two weeks were remote and the remaining 8 weeks were at the lab in New York.
“My team and I would arrive at the base and meet with our co-mentors to discuss our progress, development plans for work, and schedule for the day,” Delgado said.
The project she worked on was based around virtually developing Persian Incursion, a board game to be played online via a real-time 3D development platform, Unity Technologies.
“The game is based on conflict between two countries. Each country must utilize their military, intelligence, and politics to have a successful campaign,” Delgado said. “My team focused on the incorporation of a new aspect to the game; a power grid that was capable of being attacked by the opponent and restored by the home country.”
Delgado added this eye-opening opportunity was helpful in many ways.
“There were ample opportunities to network with the employees of the AFRL and Griffiss Institute through lunch and learn’s. These were regular conferences held to introduce us to the staff and fellow researchers working on site.”
Delgado credits UTPB’s College of Engineering for the skills she used in her internship.
“At the AFRL internship, I was commended on my resume that had been reviewed here at UTPB. The professors in the UTPB College of Engineering are committed to encouraging students to attend or apply for events and positions within our fields.”
Delgado has big plans for her future as she aspires to help others who are in need with her electrical engineering degree.
“Post graduation I plan to join in on the development of power grids in unincorporated communities, like some areas of the Navajo Nation, so those families and businesses acquire access to electricity in an economically and environmentally conscious manner. UTPB has provided me the educational and research experiences to advance toward my professional goals.”
