This summer, the University Honors Program (UHP) at the University of Cincinnati is partnering with Digital Futures to offer a unique research opportunity for undergraduate honors students. The UHP Discover program, traditionally focused on non-STEMM disciplines, is expanding to include select projects in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM), led by Digital Futures lab leaders. Through this collaboration, UHP students will engage in full-time summer research, earning up to $6,000 while gaining hands-on experience in their chosen fields. Participants will benefit from professional development workshops, networking opportunities, and mentorship from esteemed UC faculty. The program aims to cultivate global citizen scholars who are prepared to tackle complex global challenges. This integration with Digital Futures underscores the commitment to experiential learning and innovation, providing students with a comprehensive and enriching research experience.
Below are the projects led by Digital Futures Lab Leaders, and the students assigned to each one. Congratulations to the UHP Discover DF fellows!
From Learning to Leading: Digital Futures AR/VR & Motion Capture Lab Research
Mentor: Chris Collins
Fellow: Justin Garter
The Digital Futures AR/VR & Motion Capture Lab is a premier, state-of-the-art immersive technology research facility featuring a suite of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), simulation, haptic, biometric, and motion capture systems to conduct research. This opportunity will engage students in research projects with faculty and industry partners to solve urgent real-world problems in safe virtual spaces. All experience and technical skill levels are welcome - as long as you're passionate about the future of augmented and virtual reality, gaming, virtual environments, and/or the emerging metaverse.
From Learning to Leading: Unveling the Impact of Mentorship on Youth Futures
Mentor: Todd Foley
Fellow: Linh (Amy) Nguyen
This research project aims to collaboratively engage undergraduate students from the University Honors Program (UHP) in a comprehensive study of the Adopt-A-Class (AAC) mentorship programs. The project will focus on assessing the effectiveness of AAC in influencing student decision-making, educational outcomes, and the organizational culture of the mentor entities involved.
Numeracy: Teaching Mathematics Through an Animated Children's Series
Mentor: Whitney Gaskins
Fellows: Linh Bui, Mithuna Totapally
Join Wesleigh, Waylen, and Waverly on an exhilarating journey through the captivating world of mathematics in our upcoming animated series, " Numeracy: Teaching Mathematics Through an Animated Children's Series” Geared towards young minds, this show aims to make learning math fun, engaging, and an integral part of everyday adventures. Through the characters' interactions and problem-solving, children will be introduced to fundamental mathematical concepts in an approachable and entertaining manner. From basic arithmetic to geometry, fractions to probability, each episode is carefully crafted to align with educational standards while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Design and Implementation of Robotic Indoor Navigation
Mentor: Bryan Kowalczyk
Fellows: Akshaya Bala Subramani, Bidhatri Amatya
This research project aims to create a smart indoor navigation system using a robotic platform. The robot will be upgraded with automation features and various sensors for autonomous navigation. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms will be used to help the robot observe its surroundings, make decisions, and map indoor spaces effectively.
ODOT Grant: "Next generation smart mobility hubs to improve multi-modal mobility, safety, and equity for Ohio residents."
Mentor: Alejandro Lozano-Robledo
Fellow: Rashi Patil
The proposed research project aims to develop a case study using community needs input, multimodal transportation data, and digital twin simulation tools to analyze, test, and propose concepts for Smart Mobility Hubs in Ohio. The larger goal is to develop a set of recommendations that improve multi-modal mobility, land use, public content, job creation, safety, and accessibility in Ohio’s urban neighborhoods and can be scaled to other cities in the future.
Digital Humanities in the Metaverse and Social VR
Mentor: Ming Tang
Fellow: Ahmad Alrefai
This research project delves into digital humanities within the metaverse and social Virtual Reality (VR). This initiative is specifically designed for students from diverse academic backgrounds, including humanities, social sciences, business, education, music, arts, technology, and design. Our primary objective is to explore and understand the humanistic and societal implications of the metaverse and VR as innovative digital interaction and community engagement platforms.