I'm
Tony Wang, currently a freshman majoring in Mechanical Engineering here at
George Mason University. My current OSCAR project focuses on assessing the
impact of the newly created Mason Innovation Exchange with Dr. Patrick Vora and
Dr. Colin Reagle. The Mason Innovation Exchange, better known as The MIX, is a
place where students can work together on projects spanning science,
engineering, art, and entrepreneurship. Staff members help guide students in
their projects and work to gain access to resources, equipment, and space.
I
work with the MIX staff members (all undergraduates) to coordinate the best
ways to make the MIX achieve its full potential. My research focuses on
data-driven assessment of current demand for the MIX, the types of projects
students work on here, operational areas that could be improved, and the
overall impact on the GMU student body. Using this data I hope to quantify the
positive impact the MIX has had thus far and emphasize that establishing
additional facilities similar to the MIX is very important for helping students
realize what they can achieve with their own creativity and hard work.
Each
week I collect relevant data regarding the operations of the MIX and also help
with some staff work and marketing. Usually before staff meetings or towards
the end of each week, I will sift through the collected data and analyze it,
finding issues and making remarks on how the MIX is doing. My analysis has
recently discovered MIX operations and procedures that needed to be optimized
to ensure proper documentation of student usage, which we are currently working
to address.
Working
with Dr. Vora on the MIX has allowed me to expand my horizons. It has allowed
me to work towards bringing STEAM to the general public and also hone my
personal skill so that I can be better prepared for the professional world and
future research opportunities. From learning how to 3D print to figuring out
how to organize and analyze varying types of data sets, to getting first hand
experience on how difficult it is to start a new program and keep it running. The MIX
is a great opportunity for all students to expand their horizons and this OSCAR
research position has allowed me to be a part of this amazing opportunity to
help make that happen.
