Trekkers

August 4th, 2016

today was a very successful day as we started with the MSRP session which lasted till lunch time. The MSRP poster board presentation was a very educative session which created a base for interaction between the trekkers and various researchers. Their research presentations gave me an insight on the scope for any research project and the planning  that goes into the achievement of the desired result. The really sparked my interest was a research project that dealt with the modification of solar cells for cheaper and more efficient production using Aluminium as cathode and ITO as anode.

We also  went through a discussion and developmental session which helped us to better analyse our research topic and assign various sub-units that each person will be working on over the school year. We also started looking  up our various sectors and looking into the materials that will be needed, the materials we will be making ourselves, the average user population, the price range of the final product etc. At the end of the day, we were able to talk with Kelvin who I really appreciate for taking his time at the airport to talk to us. He gave us a scenario asking the factors for investment in a business plan, the amount of unit product the company will be making and the factors to consider to increase the number of consumers. This question’s really got us thinking about how our product can be produced and put into the industry for investment. I would recommend this question to help other trekkers think about technological consultation and financing before creating a product. 

By: Tim Wright

On August 2nd, fifteen students embarked on the first Trek Orientation, a program for traditionally underserved or underrepresented students pursuing majors in STEM fields, such as science and
mathematics.  The program, which is rooted in a mentorship process involving graduate students and i-Trek staff, took place on the MIT campus, with
a stop at the Harvard Campus as well, and is the precursor to the Trek program.  The program included Mentor Research Presentations, a Hackathon, attending a poster presentation by MIT students, and completing a group research project (culminating in a presentation by each group).  A prize was awarded to the highest scoring group.  The Trek Orientation engages critical, analytical, and creative thinking skills for all participants, which will help prepare them to succeed in college, graduate school, and beyond.

First, a group of graduate students gave presentations on their graduate research projects.  Based on those presentations, the students provided their input on whom they would like as their mentor for the Trek process.  Based on their feedback, a mentor is selected for the students participating in the Orientation and subsequently the Trek.

After the students had a mentor, the next stage was the Hackathon.  The students were divided into groups, and presented with a problem that requires a scientific research project to solve.  The competition involved the different groups coming up with the best scientific research project to solve the problem.

The students are then able to draw inspiration and knowledge by viewing presentations by MIT students at the Poster Presentation by the MIT Summer Research Program.  The Trek students view these presentations in order to gain ideas for their own research project.

Each group decides on a research project, which will be conducted over a period of several weeks.  At the conclusion of the Orientation, each group gave a presentation explaining the project they propose to conduct.   A prize was awarded to the group with the best presentation.  At the conclusion of the one week Orientation, the cohort embark on the project defined, otherwise known as their “Trek.”   The project is different each year and takes  students to different locations.

The process opens up students’ minds to new ideas of objective analysis.  They will be open to new ways of measuring and observing the world around them.  They become well versed and experienced in scientific and mathematical research, which will not only give them a better chance to succeed in graduate school, but also in their future endeavors in life.