Sarah Ely Email & Phone Number

ER7 - Simulation and Graphics Intern

In a recent initiative, I embarked on a collaborative effort to deepen our understanding of eclipses by joining the Eclipse Ambassador program by first, working through a comprehensive three-week online course and organizing events across the community. Together with a dedicated partner, we successfully reached out to our communities, distributing eclipse resources to over 200 individuals in preparation for the 2024 solar eclipse. Notably, we ensured that at least half of these recipients hailed from underserved communities, including local schools and clubs. Our primary objective was to impart knowledge about the science behind eclipses and emphasize safety procedures to these communities. As a NASA partnered organization, we facilitated the provision of solar viewing glasses and shared vital eclipse information with individuals residing outside the central viewing paths. This joint endeavor not only enabled access to the astronomical event but also enriched the educational experience for many, fostering a deeper appreciation for science among those who may have otherwise missed out on such opportunities.

As part of my duties, I collaborated with a team to contribute to the development of a new curriculum focusing on ScratchJr, Code.org, and Arduino. These were tailored to introduce STEM education to a younger audience. This involved designing engaging and age-appropriate learning materials to nurture early coding skills. Additionally, I took an active role in implementing these curriculums into educational coding workshops specifically targeted at children between the ages of 3 to 7, fostering their interest and enthusiasm for technology from a young age. Throughout these initiatives, I remained committed to ensuring the highest quality of education for all, particularly for those in underserved communities, by continuously refining and adapting our teaching methods to meet their specific needs.

My duties encompass leading eight-week-long class sessions aimed at educating children in grades 2-4, where I take on the role of instructor. Within these sessions, I focus on teaching the fundamentals of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) utilizing the TinkerCAD software, providing students with essential skills in digital modeling and design. Additionally, I introduce students to the world of programming by teaching Scratch, a beginner-friendly programming language, fostering their creativity and problem-solving abilities. As part of my responsibilities, I meticulously track student attendance and homework completion, ensuring their progress and engagement with the material. Furthermore, I maintain open communication channels with both parents and fellow teachers, providing updates on student performance and addressing any concerns or inquiries that may arise, thus fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment.

In this role, my duties revolve around managing the 3D printing process efficiently. This includes keeping track of the 3D printing submission queue, ensuring that all requests are logged and prioritized appropriately. I am responsible for completing 3D prints in a timely manner, ensuring that each project is executed with precision and attention to detail. Additionally, I communicate with students to notify them of print pick-up times, ensuring a smooth and convenient process for retrieving their finished prints. Overall, my focus is on facilitating a seamless and efficient 3D printing service, supporting the educational and creative endeavors of students.

As team lead I was responsible for completing 3D prints for the chassis of a robotic car, integrating advanced components for control and computation. This involved overseeing the entire printing process, from selecting the appropriate materials to ensuring the structural integrity and precision of each print. Additionally, I worked on integrating the ultrasonic sensor with a Raspberry Pi and other vehicle systems, focusing on creating a seamless interface that enables accurate distance sensing and obstacle detection. Furthermore, I am involved in implementing features to enable autonomous travel of the car, leveraging the data from various sensors to enable intelligent decision-making and navigation capabilities.

EP5 Power and Battery Systems InternOne of my first tasks involved designing and 3D printing housing compartments as well as devising electronic test equipment specifically configured to safeguard wire contacts against the challenges posed by lunar dust contamination. This involved developing specialized enclosures capable of withstanding abrasive particles while maintaining functionality, as well as creating advanced testing apparatus to simulate lunar conditions and ensure the reliability of these wire contacts. Concurrently, I collaborated on enhancing the deployment of power equipment for the ground testing of VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover), contributing to the improvement of its testing protocols and deployment strategies. My proficiency in Creo and Altium were instrumental in these developmental tasks, allowing me to design and optimize components with precision. Additionally, I executed comprehensive power documentation and performed detailed calculations to guarantee the optimal performance of individual VIPER components, ensuring that each part met the stringent requirements for the mission's success.On another project, I developed a shorting connector for a lithium-ion pistol grip tool. This involved not only the product development phase, where I designed and refined the connector, but also creating detailed documentation to streamline the testing of the adapter through various environmental test sequences. This product ensures that the testing process for the grip tool will be efficient and thorough, verifying the connector's performance under different conditions.

Being promoted to Senior Code Sensei I worked as assistant manager, as the highest ranking coding instructor within the branch. As part of my diverse duties, I oversaw the seamless operation of opening and closing procedures, ensuring a smooth transition for students and staff. I meticulously tracked student progress and managed grading, providing feedback to support their educational journey. In the classroom, I engaged students aged 7-14 in interactive STEM concepts, teaching a range of subjects including Scratch, Python, Lua, C#, and Unity, fostering their curiosity and critical thinking skills across various programming languages and game development platforms. Additionally, I led multiple summer camps, including those focused on Minecraft, Raspberry Pi, Python, Roblox, and a YouTube camp, offering students diverse and enriching learning experiences. In a leadership capacity, I supervised other workers, ensuring they perform their duties effectively and maintain high standards of performance. Through these multifaceted roles, I am dedicated to nurturing a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where students can thrive and explore their interests in STEM fields.

Promoted to Lead Code Sensei in charge of basic center operations as well as the training of new instructors.

Worked on empowering students with foundational programming skills through the use of Scratch and JavaScript.

As part of the Autonomous Car Research project, I focused on integrating machine learning into cooperative AI driver assistance systems to enhance hardware-software interaction. As part of an interdisciplinary team of engineers and computer science undergraduates and graduate students, I worked on utilizing the Robotics Operating System (ROS) and programming in C to support robotic system integration and operations. I conducted tests and verifications for various robotic components, including motors, sensors, and communication systems. Additionally, my duties involved researching embedded systems, effectively communicating with fellow team members, working with ROS and LiDAR, and interfacing between hardware and software to ensure seamless operation and integration of the autonomous systems.

As Camp Instructor I worked to lead and teach a grant program aimed at bringing STEM lessons to a local Boys and Girls Clubs, where I introduced students to basic programming concepts. In this role, I taught various programming languages and development skills, including Scratch, Python, JavaScript, and web development. Throughout the program, I guided students in applying their new skills to create a portfolio of projects, enabling them to showcase their work and track their progress. This hands-on approach not only helped students understand the fundamentals of programming but also allowed me to develop comprehensive lesson plans, provide individualized support, and facilitate interactive learning experiences that made complex concepts accessible and engaging.

I dedicated my time to offering childcare services to local women within my community, catering to children aged 3 months to 4 years old. Beyond supervision, I engaged actively with the children, fostering play and incorporating educational elements into our activities. Additionally, I took charge of maintaining cleanliness within the facility, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for the children. Moreover, I organized attendance records and managed administrative tasks to ensure smooth operations on a weekly basis.

Bachelor'S Degree, Electrical And Computer Engineering - Minors, Physics And Mathematics - Honors Studies Concentration

Activities and Societies: Robotics Club - Team Leader 3D Printing Club - 3D Printing Technician Rowan Association for Women in Math.

Associate'S Degree, Electrical Engineering

Activities and Societies: Robotics and Automation Club - Member Women in STEM Club - President Association for Computing Machinery.