Computer Science and Robotics Major JiYoon Kang '25 Hones Lab Skills at Drexel
Name: JiYoon Kang
Class Year: 2025
Majors: Computer Science and Robotics
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
Internship Organization: Battery Dynamics and Engineering Lab at Drexel University
Internship Title: Research Internship
Location of Internship: Philadelphia, PA
What's happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!
For my research internship experience at Battery Dynamics and Engineering Lab, I have two main tasks: learning general knowledge of battery engineering and coding programs to utilize for ultrasonic testing. During the first week of the internship, I learned and trained how to make coin cells and pouch batteries. Based on the experience, I easily learned basic information about battery engineering. Therefore, I could start editing the PicoTech code that gathers ultrasonic sound waves from different materials. The project aims to determine the fast and slow ultrasonic waves from the coding program.
In the second week, I coded the FitReferenceWave function program that could fit the reference wave from an ultrasonic sound signal tracking device based on the target wave. My program revealed the target wave and reference wave with stretching reference waves based on the target wave. Currently, I am working on editing the current PicoTech to automatically save the result of the FitReferenceWave function every time, gathering target and reference waves.
Why did you apply for this internship?
I applied to this internship because I wanted to utilize my data analysis skills. Furthermore, I am currently considering a Ph.D. program to study robotics. I was worried about applying for a Ph.D. because I was unsure I would enjoy the research and working on lab projects. I wanted to experience a glimpse of an engineering Ph.D. lab project and feel comfortable in the lab. With my experience at the Battery Dynamics and Engineering Lab, I have better prepared myself for jumping into a robotics Ph.D. program.
What has been your favorite part of this internship?
Professor Wes has been willing to support the project and my personal goals. He gave me the opportunity to present my current project at the weekly Monday lab meeting. All of the lab members gave me good feedback and a new perspective on solving some of the issues I was encountering. Also, Battery Dynamics and Engineering Lab has a really comfortable environment to work in-person and remote. It was nice to be able to choose where I wanted to work.
Through the Career and Civic Engagement Center Beyond 黑料社区 Summer Internship Program, 黑料社区 students pursue opportunities in fields such as nonprofits, government and law, health care, research, sciences, business, and the arts. Thanks to the generosity of our alumnae/i and donors, over 150 students across all academic departments are funded to pursue unpaid internships or research experiences in the U.S. and abroad each year.