Dear UMBC Community,

In recognition of the hard work of all members of our campus community, we want to make sure that spring break will be restful and rejuvenating. To that end, we are pleased to announce that we will provide three additional university holidays to our faculty and staff, March 17﹘19.

As usual, there will be no classes March 14 ﹘ 21. Residence halls will remain open during spring break. We strongly encourage all in our community, especially residential students, to avoid traveling and social gatherings over the break. We believe that our community’s commitment to health and safety has allowed us to maintain a low positivity rate. This, in turn, has allowed us to continue with plans for this break at a time when many universities have canceled theirs for health reasons.

We recognize that some staff members will need to continue to work throughout the week so that campus operations and needed support services continue to be available. We encourage supervisors to be as flexible as possible with staff scheduling in the hope that they will be able to work reduced hours. Staff members who work over the break will receive holiday leave that they can use at another time. We sincerely appreciate the contributions of those who work during breaks, particularly as we continue confronting the challenges of this pandemic.

As we approach the one-year mark of our decision to close the physical campus, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible work and commitment exhibited in our community. You have been dedicated to our mission, supportive of one another, resilient, and resourceful. 

Thank you for what you are doing. We are grateful.

President Freeman Hrabowski and Provost Philip Rous

Name:Rohit Rai 

Internship, Co-op or Research Site:Lasarrus Clinic & Research Center

Position Title:Graduate Level Software Intern

Major(s)/Minor(s):Computer Science

Current Class Level:Master's Student

Work Term:Fall 2020

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities.

At Lasarrus, we worked to make physical therapy better. I worked with my supervisor/mentor and UMBC Alumni Dr. Lloyd Emokpae, designing the WearMe system that is a novel wearable device. We designed a software to go with the device, the software can support up to 14 wirelessly connected mesh devices, with each device providing real-time data from their sensors. The data that is collected from the patient's body using the sensors is then relayed through our software to the physician in real-time. Thereby providing real-time diagnostics/treatment to the patient at home. 

We have also designed the user interface to incorporate an intelligent and customizable avatar, which acts both as a data interpreter and personal trainer. So the system can also be used for motion-sensor gaming, especially by athletes who will be able to see their vitals in real-time while training.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

At UMBC, opportunities can present itself anywhere. You just have to be vigilant. For me the opportunity came when Dr. Lloyd visited my wireless class as a guest lecturer where he demonstrated his prototype. I was right away blown by his idea. Later, I found through my department faculty 'Dr. Mohammed Younis' that Lasarrus was looking for an intern, I submitted my application, after being shortlisted based on my resume I had an interview with a panel of 4 members including Dr. Lloyd. I was hired post-interview.

What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization? 

All the work I had ever done before was related to software. But, it was different at Lasarrus. I was introduced to the realm of hardware. I ran into various challenges with the hardware trying to enable data exchange between the Arduino based Xbee mounted devices. Every time I hit a brick wall, I researched and consulted my supervisor, and finally came through. I enjoyed this part the most. It was a pleasure working with Dr. Lloyd at Lasarrus, I had his guidance and at the same time had the liberty to express my own ideas from my technical standpoint.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

The system we have designed has the potential to improve physical therapy. It enables the patients' to get diagnostic facilities without actually visiting the doctor. The work we have done at 'Lasaruss' is especially befitting in the time of COVID-19.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience? 

More than anything I would suggest they be self-aware of their skills, feeling, and vision. Only then you can compile them into a resume. To enjoy your work, it is important that your vision aligns with the company's vision. UMBC CSE department has abundant opportunities, you just have to be vigilant.

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