Envision Center to host CI-XP Student Program Lightning Talks
The Rosen Center for Advanced Computing (RCAC)’s Envision Center will host its annual CI-XP Student Program Lightning Talks from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24. The event will feature quick, two- to four-minute presentations from RCAC student employees, highlighting the projects they’ve worked on and what they’ve learned throughout the semester.
Augusto Butkewitsch, a sophomore triple majoring in computer science, mathematics and statistics, joined the Envision Center after finding the opportunity while searching for a work-study position to support his financial aid. With prior Unity programming experience from high school, he quickly became an active member of the team.
“My experience with the Envision Center has been very rewarding to my abilities as both a personal contributor and as part of a team,” Butkewitsch said.
“Some of my projects include two chemistry simulations for the CHEM 115 class at Purdue, and my latest project is a 360-degree simulator of Purdue’s nuclear reactor, which serves as a way to train nuclear engineering students to operate the reactor safely. As I prepare for the lightning talks, I look forward to not only sharing the cool projects I’ve worked on, but also to expressing my growth as a developer and student during my time here.”
Nathaniel Whitacre, a junior majoring in computer science with a minor in Spanish language and culture, also brings a passion for game design to the Envision Center. He serves as lead gameplay designer for Purdue ACM’s SIGGD game development club.
“I joined the Envision Center in hopes of exploring new technologies and improving my technical skills,” he says.
“Since becoming a student programmer last October, I’ve gained valuable experience that I now apply to both Envision Center projects and personal game development work. Beyond improving as a programmer, learning to collaborate and communicate effectively with clients will benefit me in any professional path I choose.”
Graduating seniors will be recognized at the end of the event. Previous student projects at the Envision Center have included a driving simulation, a virtual reality application used to assess glove box and fume hood safety in labs handling hazardous materials, and an augmented reality patient simulation that helps students from multiple healthcare disciplines coordinate care.
For more information about the Envision Center or the April 24 lightning talks, email envision@purdue.edu.