The Symba Spotlight Part Two: Hana Gabrielle Rubio Bidon
This week’s Symba Spotlight feature is Hana Gabrielle Rubio Bidon, a rising senior at Cornell University. Hana is interning at the University of Iowa as a research assistant, striving to use her tech skills for the betterment of people with visual impairments. Check out her story below!
Tell us about yourself.
I’m about to be a senior at Cornell University majoring in Information Science, Systems, and Technology with concentrations in Data Science and Behavioral Science and minoring in Science and Technology Studies and Science Communication and Public Engagement. At Cornell, I focus my academic coursework on data science, machine learning, and the social impact of technology on society. I am particularly interested in using data science for social good, especially in mental health. Upon graduating in May 2021, I see myself working in a think tank as a data scientist focused on mental health research.
Tell us about your remote internship. What is your title, and what are the projects and daily tasks you work on?
I'm a Research Assistant for Professor Kyle Rector at the University of Iowa, I will be developing a sensor mat system with the research team that detects whether people with visual impairments are in sync with an aerobics workout (e.g., step aerobics). If they are not in sync, we will deliver personalized verbal feedback.
Right now, I'm reading research papers on general accessibility and learning about Computer Vision through Udemy.
What are you enjoying most about your remote internship?
I love the flexibility of my research internship and that I can do it whenever I want as long as I meet the minimum work requirement of 40 hours per week
I also love that I'm researching accessibility and human-computer interaction this summer, which is something that I'm passionate about.
What new skills have you learned so far?
A new skill that I’ve learned so far is Computer Vision.
How have your company and internship manager supported you through your internship?
They supported me emotionally and encouraged me to learn new skills and topics like Computer Vision.
What advice would you give to other interns about to embark on their first remote internship?
Remember to maintain a routine every day so that you can work productively. Exercise and go outside too. Most of all, remember not to overwork yourself and take care of yourself.
By Anika Pasilis
