Riverwood Student Shadows GA Tech Research Institute Engineer

From Riverwood International School: Riverwood International Charter School junior Luca Maddaleni (Class of 2020) spent a fascinating day shadowing an engineer at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI). Maddaleni, an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme Candidate, shadowed Chase Johnston, a research engineer with the GTRI Electro-Optical Systems Laboratory (EOSL) for a full day in November for his Directed Study course. The EOSL is a leader in electro-optical and radio frequency signal and information processing, with expertise covering system design, algorithm development, and modeling and simulation for signals across the electromagnetic spectrum.

Maddaleni toured the lab, located in Georgia Tech’s Baker Building, and was able to work side-by-side with Johnston on projects encompassing circuit design, board layout, soldering, signal manipulation with piezoelectric sensors, andenergy harvesters. Johnston, who holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s in ECE with a focus in Systems and Controls from Georgia Tech said, “It is refreshing to see such an interest in the electrical and computer engineering field at such a young age. The availability of hardware and software to students at the high school level
provides an enormous opportunity to develop critically needed skills requisite for advanced technological development.

It is impressive to see how quickly bright students like Luca catch on to this information in as little as eight hours.” Having the opportunity to visit the Electro-Optical Systems Laboratory -- to see, to learn, and to experience a “day in the life” of an engineer -- was invaluable to Maddaleni as he considers his education options. His course of study in the IB program includes both higher level Physics and Math and, at this point, he is interested in pursuing a degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering. Maddaleni said, “Shadowing Mr. Johnston gave me new insight into the different pathways for electrical or computer engineers, and showed me how research and development works inside a state of the art facility. I am very grateful for Mr. Johnston allowing me to shadow him, and for teaching me many things about what it means to be an engineer.”

Riverwood’s Directed Study course requires not only a job “shadow day,” but also an internship to give students an exposure to a real-life work environment. Following the day at the EOSL, Maddaleni’s desire is to obtain a spot in one of the Georgia Tech research labs for the Spring 2019 semester. All students in the directed study class build a resume, create a cover letter, participate in mock interviews, and go through career exploration exercises. They also practice writing college essays and other activities to prepare them for the “real” world.

Images via The Riverwood Int'l School