BAM ECE student Upneet Singh pays it forward with VEX Robotics

Teresa Donnellan — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 15:34:32 +0000

BAM ECE student Upneet Singh pays it forward with VEX Robotics Teresa Donnellan Mon, 06/10/2024 - 11:34

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Recent graduate in electrical and computer engineering Upneet Singh is dedicated to bringing practical engineering experiences to students in elementary and high school.

Singh, who is continuing to earn a Master’s degree via his department’s Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s (BAM) program, got his own start in engineering by participating in VEX Robotics competitions in middle school. Despite his high school not offering VEX Robotics, Singh took the initiative to start his own team, continuing his participation throughout high school. Now, he participates in VEX Robotics as a mentor and volunteer.

Upneet Singh

Singh shares his love of engineering with young STEM enthusiasts not only by volunteering at VEX Robotics events but also by bringing students a taste of what a higher education in STEM has to offer.

“I am who I am today because of VEX Robotics. I did it for seven years of my life, and it took me from knowing nothing about technology to knowing everything that I know today,” said Singh. “So I love trying to give back to it.”

At the 2024 VEX Robotics Championship for the commonwealth of Virginia, Singh coordinated with one of his mentors, Associate Professor Tolga Soyata, to present two hands-on demonstrations of electrical and computer engineering to attendees.

"We showed off last semester's senior design project winner and one of Professor Soyata's personal projects to engage and interest students in continuing STEM beyond high school," said Singh. The senior design project was a self-balancing robot, which amazed students with its ability to stabilize itself after being pushed. The other project involved a computer-vision application for playing rock-paper-scissors.

"We wanted to pick projects that the students could really touch and get a feel for," Singh emphasized. "The goal is to show students that STEM is everywhere and to inspire them to continue pursuing STEM education."

After earning his Master’s next spring, Singh intends to pursue just such a practical, impactful career in engineering, as he aims to combine technology with meaningful interactions that improve people's lives.

“From the time that I started robotics, I really just wanted to get in the workforce,” said Singh. He mentioned defense and biotech as industries of interest.

Singh’s story is both a testament to the impact of hands-on learning and a brilliant example of a member of the Mason nation giving back to the community that shaped him. He plans to continue bringing George Mason’s robotics-related research to students at VEX Robotics events. In fact, at next year’s Virginia championships, he hopes to include demonstrations from other schools such as Virginia Tech and University of Virginia as well.

Topics

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Electrical and Computer Engineering

robotics

accelerated bachelor's to master's

Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s program