Welcome Remarks: Carmen Rivera, Dean of Student Affairs
Student Presentations: 3:30 – 4:30 PM
Presentation I
Presenters: Sergio Alberto Vargas Marín & Eder Alonso Acevedo Marin from Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia
Biography: Sergio Alberto Vargas Marín is a student of Software Engineering at the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia. During his training, he has worked on several projects focused on technological innovation applied to business management. His experience includes the development of software systems for the automation of processes and the improvement of operational efficiency in small and medium enterprises. Currently he continues his studies as a student of Software Engineering at the Medellin Campus of the University.
Eder Alonso Acevedo Marín, Systems Engineer, Master in Free Software and Teaching Specialist. He serves as Professor and Coordinator of the Software Engineering program at the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Campus Medellin, contributing to the academic development of software programs in the city.
With experience in the technology industry, he has held positions as SEO and CTO in companies specializing in cybersecurity, digital marketing and cloud infrastructure. He is known for his expertise in open source technologies, technology infrastructure and information security.
Project: Application of software engineering in an innovation project for the management of lithographic companies to support job growth in Medellín
Description of the project: The project aims to digitize and modernize the management and marketing processes of the lithographic company. This initiative seeks to implement a comprehensive software system that enables efficient management of services and products, as well as improving the customer experience through virtual channels. The system provides key functionalities, such as inventory management, quotation creation, order management and supplier integration, all with an intuitive interface for customers and employees. It is shown step by step how the application of each of the phases of Software Engineering is carried out in the project as part of the learning process in the university program. It also shows a state of the art that justifies the initiative of projects like this one.
Presentation II
Presenter: Abdou Belemnaba from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY
Biography: I am a senior student at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. My major is data Science.
Project: How Technology can help me work with a Community facing the effect of Climate change?
Description of the project: We accounted recently hurricane Maria and Irma in 2017, Hurricane Fiona in September 2022. These weather conditions are life threatening and the reason behind this is the increase in temperature and the sea level. According to the National weather Service The temperature in Puerto Rico rises 2-degree Fahrenheit above normal and the sea level had additional increase of 1.6 feet and the projections are speculating nearly 8,000 structures in the island’s low-lying areas, as well as drinking water and sanitation pipelines, are in risk by an increase in sea level of 1.6 feet. If that increase extends to 6.5 feet, more than 50,000 structures are threaten and approximately $11.8 billion structures values will be in losses. Moreover, Puerto Rico could potentially lose 3.6 percent of total coastal land. With all these concerns, I want to elaborate plans and solutions to shares to the community. First, homeowners must engage in alternatives source of energy such as clean energy which can help to reduce heat caused by fossil fuel uses. The State also needs to invest in clean energy infrastructures to compensate the energy needs, The department of transportation must substitute their buses fuel by gas to electric powered buses. The community should encourage their governing bodies to implement legislation and new regulations to encourage the public in the use of electric cars. Financial resources such as loans and grand should be funded to homeowner for the acquisitions of solar panels and utilities. Technically, the community should have access to free weather forecast live TV channel. It helps them to have real time information and coordinate efforts put in place for their safety. Even though I am student from New York, I can use technological platforms such zoom conferences meetings and LinkedIn to work with local organizations that are working on climate change issues.
Presentation III
Presenter: Andriel Rivera Montes from Albizu University in San Juan
Biography: I am currently a student pursuing an interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree in psychology at Albizu University in San Juan. My goal is to join the United States Air Force as a professional psychologist, where I hope to serve not only veterans but also active-duty personnel. As I prepare to begin my third year of college, I recognize that I still have a long journey ahead. My aspiration in life is to help those in need, including those who may not have the courage to seek assistance.
Project: Bridging Cultures: Enhancing Communication in Service Learning Projects with Google Translate
Description of the project: In today’s globalized educational landscape, effective communication across language barriers is critical for successful collaboration in international service learning projects. This project explores the integration of Google Translate as a tool to facilitate communication between Korean and Puerto Rican students engaged in a joint service learning project. The project aims to foster cultural exchange, collaborative problem-solving, and community engagement through various educational activities. However, language differences pose significant challenges, potentially hindering the depth of interaction and mutual understanding. To address these challenges, the project incorporates intercultural competencies as a guiding framework, enabling students to navigate cultural differences, develop empathy, and engage in meaningful cross-cultural dialogue. Community leaders provided positive feedback about the student’s interventions and service learning activities where carried out with mutual understanding. Implications of integrating automated translation tools in educational settings will be discussed, in addition to offering recommendations for maximizing their effectiveness while addressing potential limitations.