Turn On Your Future @ UWTSD's School of Applied Computing & Electronics

Posts tagged ‘learning’

Project profile: Kelly Casey

Name: Kelly Casey

Course: BSc (Hons) Software Engineering

Project Title: Women in STEM Study Buddy – A Mobile Application for Academic Networking

Logo
Fig.: FemSTEMConnect

Project introduction:
The motivation behind this project was to address the under-representation and isolation that many women in STEM fields experience during their academic journey. I wanted to create a platform that would allow female students to connect, support one another, and collaborate through shared academic interests. The project reflects both my technical interests and my desire to contribute to inclusion and equity in higher education.

Overview of the Practical implementation:
The application was developed in Android Development Studio using the Kotlin programming language, with Firebase Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform providing services for authentication, data storage, and real-time messaging.

Kotlin, Android Studio and Firebase image
Fig.: Kotlin | Android Studio | Firebase

Key features include:

  • Email link login (no passwords required)
  • Personalised academic profiles
  • Study partner matching using course and location filters
  • A Messaging system for real-time communication.
Fig: Coding

The project was tested on both emulator and physical Android devices for performance and usability.

Here are some screenshots from the final app up and working

Fig.: Navigation screen
Messaging inbox
Fig.: Messaging inbox
Fig.: Home screen & News feed

Conclusion: The final product successfully met the core functional goals. Users can register, create a profile, search for study partners, and communicate within the app. Although some features like the community forum were postponed, the application is stable, secure, and ready for future expansion. It represents a strong foundation for a peer-support platform specifically tailored to women in STEM.

What Career and job role are you hoping to move Into after Graduation? I’m planning to progress onto a Master’s degree and then move into a software engineering role, ideally within a company focused on education technology or socially impactful work.

Top Tips for Students interested in completing a University Degree: Don’t procrastinate. Choose a project that is manageable not just exciting. It’s better to complete something simple and solid than to get stuck in something too complex to finish on your own. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

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For further information on Computing courses at UWTSD, please click-here.

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UWTSD Computing students take their learning journey to Paris

Computing students from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) have enjoyed the sights and sounds of Paris as part of an international learning journey. The students studied at the Institut Supérieur d’Electronique de Paris (ISEP).

Taith provides funding to enable education staff and learners to spend time abroad as part of their studies. It also brings learners and educators from around the world to Wales.

The programme, with Welsh Government funding of £65 million, launched in 2022 and offers life-changing opportunities to travel and learn for learners and staff in every part of Wales, and in every type of education.

The UWTSD partnership also coincided with the Welsh Government’s ‘Wales in France’ initiative, a year-long celebration of cultural, business and sporting events designed to strengthen existing links and forge new connections between the two countries. 

The UWTSD students attended classes with French students and studied subjects similar to those that they study in Wales. Most of the classes at ISEP are delivered in English, so the students were easily able to join their French counterparts for studies. 

Kath Griffiths, International Regional manager (North America and Outward Mobility), Wales Global Academy said : “We are delighted that students from a Welsh institution funded via Taith have spent two weeks in Paris. UWTSD is currently hosting 24 students from ISEP in Swansea. 

“A key feature of the Taith programme is reciprocity; the ability to nurture and develop overseas partners who are already committing to reciprocal arrangements regarding student exchange. This approach through Taith enables high-quality placements and builds towards our aspiration to provide all domestic students with the opportunity to study internationally, ISEP which will strengthen our international profile and create opportunities for staff and students to pursue their interests with reciprocal opportunities for international learners here in Wales. 

“This provides an excellent opportunity for students to experience living and studying in another country and to gain invaluable insight into international employment opportunities.”

Dr Kapilan Radhakrishnan, Academic Director, Applied Computing said: “Amidst the iconic landmarks and cultural marvels, our students delved deep into a world of academic exploration. From classroom experiences to dynamic engagements in extracurricular and social activities, each moment was a stepping stone towards personal and educational growth. 

“This exchange not only broadened their academic horizons but also fostered a vibrant tapestry of cultural understanding and friendship. Interacting with students, academics, and professionals from diverse backgrounds exposes students to a variety of viewpoints and approaches, broadening their perspectives and critical thinking skills. Collaborating with classmates in unfamiliar settings fosters teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills, strengthening bonds and creating lasting friendships.

“The study trip provided a rich and multifaceted learning experience that goes beyond traditional classroom settings, offering students a unique opportunity for personal, academic, and professional development. Our students have returned home enriched with a wealth of diverse perspectives and unforgettable memories.”

Source: https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/news/uwtsd-students-take-their-learning-journey-paris-part-welsh-governments-taith-programme-0
For further information: Contact Executive Press and Media Relations Officer, Rebecca Davies rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk.

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