My CS Online Journey

Part 1: Peer Video Project Evaluations Group 4 -  Quantum Computing: It’s Not Just Sci-Fi Anymore https://youtu.be/HdNskaCnhrU 1. Topic Coverage: The team provided a clear and thorough explanation of quantum computing, including foundational concepts such as qubits, superposition, entanglement, and quantum gates. The video also highlighted current developments in the field and future implications. 2. Presentation Clarity: The narration was well-paced and easy to follow. Transitions between sections were smooth and logical. A few technical terms could have benefited from additional visual support. 3. Research Quality: High. The video referenced real-world examples like IBM Qiskit, Shor’s Algorithm, and Google’s quantum supremacy, showing strong evidence of research. 4. Production Quality: The visuals and music were well-chosen, but the video would have been more impactful with the addition of labeled diagrams or animations for complex topics. 5. Engagement: The introductio...

Book Report: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg When I first started reading The Power of Habit, I thought it would be just another self-help book with some motivational quotes and tips. Instead, I found something much more thoughtful and useful. Charles Duhigg breaks down the science behind how habits work, why we stick to them, and how we can actually change them. What makes this book powerful is how it connects research with real-life stories, making complex ideas easy to understand and apply. The book is organized into three sections: habits in individuals, habits in organizations, and habits in society. Each part dives into examples that show how habits quietly shape everything we do, from brushing our teeth to how companies operate and even how social movements grow. Part One: Habits in Individuals The first part explains something called the “habit loop,” which includes a cue, a routine, and a reward. For example, feeling bored (cue) might lead you to scroll through s...

Reflection on Final Research Video Project Planning For our final research video project, our team used Discord to communicate, mainly through its voice channel feature. It made collaboration easier since we could talk things through quickly and avoid long back-and-forth messages. It felt more efficient and helped us stay focused. For production, we used Filmora for editing, Canva for creating visuals, and Artlist.io for voiceovers and music. Each tool played a specific role in helping us bring the video together. The overall process went fairly well, and everyone contributed. However, it was a little challenging to coordinate schedules, especially as deadlines got closer. Sometimes, we had to wait for everyone to be available before moving forward with certain tasks. If we were to do a similar project again, I think we could improve by assigning roles earlier and setting clearer deadlines for each stage. A shared progress tracker or checklist would also help make sure everything is ...

A picture that I took this Week Part 1: Helping My Teammates with Capstone Ideas This week, our team shared some really creative capstone ideas during our discussion. I enjoyed hearing Erin’s suggestions, especially her group lunch voting app. It’s a fun way to help people make quick decisions when no one can agree on where to eat. Her train delay tracker also stood out because it solves a real-world problem that many commuters deal with. I could definitely see something like that being useful in busy areas like the Bay. Ryan also had some strong project ideas. His “What to Eat?” app grabbed my attention because it combines personalization with convenience. We all struggle with figuring out what to eat sometimes, so having an app that makes recommendations based on location and preferences sounds really useful. I also liked his Lesgo travel planner, which helps organize itineraries. It’s a great idea for anyone who likes to travel but doesn’t enjoy the planning part. I appreciated the ...

  Part One: Support and Comment on Teammates' Goals Erin Hurley – erinhurleycsumb.blogspot.com Ryan Christian Perez – ryancsojourney.blogspot.com Part Two: Possible Capstone Ideas After watching multiple capstone project presentations and reviewing guidance from the faculty and video lectures, I brainstormed three project ideas I could pursue for my own capstone. AI-Powered Interview Coach A web-based platform that helps students prepare for technical and behavioral interviews using AI. It would simulate common interview questions, analyze responses for clarity, confidence, and accuracy, and provide personalized feedback. This would combine front-end development, AI integration, and soft skill development—a good fit with my interests. Smart Campus Navigation App A mobile-friendly app designed to help new students find classrooms, labs, and event locations across campus. It could include features like QR code check-ins, class reminders, and even accessible route suggesti...

Post-Interview Reflection Report 1. Introduction For this assignment, I had the opportunity to interview my brother-in-law, Joel Varughese, who works as a Full Stack Developer at Morgan Stanley. I chose Joel because his career path closely aligns with what I hope to pursue in the future. He has years of experience in software development, and his role at a leading financial institution gave me a chance to learn how technology is applied in high-stakes, fast-paced environments. Since we already have a personal connection, the conversation felt natural and open, which allowed us to go deeper into his journey and the advice he had to offer. 2. Key Takeaways from the Conversation My conversation with Joel was filled with helpful insights about the real-world experience of being a software developer. Career Advice: Joel stressed the importance of building a strong foundation in computer science topics like data structures, algorithms, and operating systems. However, he said hands-on expe...