April 2012 - Student of the Month - Jason Monk

Jason Monk, a Master of Science in Computer Engineering student is the April 2012 Graduate Student of the Month.

 

Graduate School: Where are you from originally?

 

Monk: Pittsfield, Maine

 

Graduate School: What undergraduate institution(s) did you previously attend?

 

Monk: I earned my B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from UMaine

 

Graduate School: Why did you choose to attend UMaine?

 

Monk: In my undergraduate years at the University of Maine I developed relationships with the faculty and an appreciation for the technology and facilities available to students, and I was thrilled to be able to further my education in the Computer Engineering department.

 

Graduate School: What degree program are you pursuing?

 

Monk: M.S. in Computer Engineering

 

Graduate School: What are your plans after graduation?

 

Monk: I have been interested in being a part of a start-up for some time. After graduation I will seek a position in the field of programming while pursuing other entrepreneurial opportunities.

 

Graduate School: What do you consider your most important accomplishment here so far?

 

Monk: I recently helped to finish preparing the first batch of low-cost data loggers. This is a project Dr. Bruce Segeeh.D. and myself (with help from several others) have been working on for about a year. We will soon be sending out the first 30 of these affordable temperature sensors to K-12 classrooms to measure temperature changes in water. These devices were designed to be profitable at around $5 each and easily usable on any computer (no software required). 

 

Graduate School: What is the highlight of your academic experience so far?

 

Monk: My classes have definitely been the highlight so far. The small sizes of graduate classes do wonders for the atmosphere; it allows the curriculum to be more dynamic and serve students more directly. This essentially gives the students taking these classes direct access to all of the professor’s knowledge.

 

Graduate School: What is your favorite place on campus?

 

Monk: My favorite place on campus is my lab in Barrows.  Maybe I’m a living stereotype of an engineering student living in the lab, but there’s a reason I spend all my time there.  It’s the place I feel most at home on campus, and the place I have found both friends and academic inspiration.

 

Graduate School: What awards or other significant recognition (both on or off-campus) have you received since beginning your degree program?

 

Monk: Earlier this year, I had the honor of participating in the International IEEE Xtreme Programming Competition.  My team placed first in the Northeast Region, and 75th worldwide.