What was your favorite part about your UseIT experience?

My favorite part about the UseIT experience is that it had a very casual environment to do work in whatever area interested me. My coworkers were very nice and friendly and it was fun to run ideas off them. There weren't any real pressures or true deadlines. So, you could learn and explore your ideas at your own pace and really thoroughly explore them. Also, the field trip to San Diego was pretty fun.

What about the UseIT program have you benefited from most?

The biggest benefit was working in a research environment with many people while developing something substantial. The group aspect of developing software is probably one of the most useful tools for looking for a job. And also, its interesting to hear different takes on development issues from many people.

What would you recommend to future UseIT interns?

Find something interesting in the program and just explore. Look at many ways at accomplishing things and just try it out.

What is your overall impression of the facilities and equipment?

The facilities and equipment are pretty great. We work in a quiet lab with plenty of room and access to plenty of supplies and resources. Our computers are really fast and its easy to share code with each other and show accomplishments. The only downside is that we can't install certain programs.

What have you done in the UseIT program this summer?

I helped develop a new navigation system which facilitated the usage of SCEC-VDO. I helped create features and the GUI for the USGS Rectangular Fault system. I added the ability to change the background and grid colors by adding on to other people's work. I added directional axes to help user orientation. And I established more natural lighting conditions to improve visibility, object appearance, and user orientation.