Name: Nadine Adnane
Class Year: 2020
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Doylestown, Pa.

Internship Placement: Canaday Library
Job Title: Virtual and Augmented Reality Development Intern
Location: Bryn Mawr College

What’s happening at your internship?

So far, this internship has been a blast! I am currently working with the Microsoft HoloLens, a pair of mixed-reality smart glasses that allow physical and digital objects to coexist and interact in real-time. As a HoloLens Intern, I will be developing educational apps for Pearson as part of their Education Initiative. During the first week of my internship, I spent some time learning about the HoloLens, its capabilities, and how to navigate it properly. I also learned about the work previous Bryn Mawr students have conducted using the device, which was both interesting and helpful. In the past few weeks, I’ve been developing two educational apps for the HoloLens alongside my fellow HoloLens Intern, My Nguyen. We are currently working on “HoloStrings,” a musical instrument educational app intended to help students choose an instrument that interests them, as well as to provide an immersive learning opportunity without the need for a physical instrument.

We are also working on “Bio Buddy,” an app that allows students to view several labeled biological models and to learn about their functions. Throughout the internship, I’ve also been learning about Digital Competency and developing my knowledge of 3D modeling, Unity 3D game engine, and Microsoft Visual Studio. Plus, because I get to work in the same room as the Digital Curriculum Interns, I get to help with troubleshooting, Adobe Premier audio visual editing, and Moodle testing! Currently, We are working on a virtual museum for the HoloLens that may be focused on artifacts at Bryn Mawr. We are also researching other augmented and virtual reality tools, and how they may be used for education in the future both in general, and at Bryn Mawr.

Why did you apply for this internship?

I’ve had a love for technology ever since I was a child. Whether it’s making a PowerPoint, an RPG game, or a robot, I like to spend most of my free-time creating anything involving technology. When I read the description for this internship, I had to apply. I’ve always been very interested in augmented and virtual reality, but have never had the opportunity to work with an actual device created for that purpose. I couldn’t pass up the chance to learn about and gain experience with such an amazing device. Additionally, I applied to this internship because I was intrigued by the idea of enriching the classroom and educational experience in general through the HoloLens — imagine if students could manipulate accurate 3D molecules in real time or watch proteins fold right before their eyes! Overall, I just really wanted to spend my summer doing what I love while contributing to a meaningful project.

What has been your favorite part of this internship?

My favorite part of the internship so far has been working with others who share my love of technology. Working as a team with My on the HoloLens projects has been both enriching and a lot of fun — as they say, two is better than one! I’ve also really enjoyed being able to ask the Digital Curriculum interns for their feedback on our projects, as well as helping them with theirs.

What is something you have learned from your internship that you didn’t expect?

I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this internship would provide me with several opportunities to enrich my communication and public speaking skills. Presenting at Philly HoloHack 2017 and at the Digital Scholarship and Research conference were both fun and meaningful experiences which helped me figure out how to best bring my passion, energy, and knowledge into my presentations. Additionally, learning about the Digital Competencies has greatly improved my ability to communicate my skills and ideas to others in a precise and professional manner. I am very grateful for this wonderful opportunity and look forward to the rest of this internship!