All posts by Stephanie R. Young

EEG Technology Now at Innovation Lab

College of Computer and Information Technology, Featured

If humans could have any superpower, which option would we choose? Telepathy? The ability to fly?  What if we could control things with our minds? As it turns out, we don’t need to fantasize about the latter possibility any longer. Groundbreaking technologies have created a pathway that allows us the capability to use our brains for more than what we’re familiar with. Thanks to funding from the Perkins grant, SPC’s Innovation Lab at the Seminole Campus now has an EEG headset that is available for use.

Chad Mairn sits, wearing an E.E.G. headset

In 2018, Chad Mairn, Librarian and Manager of the Innovation Lab at SPC, visited the University of South Florida’s Computer Science and Engineering department to learn more about their Neuro-Machine Interaction Lab, which studies mediums of new human interaction with physiological sensors, specifically sensors that acquire brain data. When Mairn visited the lab, he was impressed when he saw professors and students racing drones without any physical controllers – they were using their brainwaves to fly these drones!

After 20 minutes of wearing an electroencephalogram (EEG) headset, the electrical activity of Mairn’s brain was recorded and then sent to a drone’s flight computer. Before he knew it, he was also flying a drone with his brainwaves! Even though his brain-computer interface (BCI) training was not complete during that short visit, it gave Chad the desire to continue to work with EEG technology with SPC students and faculty ever since. 

Having basic exposure to EEG technology while learning to configure and troubleshoot the MyndHub/MyndBand equipment will benefit Applied Engineering Technology, Biomedical Engineering Technology, and our Medical Equipment Repair programs. EEG devices are used widely in various medical fields, since they measure brain activity in a non-invasive way, so having a good understanding of how the technology works will be advantageous for potential job opportunities that are built around these programs. Going further, select Psychology students could help analyze raw brainwave data while the Engineering and repair program students can work alongside them to potentially help brainstorm, design, engineer, and prototype new medical devices/applications using a variety of brainwave output. 

What other possibilities await with this innovative technology? The only way to find out is to visit Chad Mairn at the Innovation Lab!

Networking Technology Student Realizing Dreams

Close up of computer screen with code
College of Computer and Information Technology, computer technology, Featured, Networking, Student Stories

St. Petersburg College Networking Technology grad Isaiah Chavez likes to get things done. With a vivacious personality and an enthusiastic attitude, it’s of little surprise that he has succeeded in his academic and occupational endeavors. Chavez received multiple degrees and certifications at SPC, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems from the University of South Florida, with a focus on Informational Security. Determination is an apparatus he carries on his journey down the path of life, and he won’t hesitate to use it whenever necessary.

Upskilling

Chavez’s story began like that of many other students at SPC and across the nation – he wanted more for himself. Specifically, he wanted to be a valued employee at his company, and he wanted his employer to know that he was keeping up with new technology by continuing his education. Most of all, he wanted to make a living wage, own a home and be financially autonomous in an economy that is often unkind even to those who work hard. Chavez began his education at SPC as a nontraditional student with high hopes and substantial goals. He loved working in radio and TV and thus decided to continue his education in his field with the intent of achieving his dreams.

Chavez earned an associate degree in Networking Technologies and several other certifications from SPC. Never one to miss an opportunity, he also took the time to receive his CRO – Certified Radio Operator, CTO – Certified TV Operator, CBT – Certified Broadcast Technologist, and A+ certifications through the college’s Career Connections department. Due to his academic achievements and his insatiable drive for success, Chavez has been able to work in several different positions at his current employer over the last seven years.

Tools for Success

Despite a drive for success, Chavez still encountered a few barriers as he pushed toward his goals. As he attended classes and studied for his certifications, he was working two jobs and running his own business. There didn’t seem to be enough hours in the day, but he divvied up his time sensibly so that he could accomplish his goals. By managing his time effectively and by using a daily planner, Chavez found himself pushing past the barrier of time.

Chavez gave a special thanks to SPC’s Certification Testing Coordinator Julia Meyer for her support.

“Julia is a one-of a kind woman,” he said. “She bends backwards to help you succeed. I contribute a lot of my success to her.”

Dreams Are Within Reach
Chavez gives a thumbs up
Chavez encourages others to get certified at an SPC enrollment event.

The need to succeed is something that motivates us all to plod onward, despite any obstacles blocking our path. Sometimes those barriers are small to medium in size, like road cones or sink holes that we can stop and assess how to best navigate around. Other times, they are colossal beasts that tower over us, warning us of potential failure. Any obstacle can be daunting and stressful to traverse, let alone actually bypass. Yet no matter the challenge, finding determination and using it to fuel our actions is how we push past these obstacles to succeed.

Chavez eagerly advises anyone who is interested in pursuing a certification from SPC to go for it.

“What do you have to lose? What more can you ask for? If you study properly, and SPC gives you lots of study materials to help you be successful, you shouldn’t have a problem with any sort of barriers,” he said. “When you stack your certifications with your SPC degree, you’re unstoppable.”

Chavez’s passion for his goals is inspiring and encouraging, but it is also a notable reminder that determination lies within us all.

As Isaiah says, “You just gotta relax, breathe, and you will succeed!”

Check out all of St. Petersburg College’s Technology programs here.