Praveen SubramaniMIT Spain Program

Junior, Electrical Engineering

Internship at Telefónica I+DGranada, Spain

Designed and constructed infrared tracking devices to facilitate computer use by elderly and disabled patients.

The Project:During my summer in Granada, I worked to design and construct a set of hardware prototypes of infrared tracking devices. The goal of my project was to design a product that would facilitate technology and computer access by disabled and elderly patients (such as arthritis patients) who cannot use traditional input devices such as mice and keyboards due to physical limitations.

After extensive design, research, and collaborative case studies with medical professionals and other engineers, I constructed the prototypes which in conjunction with software formed a fully functional system that allowed complete control over a computer from meters away through a wireless tracking and sensing system.

The Host:

Telefónica Investigación y Desarrollo (TID) is the research and development arm of Spain’s largest telecommunications company. The Granada center focused on the application of telecommunications products and infrastructure to e-Health applications such as remote surgery, home rehabilitation projects, assistive living systems, and ambient sensing.

The Granada office contained about 35 software and telecommunications specialists divided between two facilities, a research and development center and a professional demo center.

Impact:Throughout the summer, I gained invaluable work and cultural experience through my experiences at TID. As an electrical engineer working at a facility of mainly software and telecom specialists, I had the unique opportunity to work in a highly collaborative and truly international environment. I was privileged to have interactions with many talented engineers and together we succeeded in creating effective hardware prototypes for their remote rehabilitation projects.

As the only MISTI intern in Granada, I had no option but to soak in the vibrant Andalusian culture and reach out to my new Spanish flatmates. My Spanish improved immeasurably and the experience of living and working for 3 months in a completely foreign environment and traveling around Spain gave me a new sense of independence and confidence in international ventures.

Preparation:Academically, I had prepared for my internship abroad with two UROP projects at the Media Lab, an internship at UCSD the previous summer, and several introductory EECS classes. Much of the workplace dynamics and the day to day interaction with international colleagues and supervisors requires great flexibility and sometimes even a good sense of humor… make sure to keep an open mind! Culturally, I prepared for my summer

in Spain with Spanish I-IV at MIT (4 semesters). MISTI Spain training sessions and the MISTI European Retreat also provided valuable exposure to Spanish culture and introduction to some Spanish traditions and perspectives before the head on plunge into the dynamic and energetic lifestyle of Spain.

Life in Granada:

Granada, the last Moorish capital of Spain, is one of the country’s most spectacular and mysterious cities. Home to the splendid Alhambra fortress/palace, Granada pulses with a unique fusion of Spanish and Arabic culture. Scents of succulent roasting lamb and sweet aromas of Moroccan mint tea and honeyed Arabic pastries float through the air in Granada’s Albaicin, the old Moorish district. The caves in the Sacromonte district of the city are regarded as the birthplace of flamenco, and talented flamenco musicians and dancers of all ages can be found in plazas and lookout points around Granada, their music growing livelier as the night goes on.

Sharing an apartment with four Spanish students was an excellent way to improve my Spanish and learn about true Spanish traditions such as cuisine, music, and sports. Spain’s 2008 Eurocup victory was a night I will never forget.

Back at MIT:I returned from my summer in Spain with vastly improved Spanish fluency, experience with working in a professional environment outside academia, and countless memories and friendships. Back at MIT, I have applied the experience I gained designing infrared devices to several of my engineering classes and a UROP project at the Media Lab.

Visiting and exploring the cities of Spain and other European countries was so fascinating that I am now pursuing a minor in Urban Studies & Planning, and considering a second minor in Applied International Studies. I hope to do another MISTI internship after I graduate (perhaps involving teaching or international development in Mexico) and spend some time working abroad before applying to graduate programs.

Visiting some MISTI France interns in Paris.