Over the summer, I took a bold step by founding my own technology SaaS business, IssueIQ. This project not only showcases my technical skills but also demonstrates the practical applications of calculus in driving innovation within the tech industry. Balancing coursework and a startup posed a significant challenge, demanding effective time management and problem-solving skills. Calculus played a pivotal role in my success, enabling me to analyze complex systems, optimize processes, and make data-driven decisions essential for a tech startup. Through this journey, I gained invaluable experience in entrepreneurship, reinforcing my belief in mathematics' power to solve real-world problems and create impactful solutions. IssueIQ empowers businesses to build, train, and seamlessly integrate customizable chatbots without any coding knowledge. By enhancing customer engagement and streamlining support processes, our platform enables organizations to respond quickly and accurately to inquiries, ultimately improving customer satisfaction. At the core of IssueIQ is a Large Language Model (LLM), the same artificial intelligence technology behind products like ChatGPT. LLMs draw inspiration from neural networks, consisting of interconnected nodes (neurons) that process information. Training an LLM involves adjusting these connections through a process called gradient descent, which minimizes prediction errors. Calculus provides the framework for these adjustments, allowing the model to improve its accuracy. My understanding of these mathematical principles informed the design and implementation of IssueIQ. For example, I utilized a retrieval augmented generation (RAG) approach to fine-tune the pre-trained LLM. By curating a knowledge base specific to the needs of the user, I enhanced the model’s ability to provide accurate responses. This technique, combined with my calculus knowledge, optimized the LLM’s performance. As a result, our chatbot could effectively address user queries in real time and significantly improve response accuracy. IssueIQ is set to reshape customer service across various industries. With features like customizable conversation flows, real-time analytics, and integration capabilities with popular platforms, businesses can tailor chatbots to meet their unique needs. This adaptability improves response times and allows companies to gather valuable insights into customer interactions, enhancing their overall strategy. By simplifying chatbot integration, IssueIQ aims to empower organizations to enhance customer satisfaction, reduce operational costs, and free up human resources for more complex tasks. Beyond technical applications, calculus fostered my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As I faced the challenges of building a startup, calculus helped me break down complex problems into manageable components, leading to successful solutions. Building IssueIQ has been a significant endeavor with the potential to transform how businesses interact with customers. In the broader context of STEM, calculus is essential for innovation, helping to solve real-world challenges and turning concepts into impactful platforms.

For the past two summers, my life has been blessed with a heartwarming experience as I volunteered at my local church's summer daycare program. This journey has not only been about offering childcare; it has been a transformative experience that has touched the lives of young children, their families, and my own. 1. Fostering a Sense of Responsibility and Commitment: Volunteering at the church's daycare instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility and commitment. I recognized that my presence and reliability were essential for the parents who relied on our service. This heightened sense of duty extended beyond the church walls and influenced my approach to community service. It ingrained in me the importance of showing up and being dependable in any service capacity. 2. Building Trust and Relationships: One of the most significant impacts of my involvement was the trust and relationships I built within the church community. Parents entrusted me with the care of their children, a responsibility I took very seriously. As I gained their trust, I realized the importance of trust-building in community service as a whole. Establishing trust is a foundational aspect of serving the community effectively, and my experience at the church honed my ability to do so. 3. Nurturing Future Leaders: Caring for the children in the church daycare provided me with a unique opportunity to shape the minds of future community leaders. The skills I developed in this role, such as patience, empathy, and effective communication, have equipped me to engage with community members of all ages. I am better prepared to inspire, mentor, and support the growth of young leaders within the community. 4. Promoting Inclusivity and Unity: My involvement in the church introduced me to a diverse range of individuals, each with their own backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives. This experience emphasized the importance of inclusivity and unity within our community. It taught me that serving a diverse community requires embracing differences and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and included. 5. Strengthening Community Bonds: The church serves as a focal point for community engagement and support. By volunteering there, I played a role in strengthening the bonds within our community. Parents felt more connected knowing their children were in good hands, which allowed them to participate in community activities and events. My contribution to the church daycare indirectly bolstered the overall sense of community and connectedness. In conclusion, my involvement in my local church's daycare has had a profound impact on the service I provide to my community. Through fostering responsibility and commitment, building trust and relationships, nurturing future leaders, promoting inclusivity and unity, and strengthening community bonds, my experience at the church has directly contributed to my ability to serve the broader community effectively. It has not only enriched my personal growth but has also given me valuable insights into the core principles of community service. As I continue to engage in community service, I am grateful for the lessons learned during my time at the church, which continue to guide my efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of those around me.

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, one project has consistently illuminated my path and fueled my passion for innovation. It's the story of my Sudoku Solver Program, a journey that seamlessly merged technical prowess with boundless inspiration. Sudoku, with its intricate grids and handwritten digits, presented the ideal canvas to explore the fusion of computer vision, machine learning, and classical algorithms. The journey commenced with data collection and cleansing—a phase where I learned that the foundation of any successful technological endeavor lies in the quality of its data. Each Sudoku puzzle was meticulously examined, ensuring adherence to the rules and a unique solution. Data cleaning taught me the art of attention to detail and the importance of data integrity, skills that transcend this project and resonate throughout the tech industry. As the project progressed, the true magic of computer vision unfolded. Image preprocessing and digit extraction became my daily pursuit. I learned to see the world through the lens of algorithms, where pixel patterns and contours held secrets waiting to be unveiled. This was a profound revelation, a moment that underscored the power of technology to perceive and understand the physical world. The heart of the project was the digit recognition model used to recognize handwritten digits, effectively bridging the gap between human perception and machine intelligence. This stage illuminated the potential of machine learning, reminding me that algorithms can not only mimic but also enhance our cognitive abilities. Yet, the project was not confined to recognition alone. It ventured into the realm of solving Sudoku puzzles using classical algorithms like backtracking. This synthesis of computer vision and traditional algorithms exemplified the beauty of interdisciplinary work, a concept deeply ingrained in the tech world. It reminded me that innovation often lies at the intersection of different fields. To make the project accessible and engaging, I designed a user-friendly interface, extending an invitation for others to witness the magic of technology. This user-centered approach underscored the importance of human-computer interaction, a fundamental aspect of technology that inspires me to create technology that enriches lives. Throughout this journey, technology has been my muse and guide. It has inspired me to think beyond the ordinary, to explore uncharted territories, and to bridge the gap between human ingenuity and machine intelligence. It's a reminder that in the world of technology, there are no limits—only endless possibilities waiting to be discovered. In conclusion, my project was not merely a technical undertaking; it was an ode to the inspiration that technology ignites within me. It showcased how technology can enhance our understanding of the world, transcend boundaries, and create solutions that were once considered unattainable. This project epitomizes my passion for innovation and my unwavering belief in the transformative power of technology to inspire and shape a better future.

In the realm of technology, the rapid advancements in robotics have captivated our imagination. Robots have become more than just tools; they are our partners in exploring the depths of the oceans, venturing into space, and improving our daily lives. Yet, beneath the glitzy surface of robot-driven innovation lies an unsung hero– the microchip. This fundamental building block of robotics is poised for a revolution in chip making and design, which holds the key to unlocking untapped potential in the field. Chips are the silent architects that empower robots to sense, think, and act autonomously. From self-driving cars and medical robots to industrial automation machines, it is the chips that form the backbone of their capabilities. The demand for more powerful and efficient chips is growing exponentially as robots are tasked with increasingly complex responsibilities. The link between robotics and climate change is not as distant as it may seem. The manufacturing and operation of robots consume significant energy resources, and as their numbers increase, so does their carbon footprint. This carbon footprint, if not addressed, can contribute to the exacerbation of global warming, air pollution, and resource depletion. A revolution in chip design entails innovations aimed at energy efficiency: Ultra-Low Power Chips: Developing chips that operate on minimal power consumption levels extends the autonomy of robots. This is not just a technological feat but also an environmentally responsible choice, reducing the energy required for recharging or refueling robotic systems. Sustainable Materials: Using sustainable materials in chip production can reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing, making chips more eco-friendly. Renewable Energy Integration: Integrating chips with renewable energy sources like solar or wind can further enhance the sustainability of robotic operations. Longer Lifespans: Chips with longer lifespans reduce the need for frequent replacements, saving resources and energy associated with the manufacturing process. Rethinking chip design for energy efficiency is not just a technical matter but a moral and ethical responsibility. It's a step toward mitigating climate change, conserving energy resources, and creating a more sustainable future. As the robotics industry adopts these energy-efficient chips, it sets an example for other sectors to follow. A revolution in this field is not merely about improving the capabilities of robots; it is about embracing energy efficiency as a vital component of a sustainable future. The ripple effects of this revolution extend beyond robots, serving as a beacon of hope for a world grappling with the pressing challenges of climate change. In transforming our silent architects, the microchips, we redefine the blueprint for a better tomorrow.

As a child, my curiosity for technology led me to question the inner workings of software. I remember thinking as a 4-year-old about how Google provided search results and I couldn't understand how such a process could be efficient. My interest in computer science deepened when I moved to Nigeria and encountered limited resources for pursuing my passion. However, a chance encounter with a friend introduced me to programming at the age of 14, reigniting my love for computer science and sparking a journey of self-learning. This passion ultimately led me to pursue a degree in computer science. As I grew up in Nigeria, my passion for computer science and engineering intensified, but I faced obstacles such as lack of resources and an environment that didn't encourage self-learning. I eventually gave up on my dreams of becoming an engineer and focused on becoming a doctor as per societal expectations in Nigeria. However, luck was on my side when I met a friend who was learning programming. I immediately became friends with him, following him everywhere so he could teach me how to code. Despite being in a boarding school with strict rules against using devices, I persevered and eventually was able to learn to code. My first successful "Hello World" program was a turning point for me, it made me believe in my capability to achieve even greater things. This early experience set me on a path towards pursuing a degree in computer science, and I am eager to continue discovering the endless possibilities in the field. My primary goal in the field of computer science is to become a machine learning engineer. I am fascinated by the way machine learning can be used to analyze and make predictions from data, and I am excited about the potential for this technology to improve people's lives. To achieve this goal, I plan to complete a graduate degree in computer science, with a focus on machine learning, and gain hands-on experience through internships and projects. In addition to my goals in computer science, I also have a passion for environmentalism. I believe that technology can be used to help mitigate the effects of climate change and promote sustainable living. My non-computer science goal is to use my knowledge and skills in computer science to contribute to the development of sustainable technologies. In the future, I hope to combine my computer science and environmentalism goals by working on projects that use machine learning to analyze and predict environmental data, such as climate models or monitoring of biodiversity. By working on projects that combine these two areas, I believe I can make a meaningful impact and contribute to the development of sustainable technologies. I am confident that with the help of this scholarship, I will be able to further my education and gain the skills and experience necessary to achieve my goals in computer science and environmentalism. I am deeply committed to my pursuits, and I am eager to make a positive impact in the world.