By Kaitlin Candelaria
Spain Park High School student Ozair Patel recently had the opportunity to make a presentation at the Wolfram Technology Conference in Illinois.
The 17-year-old engineering academy student presented “A Big Data Analytics Platform for STEM Education Using the Wolfram Engine on Raspberry Pi” on Oct. 22.
The Wolfram Conference is presented by Wolfram Research. The company dates back to 1987 and according to their website, is one of the world’s most respected computer, web and cloud software companies as well as a powerhouse of scientific and technical innovation. The conference is attended by professionals hailing from all corners of the globe. STEM professionals compete for coveted spots to present their programs and innovations.
Patel worked with UAB Electrical and Computer Engineering department chairman Murat Tanik to develop the platform he presented at the conference. According to Tanik, the platform would allow high school students in the area to learn advanced programming and engineering skills.
“We’re very proud that a young man like him worked with us,” Tanik said. “It’s a mutual way of helping–it’s not just that we’re helping him. He’s helping us develop this project for the rest of these high schools, which makes it unique.”
Patel’s program would include a Wolfram engine and utilize the Raspberry Pi Model 2, both of which are technologies developed by Wolfram Research Company.
Tanik said that Patel’s selection to participate in the conference is a huge honor not only for Patel, but for the Birmingham community.
“He gets to spread the name of his high school and our university and Birmingham,” Tanik said. “These people don’t know UAB or know the type of people who live here so they’re very surprised. It’s great PR for us in Chicago.”
For more information on the Wolfram Conference, visit www.wolfram.com.
