Our Crowdfunding Groups
Our Mission:
Team VISTA is a multidisciplinary undergraduate research team within the Gemstone Honors College. Under the mentorship of Dr. Xin Zan, an Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, we aim to develop remotely manipulated labs that students can access via the Internet, enabling them to perform real-time experiments on actual physical equipment housed at a partner institution. This platform would be integrated with user-friendly interfaces designed to be more accessible to students who cannot participate in traditional lab settings. This blended learning solution is intended to benefit students, particularly those who are disabled, low-income, or attend schools with limited resources, ensuring financial and physical limitations are not barriers to STEM education.
Our Timeline:
All donated funds will be used to purchase necessary lab equipment, analysis tools, and future research conferences. In addition, your donations will enable us to share our research with various academic institutions.
We thank you for your continued support of Team VISTA!
Gifts in support of the University of Maryland are accepted and managed by the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, Inc., an affiliated 501(c)(3) organization authorized by the Board of Regents. Contributions to the University of Maryland are tax deductible as allowed by law. Please see your tax advisor for details.
An ethernet cord will ensure a high-speed and stable internet connection for the real-time operation of the remote labs.
The USB-C cord provides fast data transfer and power delivery, seamlessly connecting various lab devices and hardware components, such as VR goggles and robotic controllers.
Wires, transistors, and capacitors needed for our large amount of electrical equipment.
Voice technology will be included to allow for the manipulation of specific lab equipment to minimize accessibility concerns for disabled students.
A high-quality sound sensor will be used to transmit audio from the lab and enhance the user experience.
The Solid State Relay allows the Arduino hardware to control an external power source, which is necessary given its limitations in terms of voltage and power.
Necessary microcontrollers due to their flexibility and their ability to connect to WIFI, allowing us to manipulate the physical laboratory from a distance.
Controlling equipment will be for remote manipulation of the lab equipment, and will be specialized to not pose a barrier to access for disabled students.
A 360 degree camera will be necessary to allow for a VR/AR experience.