Robotics Camp Leads to SDSU YEE Scholar Selection
A summer robotics camp changed everything for Jesus Hernandez, a high school student from Gompers Preparatory Academy. After attending San Diego State University’s (SDSU) Robotics Camp hosted by SDSU SMILE Lab and the Institute for Transformative Education (ITE) Talent Search program, Jesus secured a competitive internship with SDSU’s Experimental Mechanics Laboratory.
From Robotics Camp Participant to Scholar
In the summer of 2023, Jesus joined the free, week-long Robotics Camp after receiving an email from his school counselor. The camp further developed his knowledge of robotics, gave him hands-on experience, and offered a glimpse into college life.
Jesus recalls the experience fondly, describing it as "really fun," though not without challenges. One standout moment was successfully completing the maze competition with his team, a significant achievement during the camp.
During the camp, Jesus toured Professor George Youssef’s, Ph.D., P.E. lab, sparking his interest in further opportunities. Determined to build on what he’d learned, he applied for and was selected as one of three 2024 Young Engineer Experience (YEE) summer scholars.
Hands-On Research at SDSU
As a YEE scholar, Jesus spent five weeks working in the SDSU Experimental Mechanics Laboratory. He dedicated 12–15 hours a week collaborating with Professor Youssef and a graduate mentor on a mini-research project. The internship provided him with hands-on experience in a professional lab setting.
“We started in 2013 as part of our efforts to broaden the participation of underrepresented minorities in engineering, including first-generation students,” said Youssef. “A couple of years ago, we redesigned the program to include more experiential training opportunities.”
Giving Back as a Robotics Camp Judge
During his internship, Jesus returned to the Robotics Camp—not as a participant, but as a competition judge.
“They are in the position that I was in a year ago,” he reflected. “Hopefully, some of the students in that room will be in the position I am in now. It was a big thinking moment for me.”
A Bright Future in Engineering
Jesus credits both the Robotics Camp and the Young Engineer Experience with equipping him with valuable skills and knowledge that will guide his future as an engineer. His journey from camp participant to YEE scholar demonstrates SDSU’s and ITE’s commitment to fostering young talent and providing transformative learning experiences.
About the Robotics Camp
The SDSU Talent Search and SMILE Robotics Camp is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the SDSU College of Engineering, the U.S. Department of Education (Talent Search), and Drone Legends. This funding allows students to attend the camp free of charge. The program is led by Professor Junfei Xie, Ph.D., director of the SDSU SMILE Lab.
The application period for the Robotics Camp is March-April. Learn more about the application process and requirements here.
For more on Jesus’ work as a YEE scholar and the program, click here.
