Summary

In my second week of the SEED internship at Rice University, I worked with my teams on both the Egg Brooding System and the Autoclave project. We designed and tested the smart egg circuit, solved Bluetooth and Wi-Fi issues by switching to a Raspberry Pi, and fixed code bugs. For the autoclave project, we met with the client and plumbers, examined a working system with Dr. Kevin, and brainstormed ideas to reduce exhaust steam temperature. I also learned Fusion 360 in a CAD workshop and enjoyed a group cooking session, swimming, and yoga for relaxation and connection.

It’s hard to believe that two weeks have already passed in the SEED internship program here at Rice University. While the first week was about settling in and getting introduced to our projects, the second week dove deep into hands-on engineering, real-world problem-solving, and lots of trial and error the kind that truly sharpens our skills.

Egg Project: Designing, Debugging, and Progressing

My team and I have been focused on designing the Egg Brooding & Monitoring System a conservation device meant to mimic and monitor the conditions of endangered Attwater Prairie Chicken eggs. This week, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work on designing the internal circuit that goes inside the egg.

 

One of the major blockers we faced was getting the Nicla Sense ME board to run the code properly. The libraries weren’t working at first, which slowed us down. We explored other libraries, tested different combinations, and finally managed to fix the code .

 

We also ran into Bluetooth connectivity issues between the egg and our substation. Initially, we were using an ESP32, but the signal was unreliable. After much testing, we decided to switch to a Raspberry Pi, which significantly improved our Wi-Fi stability between the substation and the client dashboard.

Each step this week required persistence, adaptability, and collaboration. We now have a functioning internal circuit, improved communication, and a refined architecture ready for testing.

Autoclave Project: Diagnosing and Ideating

We also made significant strides on our Autoclave Water Conservation and Heat Mitigation project. Early in the week, we met with our project client who brought a team of plumbers to help us understand the complex piping system around the autoclave. Some of the layouts remained unclear, so we invited Dr. Kevin, who joined us for an on-site walk-through.

Together, we examined the working autoclave system and sketched out the full piping diagram, giving us insight into how steam exits and where cooling is needed. Our goal is to bring the temperature of exhaust steam below 130°F, ideally without relying on continuous water use.

We brainstormed several concepts for our low-fidelity prototype, including:

• Using a wider outlet pipe to reduce pressure buildup
• Installing a thermostatic valve that only releases water when temperature exceeds a certain threshold
• Exploring cooling jackets or wraps around the condensate pipe to reduce heat externally

These ideas are now being refined and tested as we move toward creating a working prototype.

Fusion 360 Training: Gaining CAD Skills

Another highlight of my week was participating in a Fusion 360 training session led by Jason, a rising senior at Rice University. During this CAD workshop, I learned the basics of digital modeling  from sketching 2D components to extruding and assembling 3D models.

This training gave me a whole new appreciation for the design process and equipped me with tools that will be essential for creating parts of our final prototypes in both projects.

Beyond the Lab: Wellness and Culture

Outside the lab, we enjoyed a Friday cooking session with fellow SEED interns. It was refreshing to unwind and bond over food, culture, and shared laughter.

I also visited the recreation center and was thrilled to see the swimming pool, which felt like a little slice of home. I attended a yoga session at the gym too  something new for me, but surprisingly relaxing and a perfect mental reset after a long week.

As I reflect on Week Two, I’m energized by the skills I’ve gained, the teamwork I’ve experienced, and the real progress we’ve made. From debugging Bluetooth to sketching out full steam systems and learning CAD this week has been full of growth and discovery.

A big thank you to Ms. Heidi Carson for making this journey possible. I can’t wait to see what Week Three brings!

Two weeks down. Five to go — and the momentum is just building.