Automating the Future: Lessons from My Internship at John Deere
Bashir Ali is a fourth year Choose Ohio First (COF) Excellence Fellowship in Computing (EFC) scholar studying Computer Science and Engineering with a passion for software engineering. He was introduced to computer science by his older brother Khalid, who sparked his interest in problem-solving, programming, and technology. After graduating, Bashir hopes to continue his career in software engineering, focusing on building innovative solutions through automation and emerging technologies.
Bashir first gained experience working as a teaching assistant for Ohio State's Department of Computer Science and Engineering. He supported students enrolled in CSE 2221: Software I - Software Components, where he helped them develop foundational programming skills in Java while strengthening his own technical and communication abilities. In 2024, he expanded his academic experience by conducting research under Assistant Professor Martin Kong, exploring high-performance computing projects and learning about the research process in computer science. This experience also gave him the opportunity to attend the Tapia Research Conference, where he engaged with industry professionals and learned about current advancements in computing. This past summer, Bashir completed a Product Engineering internship with John Deere. On the Test Engineering team, he was able to develop test cases for autonomous tractor systems, helping ensure the reliability and effectiveness of John Deere’s precision agriculture technologies. This internship allowed him to apply his classroom and research knowledge to real-world engineering challenges. Inspired by this work, Bashir looks forward to exploring the future of automation in computing and its impact on technology.
Impact of the Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program
"This scholarship and the program mean a lot to my academic career in many different ways. The scholarship is a motivation to be a great student. Knowing that I need to maintain good grades to stay in the program is one of the things that keeps me focused and driven. COF also offers access to valuable resources that have made a big difference in my academic journey. Whether it's tutoring services, study groups, workshops, or just having a place to study, I always feel like there’s help available when I need it. The community around this program is incredibly supportive. From the STEM Program Manager Eduan to my fellow students, there’s a shared sense of encouragement that creates a positive learning environment. I would say overall this scholarship and program have given me support, motivation, and community, all of which are shaping me into the student and person I aim to be".
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