Learning with the Tools of the Trade

PhD mentor Alireza Delfrah conducting Matlab Training.

SHINE2018 Cohort

When the SHINE18 cohort arrived at MATLAB training on Tuesday, 6/26/18, they didn’t quite know what they were in for. Or what they would soon be capable of. Obviously, all SHINE students are rather good at math. They’ve excelled in their Algebra, Geometry, Trig, and, in some cases, Calculus classes. And they’ve refined their mathematics skills with help from tools like TI-84 graphing calculators. But during MATLAB training, the students learned of a tool with far broader and more complex capabilities—a tool upon which engineers across disciplines rely. 

“MATLAB” stands for “matrix laboratory.” It is a multi-paradigm numerical computing program capable of manipulating matrices, creating algorithms, and interfacing between languages like C++, Java, and Python. Whether engineers are using MATLAB to graph functions or write code, the system requires precision, creativity, problem-solving, and follow-through. With a commitment to these values and a lot of patience, the SHINE students will be able to take their budding engineering careers to the next level.