The Agile and Adaptive Robotics Lab is interested in uncovering mechanisms of how animals achieve agile and adaptive control, and applying these discoveries across a variety of fields. The Lab's projects involve developing and building bio-inspired robotic systems for testing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and neural control models. The hope is that by building biomimetic structures, the lab is better able to test and understand how they work.
The internship will provide interns the opportunity to design parts in 3D modeling software, print parts using additive manufacturing (3D printing), assemble parts, and/or code for sensors and control. By the end of summer, interns will have directly assisted in developing or improving the robotic systems in the lab. This is a full-time in-person internship, with the expectation that the intern will work at least 300 hours over the course of the summer.
The mentoring philosophy at the Agile and Adaptive Robotics lab is providing the freedom to interns to explore novel solutions to problems the lab is facing. The lab seeks interns who aren't afraid to try new things, but lab members will offer plenty of support to answer questions when they arise.
Strong candidates will have experience in coding, modeling, OR 3D printing. Candidates need not have experience in all aspects. Applicants must currently be in 10th or 11th grade (rising to 11th or 12th grade). Applicants should be aware that on-site parking may be limited and/or unavailable throughout the summer; interns may be required to rely on public transit or alternative transportation.
PSU Disability Services
It is University policy to grant reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities that may affect their ability to participate in course activities or to meet course requirements. Students with disabilities are encouraged to discuss their needs as soon as they receive acceptance of this ASE position. After acceptance, please also provide a letter of accommodations from PSU Disability Services (http://www.pdx.edu/drc/).
PSU Diversity Statement
Respect for cultural and human biological diversity are core concepts at PSU. Each voice has something of value to contribute to a discussion. PSU is committed to diversity, and welcomes individuals of all ages, backgrounds, citizenship, disability, education, ethnicity, family status, gender, gender identity, geographical location, language, military experience, political views, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and work experience (See https://www.pdx.edu/sphr/diversity-statement).
We strongly encourage students to apply who are from one or more systemically and historically excluded group, including but not limited to, non-cis-gendered students, girls, BIPOC, first-generation college-bound students, low-income/low-resourced students, students with disabilities, students who are neurodivergent, and those who speak a primary language other than English.
If you have any questions about the application, website technical issues and/or this position description, please contact Saturday Academy at ase@saturdayacademy.org. Do not contact the mentor directly. Contacting the mentor directly is grounds for disqualification of your ASE application.