It’s not everyday that you play a role in a bill that’s making its way through the Massachusetts legislature, but Spark! students have that credential on their resume. Over the course of two years, Spark! teams have built upon the work of preceding cohorts to shape public policy that could affect the entire Commonwealth. “I […]
At this moment, roughly 16 million people are performing labor against their will. When $51 billion line the pockets of labor traffickers globally, despite illegality, the industry is steadily profiting off modern day slavery. To make a dent in those numbers, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office is developing a tool that Spark! Project Manager, Savannah […]
There’s nothing wrong with asking for a helping hand – whether you’re a student or industry professional. Spark! facilitates that valuable relationship between mentors and mentees through our Engineer in Residence (EIR) program. An Engineer in Residence is an industry expert and/or instructor who has the opportunity to support students along their technical journeys. In […]
When you think back to the last graphic that captured your eye, you likely immediately admired the artistry behind it without recognizing the technical skills that went into creating it. “Do you like to FaceTime your grandparents? Do you like to use the GPS on your phone to get from one place to another? Do […]
As the Class of 2021 transitions to life beyond campus, there are a number of people sharing in their joy. As an integral part of Spark!, alumni reached out to offer words of wisdom for the more than 150 members of the Spark! family who turned their tassels. Congratulations to you Firestarters, the BU Spark! […]
Demo Day concluded a semester of perseverance and dedication by the students that continuously set the bar when it comes to innovation and exploration: Spark! Fellows and X-Lab students. With the addition of the Justice Media co-Lab competing for the Audience Choice Award for X-Lab projects, the Boston University community witnessed all aspects of what’s […]
Worldwide there are an estimated 4.5 million people who are victims of sex trafficking, and far too often, the victims are closer than you’d think. That’s where project EPIK, “Everyman Protecting Innocent Kids,” steps in. Birthed in 2012, the project is combatting the demand for commercial sex. “Sex trafficking involves exploiting the vulnerable and the buyers […]
When you reflect back on your college journey, it might prove difficult to recall every single class you took. Yet when the work from your class ends up published on CBS Boston, it’s easy to classify that course as transformative. This sentiment is echoed throughout the Justice Media co-Lab. Students like Mahmoud Khalil, Data Science […]
If you went to NextTech 2021, you can attest to the fact that you walked away with something. “Come curious and leave inspired,” was the motto leading up to the event, but attendees gained more than inspiration. Our industry experts transformed an average Friday afternoon into what could serve as the stepping stone into students […]
From working on and creating groundbreaking computational and data-driven projects, Spark! students are not only growing their technical expertise — but leadership skills as well. Savannah Majarwitz has cemented her legacy at Spark! as a Forced Migration and Human Trafficking Co-Lab Project Manager. The International Relations junior, who admits that she’s non-technical, credits Spark! with helping […]