The press release assignment has been the most enjoyable for me thus far. In the creation of my press release, I choose to fabricate not only the subject, but also much of the surrounding information. In creating the Ouevre (French for artwork), I was also able to design a three-dimensional model of the device and speculate on its specifications. In doing so, I was able to incorporate some of the features that I have found most interesting in concept, as well as apply some recent advances in technology to a fictional future product. For example, I incorporated an advanced parallel processing core, noting the work toward parallel processing made today and the part it may play in the future. I especially enjoyed the fabrication of acronyms, such as MDEEPROM, for multidimensional flash memory, actually based on some recent advancements in stacking the microscopic cells where data is stored. Little things like the name, the company headquarters in Johnstown, or a technology center named after my grandfather were pleasant personal additions.
I was initially at a loss for what direction to take on this assignment. I typically don't highly value the contributions of mobile devices. I have more of an interest in larger systems. Considering their current popularity and relevance however, I wanted to explore their future presence further. The irony is that devices like this may take a nearly unrecognizable form by the launch year of the Ouevre, 2026. Theories range from wearable technology to embedded physical or neural components: a fusion of man and machine. It seemed a bit overwhelming to try to determine success criteria for a venture like that, so I decided to stay reasonably close to the current format.
The press release is of surprising importance for someone in my field. In particular, working with the press kit in its entirety has made me see how much an engineer could contribute, including detailed diagrams, specification sheets, and functional documentation. It is the job of the marketing and communications team to build interest and capture media attention. However, when dealing with a highly technical product, an engineer may very well provide the translation from incomprehensible technology acronyms to exciting, press-worthy features. It is difficult to explain quantified benefits, how much of an upgrade something is, but once that big step is taken, it can become another lure to the public.
I wanted to add a bit more engineering flare to the press kit. I had begun working on scale perspective drawings, dimensioning the unit and documenting ports. Unfortunately, with other class obligations, the time I had to spend has been cut short. I would have loved to delve deeper into future technologies like neural linking or holographic projection, but the amount of fabrication that would have been necessary would have made the press release even less accessible to a public audience. To be honest, it is already a bit borderline in that regard. It would have been interesting to further explain my ideas on the heuristic awareness engine or embedded transparent solar panels. Given enough space, time, and incoherent jargon, I could have made it make sense. Brevity is essential, though; something I am still learning.
Introductory Portrait
Good day, sir or madam:
My name is Evan William Gretok, and I am a student of computer engineering technology at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. This digital portfolio is a collection of coursework for you to sample and peruse, primarily showcasing professional writing samples for various courses. My discipline requires highly refined skills in written and verbal communication, and I hope you will find my work from various courses in the past several years to be proof of my growing skill-set. From formal laboratory reports, to research papers, to design proposals, to thorough evaluations; the professional writing requirement for engineering is diverse and extensive.
I am deeply passionate about programming, electronics, and computer hardware. I have completed coursework in advanced mathematics, physics, and engineering principles, and programming. I have professional experience in information technology, user services, web application development, software testing, and databases. I am currently applying my knowledge and enthusiasm to data and information structures, digital electronics, advanced programming concepts, and embedded systems. I identify as a “maker,” and am deeply interested in the application of technology in solutions to everyday problems. I am detail-oriented, focusing not only on the solution, but on the presentation and refinement of that solution. I am an imaginative, hands-on forward thinker looking to continue learning and growing, wherever my career takes me.
I consider myself a student who is looking for not just a tested learning, but a knowledge and experience that is applied to reach a concrete goal and make a difference in people’s lives. I take my academic and professional pursuits very seriously, but I also acknowledge that my degree as well as any position I will serve in is not for me. I look not to boost my own prestige, but to contribute positively to a body of professionals who seek to do their best work for the sake of the customer, the public, and the world. I am committed to upholding the ethics, responsibilities, and integrity demanded by my field to the highest degree. I aim to act for the sake of others, using my experience and abilities to better my community and the lives of the people in it.
If you have any questions about myself or the material listed here, please do not hesitate to contact me using the information in my resume. Thank you for your time and consideration. Have a remarkably pleasant day.
Evan William Gretok
Student of Computer Engineering Technology
University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown