Exploring Research Initiatives Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
TechTogether New York, an annual hackathon held in New York, is set to take place at the end of this year or the beginning of the next. The event, led by Soumya Gottipati, a sophomore studying Computer Science at Princeton and the Director of TechTogether New York, aims to help gender-marginalized youth get into tech.
Hackathons, as Soumya explains, are short programming events designed for students to learn new skills, meet new people, and develop solutions to everyday problems. They are particularly useful for learning a specific language or technical skill. In the case of TechTogether New York, the focus is on innovation, community-formation, and problem-solving.
Virtual hackathons, like TechTogether New York, are events conducted entirely online. They enable participants from different locations to collaborate remotely. During these events, teams work intensively over a short period (usually 24–48 hours) to rapidly develop functioning software, hardware, or innovative solutions around a specific challenge or topic using online tools for communication and collaboration.
TechTogether New York is suitable for software developers, designers, product managers, and domain experts who want to solve problems creatively and quickly with interdisciplinary teamwork. It also caters to educational institutions, companies, or communities looking to foster innovation, skill-building, and networking remotely. Virtual hackathons, in general, are also beneficial for those unable to attend in-person events due to location, time, or logistical reasons.
Soumya emphasizes that dedication, not prior experience, is the most important quality for getting involved in hackathons. She recommends starting research projects or hackathon projects by finding something you care about and making it tangible. She also suggests reaching out to friends or experts in the field for collaboration and learning from a community.
Applications for TechTogether New York have not opened yet, but interested individuals can apply for consideration to be on the team. More information on the positions mentioned in the interview can be found on the hackathon's main page.
In these challenging times, many hackathons are turning virtual due to the COVID-19 situation. This makes events like TechTogether New York more accessible and scalable for a wide range of domains and objectives. The interview emphasizes that this is a great way to contribute to the hackathon even if former plans have been canceled.
In addition to the technical skills gained, hackathons also teach research skills like making a plan and executing it. They provide an opportunity to contribute to innovation, community-formation, and problem-solving beyond doing projects themselves. So, if you're looking to learn, collaborate, and make a difference, consider joining TechTogether New York.
- To further hone their research skills and gain experience in technology, junior paper writers might find participating in TechTogether New York beneficial, as the event offers a platform for innovative problem-solving and community-formation.
- As TechTogether New York transitions to a virtual hackathon, it becomes an ideal opportunity for education-and-self-development, especially for those seeking to improve their research skills, collaborate with others, and contribute to innovation in the tech field.
