The future of engineering innovation came to life this month at the CoSense Summer Institute (CoSense). From June 2–6, 2025, Georgia high schoolers (grades 10–12), led by a team of Georgia Tech students, engaged in an immersive technical experience exploring the intersection of cognitive sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), and human-AI collaboration.
The camp gave 22 students access to advanced technologies, real-world engineering practices, and renowned experts. Participants learned how AI sensors and systems are revolutionizing fields from health monitoring to home automation.
“This week, students were tasked with thinking like engineers,” said Christian Ford, Ph.D. candidate in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and program lead. “They built smart systems using Arduino microcontrollers and learned how to solve real-world problems through coding, teamwork, and technical design. It's not just about the projects, they’re leaving with skills and confidence to lead wherever they go.”
CoSense was co-hosted by two leading Georgia Tech AI research centers, the Center for the Co-Design of Cognitive Systems (CoCoSys) and Center for Cognitive Multispectral Sensors (CogniSense), which are supported by the Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) and sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
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CoSense campers had a full week of immersive experiences exploring cognitive sensing, AI, and human-centered technology through hands-on projects, research exposure, and mentorship.
CoSense participants working on their Arduino powered home security project.
CoSense campers toured the Robotarium during their weeklong experience.
Arijit Raychowdhury, Steve W. Chaddick School Chair in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at Georgia Tech, guest lectured during CoSense Summer Camp
CoSense campers reviewing the code for their projects.
Students collaborating on their projects
Students also had to a chance to visit the HIVE Makerspace.
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Laura Sams Haynes, senior academic professional in ECE, represented the School as the director of outreach and collaborated with Sirocus Barnes in the Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics and Computing (CEISMC) to launch CoSense.
“The CoSense Summer Institute is a true reflection of Georgia Tech’s collaborative spirit,” said Haynes. “By bringing together students, researchers, and faculty in a hands-on, immersive environment, the program not only sparks early interest in engineering, but also plants seeds that will grow far beyond this one summer.”
Throughout the program, students participated in team-based projects such as designing home security systems, wearable health monitors, and automated sensor-driven tools.
They attended technical lectures presented by faculty from Georgia Tech and the University of Delaware. Students also explored research labs and watched a live demonstration of 3D reconstruction technology used in virtual reality and autonomous vehicles.
For many students, the experience opened new doors.
“Before this camp, I was set on studying computer science,” said Paloma Laboy , a rising 10th grader from Global Impact Academy (GPI). “But learning how software connects with hardware through sensors and Arduino changed my perspective. Now, I’m seriously considering electrical and computer engineering.”
The week also emphasized soft skills through leadership workshops, daily reflections, and opportunities for peer collaboration.
Georgia Tech undergraduate assistant leads guided campers throughout the week.
The Georgia Tech student leads provided support, mentorship, and thought partnership for the campers.
“The most exciting part was coding,” said Charles Dericotte, a rising GPI 10th grader. “Being able to turn my ideas into something real was exciting. I want to come to Georgia Tech one day, and this camp made that feel possible.”
For some participants, CoSense was a chance to deepen passions already developed at home.
“I’ve worked with microcontrollers before, but I usually do it on my own,” said Christian Foster, a rising senior at Mount Vernon School. “This was the first time I got to collaborate with others who love this stuff as much as I do.”
Campers reviewing their final video projects before presenting on the final day of CoSense.
Student campers on the last day of camp after presenting their final projects.
Campers receiving their awards on presentation day.
Program managers Emily Watson (CoCoSys) and Devon McLaurin (CogniSense) sharing with students and CoSense collaborators what made the experience possible.
In addition to nurturing curiosity and confidence, the program also broadened students’ visions of what engineering can mean in their lives.
“Programs like this are powerful because they help students visualize a future they didn’t think was possible,” said Zoe Turner, a rising 5th year computer engineering undergraduate, who was a student lead at CoSense. “Just being on campus, working with Georgia Tech professors, and seeing their own ideas come to life is transformational.”
CoSense culminated with a showcase where students presented their projects to faculty, families, and peers, demonstrating what they had built and how they had grown.
“Whether or not these students pursue engineering, we hope they walk away with something every strong engineer needs, a problem-solving mindset,” said Ford. “That’s what this program is about,preparing young people to lead, create, and contribute wherever they go.”
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