Professional Statement

My name is Maya Smith and technology has always been a love of mine. When I was younger my mom gave me my first computer. She began my journey for wanting to pursue a career in technology. I used to enjoy playing with computer hardware and finding new ways to create different features on them. I love taking items that are unconventional and getting them to function. I also knew that I wanted to pursue a career in Information Technology

As I began college I chose to become an Information Technology major because of my passion for computers. My mom still encourages me to pursue this area of study. While finishing up my freshman year I received information about the Research Experience for Undergraduates in Ocean, Marine, and Polar Sciences. I was accepted into the program at Elizabeth City State University May 23, 2012. During this internship I learned a lot about computers. The mentors taught us how to use various systems and programs such as Linux, Ubuntu, Mac Computers, and GPS Training. We learned how to gather effective data, research, and test various methods of programming.

During my research at Elizabeth City State I was part of the data team and my mentor was Mr. Jeff Wood. The purpose of our research was to use non-MATLAB visualizations, one window utilizing the PHP Hypertext Preprocessor scripting language, and Google Earth. The PHP Hypertext Preprocessor language was used to modify the Keyhole Markup Language files in order to add a description tag to display the data. The team combined the files to display in Google Earth. While performing this research project we used many types of data files such as Keyhole Markup Language (KML), Comma Separated Values (CSV), Postscript Document Format (PDF), Joint Photographers Expert Group (JPEG) and Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB).

While I am at Winston-Salem State University I plan on finishing my Bachelors of Science in Information Technology. After receiving my Bachelor's Degree, I want to pursue a Master's Degree in Information Technology. I want to enhance my knowledge about computers and eventually pursue my Doctorates Degree. My goal is to own a computer company that produces major parts and software to corporate companies while still making our own brands