Each semester, xLab works with a team of students who help support both client project work and research projects with xLab faculty. Just like other xLab student projects team, these students come from a variety of backgrounds and majors. They all work with their individual project or research teams, but come together collectively as a group to share progress, best practices, and support for each other’s work as well. This semester we are working with students from business, computer science, and anthropology - from undergraduate all the way through PhD students. Read more about how each of these students is contributing to the success of xLab.
Benji Phan, MBA student
What projects are you working on with xLab: I am currently involved with Open Skill Genome Project (as Marketing Outreach Coordinator) and Open Data 2.0 (working on the website design).
What do you enjoy about working with xLab? I have always been fond of experiential learning (learning by doing), so being involved with xLab projects is a great way for me to learn, train my creative thinking, and add experience. It is also a great way to work on my soft skills. For example, what I'm doing with the Open Skill Genome Project requires a lot of communication and coordination with outside stakeholders, which naturally helps me get better with my communication – a crucial skill for business students.
What is a fun fact about you? Ten years ago, I competed on the first season of Vietnam's Got Talent and got as far as the semifinals, singing music theater. I am still an avid singer and currently performing with Case Concert Choir and North Coast Men's Chorus.
Elijah Shields, Senior, Medical Anthropology
What projects have you worked on with xLab? I’ve worked on four projects, including: developing extensible, evolving, and enriching smart life solutions and providing strategy support for smart home businesses (two project cycles); hosting immersion workshops in Greater Cleveland with industry partners, focused on smart home and smart mobility; and using extensive reality to improve chemical manufacturing operational efficiencies.
What has been your favorite thing about working on an xLab project? My favorite thing about xLab is getting to meet and work with students from different backgrounds and disciplines every semester.
What is a fun fact about you? I can parallel park on the first try... but only if nobody is looking.
Jonathan Burton, Junior, Computer Science Major, Economics and Business Management minors
What projects have you worked on with xLab? I have worked on two xLab projects - one building an AI chatbot to train call center employees, and the other creating an AI and maching learning to match and clean sales data.
What has been your favorite thing about working on an xLab project? My favorite thing about xLab is the opportunity to work in a real-world hands-on environment. xLab has given me the ability to work with a corporate partner and apply what I learn in my classes. We are not treated as students but as consultants, which has taught me skills that transfer to a future job. Most students work internships during the summer but xLab has allowed me to work during the school year as well. This has provided me with more experience than most other students, which has given me a leg up when applying for new opportunities.
What is a fun fact about you?
I founded my own business during the pandemic and generated over $10,000 in revenue.
Osama Zafar, PhD student, Computer Science
What projects have you worked on with xLab? I have been working on a Halo Harbor project for the past year (two project cycles).
What has been your favorite thing about working on an xLab project? I am particularly drawn to xLab because it allows me to work on real-world projects with complex challenges. This provides an excellent opportunity to sharpen my skills, gain hands-on experience, and connect with professionals, making it a valuable platform for growth and networking.
Ruihuang Yang, MBA student
What projects have you worked on with xLab? I have worked on four projects, including: developing an AI-based voice agent to train call center employees; organizing and conducting xLab Workshops - I led the "Deploying Code to the Cloud" workshop; finalizing specifications for the xLab AI Server; and supporting the OpenData 2.0 Website initiative.
What has been your favorite thing about working on an xLab project? Working on xLab projects has allowed me to apply technical and strategic skills in real-world scenarios. My first client project was particularly rewarding, as I witnessed how our AI solution directly impacted a business process. Additionally, leading workshops enhanced my leadership and communication skills, and collaborating on server procurement taught me how to navigate complex institutional processes. These experiences have been invaluable for my career goal of becoming a Technical Product Manager.
What is a fun fact about you? I’ve tried more than 50 flavors of chips, and my favorite is Salted Egg chips!
Sahil Angdembe, MBA & Regenerative Medicine student
What projects have you worked on with xLab? I support several of xLab’s research projects, including: OpenData 2.0, ReDDDoT, and the Open Skill Genome Project.
What has been your favorite thing about working on an xLab project? Learning about responsible AI and its applications and implications across industries.
What is a fun fact about you? I have never tried Pop-Tarts.
Tina Xu, PhD student, Computer Science
How many projects have you worked on with xLab? Two projects: Halo Harbor and the LER System.
What has been your favorite thing about working on an xLab project?
My favorite part is applying what I’ve learned in class directly to development work. I also enjoy integrating emerging technologies into real-world use cases. It’s exciting to see how the work we do in xLab can have meaningful feedback from the industry and potentially bring positive change to society.
What is a fun fact about you?
I love fishing—only in a VR environment!