Each year, the My Streetscape Summer Research Institute brings together a select cohort of rising high-school seniors from across New York City and immerses them in the intersection of engineering, urban technology, and social science. These students spend six intensive weeks with faculty and graduate student mentors from Columbia University, moving between hands-on engineering labs, fieldwork in Harlem, and conversations with researchers who are currently working on the real-world applications of smart-city technology.
The 2023–2024 cohort distinguished itself with curiosity, resilience, and a remarkable grasp of the ethical and community-focused dimensions of smart-city research. Through projects in computer vision, IoT systems, transportation engineering, and qualitative research methods, these students began shaping academic identities that continue to evolve as they enter college and professional life.
Among these alumni is Suzie Cao, a 2024 participant who has since continued her STEM journey at Syracuse University, where she is majoring in Biomedical Engineering as part of the Class of 2028. Suzie was first drawn to the Institute because of its interdisciplinary design—a rare opportunity to explore how engineering principles interact with social science research and community-centered work. She entered the program eager to strengthen her skills in public speaking, coding, and data analysis, all of which she views as essential foundations for her future career in STEM.
For Suzie, one of the most enduring lessons from the Institute was the importance of grounding technological innovation in community perspectives. Her research experience reinforced to her that urban development should be guided by the real experiences of people who live in the neighborhood. She continues to carry this insight forward, emphasizing how crucial it is to balance technological advancement with respect for the traditional features, needs, and values of local communities.
Suzie describes her time in the program as instrumental in preparing her for college-level research. Conducting interviews with Harlem residents, analyzing survey data, and performing ethnographic observations provided her with both methodological skills and a deeper understanding of community-engaged scholarship. The process of synthesizing these findings into a final research report, and poster presentation, gave her a level of academic confidence that she brought with her to Syracuse. Today, she feels notably more prepared for presentations, research collaborations, and the demands of scientific inquiry.
Reflecting on the overall impact of the Institute, Suzie speaks highly of the mentorship, structure, and exposure the program provided. She credits the experience with strengthening her interest in engineering and opening her eyes to a range of research methodologies. “I am forever grateful for this opportunity,” she shares, noting that the support network of professors and mentors played a defining role in her development.
Looking ahead, Suzie plans to attend optometry school after completing her undergraduate degree. Her goal is to become an optometrist, combining her passion for healthcare with the analytical rigor of her biomedical engineering training. She envisions a career grounded in interdisciplinary thinking—something she traces back, in part, to the foundations laid during her summer at CS3.
Applications to the 2026 My Streetscape Summer Research Institute are now open! If you are interested in applying, please visit the My Streetscape Summer Research Institute Page.