"For my MIT-UK program, I had an 8-week summer research position in assistive technology at the University of Bristol with Dr. Kyle Keane, a Senior Lecturer in the Computer Science department.
My primary internship project was creating NAV-SI (Navigation And Visio-Spatial Information). NAV-SI is a mobile app that performs object and text detection to enhance micro-navigation and environmental awareness, particularly for blind and visually impaired users, like Dr. Keane himself. NAV-SI is voice controlled and utilizes machine learning models for both the general detection and specific search of objects or text, as well as provides position and color information. I presented and demoed NAV-SI at the Emergent Harmonics conference at the Watershed in Bristol, on July 7th.
The summer with Dr. Keane also included many off-site visits and networking opportunities. Even before arriving in Bristol, I was introduced to the world of assistive technology through the Tactile Reading and Graphics Conference, which ran from June 2nd to 4th in Amsterdam."
Kailey's Story
Computer Science and Engineering student, Kailey Epstein '27, interned at the University of Bristol with Dr. Kyle Keane, a Senior Lecturer in the Computer Science department. Her primary internship project was creating a mobile app that performs object and text detection to enhance micro-navigation and environmental awareness, particularly for blind and visually impaired users.
"This was my first time traveling abroad, and living across the ocean from my family for two months showed me how independent I truly am. Staying in an AirBnb, taking solo international flights, and navigating new public transportation systems gave me the confidence that I can handle new cultural situations. Moreover, MISTI taught me just how much I love to travel! This experience also influenced my anticipated career path by opening my eyes to so many new fields within computer science, including both assistive and immersive technology, that I'm interested in exploring further. I plan to continue doing research work with Dr. Kyle Keane at MIT, and I'm also considering both assistive technology internships for next summer and masters programs in the UK."Kailey Epstein '27
Major & Class Year
Computer Science and Engineering '27
Location
Bristol, United Kingdom
MISTI Program
Internship
MISTI Host
University of Bristol
