CST300: Major ProSeminar, Week 5

Part 1: Support and Comment on Teammates' Goals

Teammate 1 response.
Teammate 2 response.

Part 2: Possible Capstone Ideas

This week we were asked to brainstorm some potential ideas for our capstone project. Since animal welfare and technology both play a big role in my life, I've narrowed down a few possibilities that combine these passions.

Pet Adoption Matching System

I love the idea of creating a web-based app that pairs adoptable pets with their perfect human companions based on lifestyle, home environment, and personality traits. Think of it like a dating app, but for shelter animals and their future families. It could make the adoption process smoother, happier, and more successful.

Animal Shelter Volunteer Coordination System

Having spend plenty of time volunteering at the shelter, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to organize volunteers effectively. A centralized system to schedule shifts, track volunteer hours, and easily communicate with the shelter team could save time and help use the shelter's resources efficiently. I'd also like to include a feature for volunteers to log dog walks, add daily notes about the animals, and upload photos, creating a more personal and engaging volunteer experience.

Home Pet Care & Management App

Every pet parent knows keeping track of vaccines, vet visits, medication schedules, and daily care routines can get complicated fast. An app designed to simplify pet care would offer reminders, store health records, and even track an animal's weight. I currently have two cats on a weight-loss plan, and I keep their information in a spreadsheet. Having an app where all their weight data could be easily stored on their profiles would things much more organized. 

Admittedly, I'm not sure exactly how to achieve these ideas,  and they might be a bit ambitious, but I am excited about exploring these possibilities.

Part Three: What I Learned This Week 

This week, we learned how to build strong ethical arguments by taking a clear position and backing it up using frameworks. We also explored how AI can support our research for organizing information, shortening research time, and improving efficiencies when writing. On top of that, we started thinking about ideas for our final group video project and possible capstone topics. This week was a great mix of creativity, critical thinking, and learning how to better use AI.

Pictured below is Walter, one of our adoptable residents at the Newport Beach Animal Shelter. I snapped this photo during one of my volunteers shifts, enjoy! The shelter is participating in California Adopt-a-Pet Day on June 7, with all adoption fees waived from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  If you happen to be in the area, stop by and meet your new best friend at 20302 Riverside Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660.