Independent Study Discussion on Computer Science with Anna Calveri Class of 2026
At Princeton University, Computer Science majors in the Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.) program are required to undertake a substantial independent project called Independent Work (IW). Anna Calveri '26, a recent graduate, has shared valuable insights into navigating this significant academic endeavour.
Calveri's IW project, conducted at the Princeton Vision & Learning Lab under the guidance of Professor Jia Deng, focused on generating synthetic data for the field of robotics. This project provided Calveri with practical skills, such as working in a large codebase and understanding other people's code.
Calveri emphasises the importance of balancing long-term projects and research with regular check-ins and progress milestones. She suggests setting clear, manageable goals and seeking regular feedback from professors or advisers. Calveri also encourages students not to put off meetings with advisers, even if progress seems minimal, and to start their papers or presentations early, rather than waiting until the end of the semester.
Typically, IW projects at institutions like Princeton involve close mentorship with a faculty advisor or project sponsor, application of advanced computer science and engineering concepts to a real or research problem, a formal proposal, periodic review, and a final presentation or defense before faculty and peers. The projects often culminate in demonstration or prototype development as proof of concept of the project work, and meeting any departmental requirements related to the project scope, deliverables, and documentation.
While specific details about Princeton’s one-on-one IW project process and requirements for Computer Science majors are not explicitly detailed in available sources, broader context from similar universities indicates that these projects require careful planning with faculty, adherence to academic standards, and a final oral or written presentation. For instance, at Loyola University Maryland, the B.S.E. program includes a required, two-semester senior design project related to the engineering concentration, involving a client-based real problem and faculty mentorship.
To get precise and official details on the one-on-one IW project process and requirements at Princeton University for Computer Science majors in the B.S.E., consulting Princeton’s official Computer Science or Engineering department academic advising resources or degree program handbook is recommended, as these sources typically provide comprehensive guidelines on independent projects.
Calveri's experience has made her consider pursuing a graduate degree and conducting a year-long research project. Her conversation highlights the applicability of a proactive approach to even the most ambitious projects.
As we look forward, Alexis Wu, Engineering Correspondent, encourages readers to stay tuned for future posts about senior theses and what they might entail. The Princeton senior thesis is a requirement for all students except Computer Science majors in the B.S.E. degree program.
- In her senior thesis, Calveri plans to delve deeper into the field of robotics, building upon the skills she acquired from her Independent Work project.
- For students aiming for a graduate degree, online education platforms can be useful for learning about senior theses and their structure, providing a foundation for future research.
- Apart from her independent work, Calveri also encourages students to invest in junior papers as early learning experiences, preparing them for their later academic and self-development endeavors.
