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arouney sithtaphone.

breaking barriers,
engineering the future

about.

meet arouney sithtaphone.

Hi! I'm Arouney Sithtaphone - a STEAM diversity advocate and aspiring engineer.

As a second-year Biomedical Engineering major at the University of Rhode Island, I am dedicated to breaking barriers and engineering the future with a focus on accessibility and racial equity.

Growing up with strong role models, I understand the importance of representation and strive to be someone that young girls can look up to in engineering. I’m passionate about leveraging STEAM to reimagine and improve the systems we live in, making them more just and equitable.

At the URI Wearable Biosensing Lab, I’m diving into hands-on research, working on prototyping wearable devices and developing innovative testing methods for vital-sign monitoring. This experience fuels my dedication to creating solutions that enhance accessibility and serve underserved communities. If you’re interested in learning more about my work or connecting over shared passions, feel free to reach out or download my CV. Thanks for stopping by!

Contact Me Download Resume

my goals.

what's next for me.

I’m currently pursuing a major in Biomedical Engineering with a vision to develop low-cost medical devices and prosthetics for low-income communities. My focus is on creating accessible solutions that make a real difference where it’s needed most.

Beyond academics, I am deeply engaged in storytelling and community initiatives. I believe that even small actions can pave the way for more just and equitable environments. That’s why I invest time in honing my skills and passions, ensuring that my work has a meaningful impact.

My goal is to leave a lasting impression on those I encounter. I firmly believe that teaching is one of the best ways to learn, and I hope to one day share my experiences and knowledge with many young people.

Looking ahead, I aspire to own a company dedicated to creating affordable, accessible medical devices that have a global impact.

Creativity is at the heart of everything I do. Whether I’m making music, designing websites, or experimenting with new recipes, creating brings me joy. I’m also a devoted Studio Ghibli fan and would love to connect with fellow enthusiasts.

Career and Education

My Credentials.

Below is a synopsis of some of my professional and academic experience. For a high-level view of my work, please feel free to download a copy of my resume.

Experience

March 2024 - Present

University of Rhode Island Wearable Biosensing Lab

Undergraduate Research Assistant

  • Prototype a vital–sign-collecting wearable armband using Fusion 360, silicone molding, textiles, & 3-D printing, iterating over 3+ prototypes
  • Develop comprehensive testing protocols to collect electrocardiogram (ECG) and electrodermal activity (EDA) signals from participants
  • Present research findings to peers and faculty, demonstrating technical and communication skills

March 2024 - September 2024

University of Rhode Island SMILE Program

High School Coordinator

  • Develop and implement engaging weekly STEM activities for an after-school club, fostering a hands-on learning environment for high school students from marginalized communities
  • Collaborate with educators and community partners to ensure activities are inclusive, culturally relevant, and aligned with educational standards

August 2024

Boston Scientific | National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME)

Extern

  • Participated in structured externship program, acquiring in-depth knowledge of Boston Scientific’s strategic planning and endoscopy division
  • Interacted with chapter leaders from various Employee Resource Groups, discussing diversity and inclusion initiatives
  • Explored industry trends and career development opportunities, gaining valuable insights into the field
  • Observed practical applications of medical devices and technologies in the Urology Immersion Lab, enhancing understanding of functionality and impact

September 2022 - May 2024

Each Day Communications

Contract Web Developer

  • Spearhead the creation and continuous upkeep of websites through versatile Content Management Systems (CMS) including Squarespace and WordPress, amplifying brand visibility and online engagement
  • Effectively collaborate with 5+ clients and stakeholders to gather and refine project specifications, aligning them with precise technical requirements
  • Be responsible for maintaining, expanding, and scaling sites
  • Ensure seamless integration of new features across browsers and devices, elevating web-based solutions' accessibility and user satisfaction

July 2022 - August 2022

Generation Teach (AmeriCorps Service)

Summer Teaching Fellow

  • Developed and delivered grade-appropriate engineering curriculum to class sizes of 15-30 third and fourth grade students
  • Planned and coordinated school-wide events with team members

July 2021 - August 2021

Community Care Alliance | The Harbour Youth Center

Summer Program Instructor/Coordinator

  • Curated engineering and public-health centered 5-week curriculum for 12 local youth ages 14-18
  • Guided students in executing engineering and presentation-based projects, enhancing their practical understanding of engineering concepts

July 2020 - August 2020

Community Care Alliance | The Harbour Youth Center

Summer Program Virtual Instructor/Coordinator

  • Wrote a $3,000 National Center for Women in Information Technology (NCWIT) grant to create virtual 5-week STEM program for 10 local teenage girls ages 14-19
  • Implemented an engaging, thought-provoking curriculum based around web design, social justice, and leadership development
  • Instructed students in research and computing languages HTML and CSS

July 2019 - August 2019

Community Care Alliance | The Harbour Youth Center

Zero Robotics Summer Coding Technician

  • Assisted in SPHERES (Synchronized Position, Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellite) programming and research through collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Department of Defense (DOD)
  • Optimized satellite maneuverability to navigate through space debris dense environments, simultaneously enhancing collision detection and interception accuracy using C++
  • Competed in National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Zero Robotics program in a team of 6; placing 2nd in Rhode Island

Education

September 2023, Expected May 2027

University of Rhode Island

Bachelor of Science (BS) Biomedical Engineering

Coursework:

  • Digital Circuit Design
  • Computer Programming
  • The Joy of Programming
  • Cyber Security Technology
  • Foundations of Engineering
  • Foundations of Engineering II
  • Writing to Inform and Explain

Societies:

  • Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
  • Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)
  • IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS) | Chapter Social Media Representative
  • Science & Engineering Fellows

August 2019 - June 2023

Woonsocket Area Career & Technical Center

P-TECH Certification | Computer Science & Game Design

Coursework:

  • Computer Science I (Python)
  • AP Computer Science Principles (Javascript)
  • AP Computer Science A (Java)
  • Cybersecurity

Societies & Awards:

  • SkillsUSA (2022)
  • RI 2nd Place Prepared Speech, SkillsUSA (2022)
  • RI Regional Affiliate Aspirations in Computing Awardee, National Center for Women & Information Technology (2020, 2021)
  • $3,000 AspireIT Grant, National Center for Women & Information Technology (2020)
  • Class of 2020 "100 High School Students America Needs to Know About", Workforce Career Readiness (2020)

Dual and Concurrent Enrollment:

  • University of Rhode Island: CSC211 Computer Programming
  • University of Rhode Island: CSF102 Cyber Security Technology
  • University of Rhode Island: CSC106 The Joy of Programming
  • University of Rhode Island: WRT104 Writing to Inform and Explain
  • Central Maine Community College: CPT225 Advanced PC Repair
  • Central Maine Community College: CPT147 PC Repair/OS

August 2019 - June 2023

Woonsocket High School

High School Diploma

Coursework:

  • Honors Algebra I, Honors Geometry, Honors Algebra II, Honors Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus
  • Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry I, Physics, Honors Anatomy & Physiology, Astronomy
  • Honors English 9, Honors English 10, Honors English 11, Honors English 12
  • Honors World History I, Honors US History I, AP United States Government & Politics
  • Spanish I, Spanish II
  • Chorus, Select Choir, Jazz Band

Activities, Societies, & Leadership Positions:

  • Class Office, Class Public Relations Chairperson (2019 - 2023)
  • Student Council (2019 - 2023)
  • University of Rhode Island Science & Math Investigative Learning Experience (2015 - 2021)
  • National Honor Society, Chapter C/O 2023 Vice President (2021 - 2023)
  • Future Business Leaders of America, Chapter President (2020 - 2023)
  • Chorus/Select Choir, President (2016 - 2023)
  • Jazz Band/Concert Band (2019 - 2023)

Awards & Distinctions:

  • RI 1st Place Job Interview, Future Business Leaders of America (2022)
  • RI 4th Place Local Chapter Newsletter, Future Business Leaders of America (2022)
  • RI 1st Place Networking Infrastructures, Future Business Leaders of America (2021)
  • RI 2nd Place Local Chapter Newsletter, Future Business Leaders of America (2021)
  • Student Changemaker, Generation Citizen (2021)
  • Leadership Development, IvyHouse Award (2021)
  • $500 Learning Challenge Grant, GripTape Learning (2021)
  • State Citation for 3D Touch-Map, RI State House (2019)

My Links

See My Latest Projects, Profiles, & More

Check it out!

Aspirations Award Profile

Take a look at my NCWIT Aspirations Award Winner profile! Details

Museum of Work and Culture Article

An article about my 3D touch-map exhibit at the Museum of Work and Culture promoting accessibility for blind and low-vision individuals. Details

My LinkedIn Profile

Connect with me on LinkedIn! Details

Digital Pop-Up

Learn more about my digital pop-up, Diaspora Documented. Details

Class of 2020 "100 High School Students America Needs to Know About"

Go to page 17 to read my Workforce Career Readiness profile. Details

Contact

Feel Free to Contact Me.

Thank you for your interest!

Your message was sent, thank you!
Email Me At

arouney@arouney.com

Connect With Me On

LinkedIn

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