UCA student Honey Norfolk
University of Central Arkansas student Honey Norfolk has been accepted to the Oregon State University “Robots in the Real World” program.
Norfolk, a Little Rock native, is a junior double majoring in engineering physics and sociology with minors in computer science and interdisciplinary studies.
The 10-week summer initiative is part of the university’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates Site (REU) program, which has run for 11 years. During the program, Norfolk will participate in research and get hands-on learning on social robotics. This will involve designing, implementing, and evaluating social interactions between a Quori robot and people.
Her long-term goal is to earn a Doctor of Philosophy degree in robotics to study robotics and artificial intelligence’s ethical and social implications. In looking towards her future, Norfolk explored several robotics research opportunities throughout the United States. She received word of her acceptance in March.
“I was so overwhelmed with joy, I could barely breathe. I had just been accepted to my top choice and couldn’t have been happier. As soon as I calmed down just a little, I called my mom to tell her the news,” she said.
She credits her successful admission, in part, to William Slaton, UCA professor and engineering physics coordinator, and Patrick Casey, UCA assistant professor of sociology.
“Both Dr. Slaton and Dr. Casey wrote my recommendation letters, and if there’s anyone I should thank for where I am today, it’s definitely them,” Norfolk said.
The REU “Robots in the Real World” program runs from June 23 to Aug. 29. More information about the program can be found here.