During my practicum, I had the opportunity to work as a summer intern at the US Army Research Lab (ARL) through UMD's ARTIAMAS program. This experience provided me with hands-on exposure to the application of natural and physical sciences in a research laboratory setting. In this report, I will discuss my practicum site, how I found it, the tasks I performed, the scientific knowledge I gained, and the broader impact this experience had on me. My practicum site was the US Army Research Lab (ARL), a renowned research institution focused on advancing scientific knowledge and developing innovative technologies for the military. As part of the ARTIAMAS program, I had the opportunity to contribute to the research projects conducted at the ARL. I discovered the ARTIAMAS program and the internship opportunity at ARL through the weekly CMNS department newsletter emails. These newsletters, which I initially considered as mere spam, turned out to be valuable sources of information. To future SGC Scholars, I strongly recommend frequently reading these newsletters, as they occasionally highlight unique opportunities like the one I found. To contact a potential supervisor, I reached out to the program coordinator provided in the newsletter and expressed my interest. Through this process, I connected with Monica Viz, a graduate student at ARL, who became my site supervisor. During my internship at ARL, I was involved in designing an autonomous robot and a protective container for air deployment, specifically for search and rescue purposes. My tasks included utilizing CAD software like Fusion360 to create 3D models of various robot components and the container. Additionally, I used FDM 3D printers to bring these designs to life through physical prototypes. Apart from the design work, I also programmed the robot and worked on enhancing its all-terrain capabilities. Throughout the summer, I participated in periodic testing to evaluate our progress. Working at ARL allowed me to deepen my understanding of the practical applications of science. I learned about the interdisciplinary nature of research and how computer science skills could be applied in engineering and robotics. This experience highlighted the importance of programming not only in computer science-related fields but also in various STEM domains. Additionally, I gained hands-on knowledge of the design process, manufacturing techniques, and the significance of iterative testing and improvement. My practicum experience provided me with a newfound appreciation for the practical connections between science and society. The projects I worked on had clear implications for search and rescue operations, highlighting how scientific advancements can directly contribute to improving the ease and effectiveness of logistics in critical situations. This practicum experience has had a significant impact on my future plans. Although I am a computer science student, I discovered a strong interest in the engineering aspects of designing, manufacturing, and assembling physical components. This realization may influence my career path, as I am now more inclined to pursue opportunities that involve engineering concepts. It has opened up new possibilities and expanded my perspective on potential occupations. Witnessing the practical applications of science and experiencing the collaborative research environment at ARL has solidified my desire to work in a field where I can apply my skills to real-world challenges. The exposure to cutting-edge research and hands-on problem-solving has motivated me to strive for a career that combines scientific exploration with practical problem-solving. My practicum experience at the US Army Research Lab through UMD's ARTIAMAS program was both enriching and transformative. Through designing an autonomous robot and a protective container, I gained valuable scientific knowledge, developed practical skills, and broadened my understanding of the field of robotics, engineering, and computer science. Back to home.