For many high school students, summer vacation is a time to unplug. For Ruchira Shree, a rising sophomore at West Windsor–Plainsboro High School South in New Jersey, the break allows her to ramp up her extracurricular pursuits. Much of her time is spent assisting with IEEE Princeton Central Jersey Section (PCJS) activities.
Shree got involved with PCJS because of her mother, IEEE Senior Member Shubha Bommalingaiahnapallya, who is the section’s vice chair. Bommalingaiahnapallya is a principal engineer at Intel. “I started going to the IEEE meetings when I was little,” Shree says. “I used to go w…”
A Teen Volunteer’s Path
Shree’s involvement with IEEE began early, accompanying her mother to meetings. That early exposure led to her active participation in section activities, including a project that helped Native American students earn ham radio licenses.
The initiative reflects a broader effort to engage underrepresented groups in technical hobbies and careers. By assisting these students, Shree contributed to a hands-on learning experience that could open doors in radio communications and engineering.
The Role of Family and IEEE
Her mother’s position as vice chair of PCJS and her work at Intel provided a direct connection to the organization. Shree’s volunteer work is part of a family tradition of IEEE engagement, with her mother serving as a mentor and role model.
The IEEE Princeton Central Jersey Section’s activities, supported by volunteers like Shree, aim to foster interest in technology among young people. The ham radio licensing effort is one example of how such outreach can have a tangible impact.
What’s Next
As Shree continues her high school career, her involvement with IEEE may expand. The article does not specify whether she plans to pursue further volunteer projects or if the ham radio initiative will be repeated. The coming school year may reveal how she balances academics with her extracurricular commitments.