Jingzhuo Hu, SEAS Masters of Computer and Information Technology, 2025
As my exhilarating summer internship at The Commons XR comes to a close, I find myself astounded by the transformative power of extended reality(XR) and the innovative strides we’ve taken in the realm of education. My journey with The Commons XR has been nothing short of enlightening, as I’ve learned how to contribute to the development of their XR learning platform.
One of the highlights of my internship was the opportunity to work on designing and developing REST APIs for the CRUD operations of users using Python. This experience granted me invaluable insights into the intricate architecture of web applications and the importance of creating smooth and efficient user experiences. Through careful planning and meticulous coding, I was able to streamline user interactions on the platform, making navigation intuitive and seamless.
A significant portion of my internship was dedicated to enhancing the robustness and safety of the platform’s codebase. Leveraging Azure Functions, I undertook the challenge of implementing serverless unit testing. This not only fortified the stability of the platform but also instilled a sense of confidence in the development process. The experience reaffirmed the critical role that rigorous testing plays in preventing potential pitfalls down the line.
Looking ahead, I am invigorated by the boundless possibilities that XR holds for the future of learning. My internship at Commons XR has ignited a fervent curiosity within my, compelling me to explore further, innovate tirelessly, and continue unraveling the uncharted territories of immersive education.
In closing, my journey at The Commons XR has been a remarkable chapter in my academic and professional evolution. The experience of contributing to the development of an XR learning platform has not only deepened my technical prowess but has also imparted a profound an appreciation for the symbiosis of technology and education.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2023 GAPSA Summer Internship Funding Program that is coordinated by Penn Career Services. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here.
