The University Advancement External Relations Team would like to highlight Jack Hoover, a recent WPI Civil Engineering graduate and student worker for the team. During his final term at WPI, Jack, along with his group members Philip Bui (Computer Science), Hasan Gandor (Computer Science), and Tyler Jordan (Industrial Engineering), delivered an outstanding Major Qualifying Project (MQP). Jack’s project, Worcester PermitPro, serves as a software solution to the City of Worcester and other city stakeholders to alleviate the stress of finding affordable housing in the area, while utilizing technological elements such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, visualization mapping, and meta-analysis for convenience and efficiency.
The project was sponsored by the City of Worcester Executive Office of Economic Development and the Worcester FAB (Fintech, AI, and Blockchain) Lab for Social Good. The project's purpose was to display a commitment to social impact, along with innovative ways for the community to navigate the uprising concerns of finding affordable housing. The project’s purpose stems from the value of community – something that is not only impactful to the City of Worcester, but also something that sparks a lot of the work done by the WPI External Relations Team. This innovative new software developed by Jack and his team will certainly make a lasting impact within the community WPI resides in and will allow for future collaboration between Worcester and future WPI students.
Jack also shared some insights as to how his experience as a student worker for the External Relations Team translated into the work needed for the MQP. Specifically, Jack mentioned that he learned the importance of building mutually beneficial connections, as his primary role was to identify and evaluate potential WPI alumni holding executive positions in companies of interest. This work allowed WPI to provide value to other parties and share goals and collaborative initiatives. Using this expertise, Jack realized that while managing the creation of blockchain and artificial intelligence, the thought of stakeholder interests – especially those needing affordable housing – was always at the forefront of the project strategy. The WPI External Relations Team is grateful to have worked with and learned from Jack. The team extends sincerest gratitude and endless success to Jack as he begins this new post-graduate journey.
Learn more about partnering with External Relations at WPI: https://www.wpi.edu/offices/external-relations