Jonathan Abbott MIT

Enjoying life as an enthusiast...


Hope Fellowship Church
No Right Output
Since coming to Boston I have been attending Hope Fellowship Church in Porter Square. At Hope, you might have seen me in the balcony helping with the sound board. I personally like the sign that says, "There is no right output." That's where God has to fill in.
MechE Peer Advising
MIT Meche Peer Advising
Since Spring 2014 I'm the MechE Peer Advising webmaster. I've organized, revamped, and custom-themed the multi-author Wordpress site. The MIT-only site, https://adviseme.mit.edu/, features lots of great insight (60+ posts) by upperclassmen. I also changed an initiative where all students can submit feedback and advice for other students during the regular subject evaluations. We get and post 200+ snippets of advice each semester.
Helping the Blind Navigate Subway Stations
Underground Beacons for Blind Navigation in Subway Stations
Spring 2014 I participated in an assistive technology hackathon at MIT where I was part of a team that tried to design a solution to helping blind passengers of the subways navigate the underground stations. We came up with a nifty solution taking advantage of the new beacon technology in smartphones and using intelligent audio cues. Antonio (the blind client) and I shared the concept and current technology with the MBTA in late 2014.
Study Abroad at Cambridge University
Spring 2013 I studied abroad at Cambridge University in England through the MIT-CME program. Study abroad shapes how one perceives and interacts with people from other cultures. I have written some blogs that share my experiences and reflect my personality:
International Development House (iHouse)
During my MIT undergrad I lived in iHouse, a living-learning community committed to international development. I served on the executive team, contributing in many facets:
  • Treasurer for three years of $1000 annual social budget, increasing transparency
  • Leading the writing of an implementation plan
  • Interviewing new staff and new students
  • Coordinated storage
  • Charged a speaker series event
  • Initiated archivial process
  • Webmastering the whole iHouse website from a bare-bones minimum (php)
  • Brainstorming a Mexican targeted advertising project
  • Creating the following promotional video (song by friend Tuang, lyrics by me):
New House Conservation and Service Chair
Sept 2012 - Dec 2013 I emailed out opportunities for volunteers, ran food drives, and promoted recycling. I even had initiated a creative water and time saving solution to nonworking washers and dryers using magnetic printable labels. The secret was to make it simple, big, and funny. I received emails praising the idea, even describing it as "adorable." You can check out all of the 30+ unique labels here.
New House Security Committee
New House Security Committee
Spring 2014 The MIT Residential Life had proposed a large security overhaul that compromised the open culture and convenience of New House. I initiated and led a team of three New House students in an official security committee, conducting a full survey with an unprecended response of over 160 of the 270 students in New House. We composed a data-filled 13 page report outlining student opinions and recommendations. We then met with the Dean, administrators, and security contractors of MIT Res/Life, resulting in a rare but great compromise that preserved the openness of New House while greatly enhancing security. Everyone went home happy.
Running / Ultimate
Running way back at CR
Traditionally a runner, I played ultimate for my third year at MIT. Ultimate was a switch from MIT's Varsity Track and Field which did not leave enough time for being a TA. I ran a good 5k in 16:54 (5:27/mile) in the 2012 Spring MIT Habitat for Humanity Beaver Dash. Lately I've been practicing joggling.
Trumpet
Since fifth grade, I have played the trumpet. I made the Delaware All-State Concert Band 6 out of 6 years before coming to MIT. Now I play in an MIT jazz combo or play by ear to the radio. The following is a solo from Fall 2013. Ad lib.
Juggling and Unicycling
Since third grade, unicycling has been a outdoor pleasure and since sixth grade juggling has been a favorite hobby. Juggling was great for growing up without a TV, and I continue it in my free time. My niche is smooth three ball stylistic flow.
Bowling?
Jonathan Abbott Bowling Record
I also randomly bowled a 224. Had to be 2 sigma over...
Animals
Jonathan Abbott and Whistler
Fond of animals, I have also been a pet sitter for amimals including cats, a dog, ducks, and birds. This was running in Boston with MIT Professor Wesley Harris' dog Whistler.
Poetry
Fond of art in many forms
from pitched motifs to pretty songs
I love slants rhymes - alliteration
that puzzle minds and take patience.
Usually I write for pen and paper,
but sometimes I share for friends and whomever
ventures to see my undertaking.
Here's a Twas the Night Before Presentations.
Scootering
Razor A5 Lux Custom Fender Extension
My favorite way to get around campus has to be scootering. You might find me doing a wheelie for 50+ yards or randomly riding backwards. The fender/brake design was not good for water, so with the help of the MIT Pappalardo Staff, I riveted a cool fender extension on. Now I can ride and smile even in the rain.

Gardening
Planted some crocus
A previous hobby was gardening. I had a garden with fennel, daylilies, black-eyed susan, marigolds, alyssum, parsley, basil, peppers, bush beans, goards, and tomatoes. Gardening has been limited since coming to MIT, but I managed to plant some crocus.

And please check the engineering page for other projects.

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