March, 2026
At the NSCC Tech Showcase on March 26 and 27, my classmate and I presented GFAC (Glider Function Automation Control), the product we were building as part of our co-op and capstone work with the Ocean Tracking Network (OTN). OTN was the organization we were working with, while GFAC was the actual application we were developing and demonstrating.
GFAC is a web application built to streamline the operation of Slocum underwater gliders. It automates key control functions that would otherwise require manual intervention, helping reduce operator workload and minimize the risk of human error during glider deployments.
The showcase gave us the opportunity to present the project to faculty, staff, industry guests, and visiting students, while explaining both the technical side of the application and the real-world problem it was designed to solve. We used the event to walk people through the purpose of GFAC, the work we had completed, and what it was like developing the project in collaboration with OTN.
It was also meaningful to have our lead Software Engineer from OTN there during the showcase. Having him present added context to the work, reinforced the connection between the project and the organization, and made the experience feel even more relevant as a professional co-op and capstone presentation.
Overall, the event was a strong opportunity to represent our work in a professional setting, practice presenting a real software project, and share the value of GFAC with both industry and future students.