Wilkes University Student in College of Science and Engineering, Yasmin Aboajila of Wilkes-Barre, Twp., Pa., 18702 Presents Senior Project

2018 May 9

Wilkes University electrical engineering student, Yasmin Aboajila of Wilkes-Barre, Twp., Pa., 18702, presented a senior project on April 28. The event was attended by faculty, friends and family. Engineering students in the University's College of Science and Engineering are required to complete a senior project as part of the requirements to complete their degrees.

Aboajila's project was entitled, " WiFi Effects on the Brain." The purpose of this senior project was to analyze any WiFi effects on brain signals. There were eighteen total subjects for this experiment. The four brain waves investigated are alpha, beta, delta, and theta waves. The first time through, the subjects have their brain signals measured for one minute with the WiFi on. The second time the brain signals are measured for one minute with the WiFi off. For each trial, the first 20 seconds the subject has their eyes closed, then opened for 20 seconds, and closed again for the final 20 seconds. The results were that the standard deviation for all waves was higher when the WiFi was turned on. The frequency for all the waves except for the alpha wave was higher when the WiFi was turned off. Since the beta wave frequency is higher when the WiFi is off, the brain is working harder with less WiFi signals. Beta waves represent problem solving, judgment, and mental activity so it would be recommended to have those brain waves working at a higher frequency when a student is test-taking. Therefore it is recommended for students to turn off the WiFi on their phones before taking an exam. Aboajila worked with faculty advisor Abas Sabouni, associate professor of electrical engineering.