Duke Diary Dispatch: Using Tech to Talk to Bring Medea to Life

Alex Pieroni discusses his project that uses technology to communicate with a figure from ancient Greece

A photo of a classroom at Duke University

This is the latest in a series of diary entries from Alex Pieroni, a Duke student staying close to home this summer and doing a Code+ program in Durham.

Hello once more from Bull City! After completing the second week of Code+, our team successfully wrapped up our technical training. Now, we’re developing the structure of our application and brainstorming ways to build the tech stack to begin envisioning the final product. After spending a few hours in the  mail center, we learned a ton about how the whole operations work and how we may be able to assist them with our tool.

Next week, we’ll build our application within our chosen framework, beginning to develop the user interface, the backend, and the database. Undoubtedly, this process will be filled with abundant learning opportunities, and I’m thrilled about the challenges ahead!

In addition, I finished my Out in Tech mentorship project. I delivered a graduation talk where I shared my project, ChatMedea. This project beautifully merges my passion for computer science and ancient literature. Inspired by my Greek course, during which I immersed myself in Euripides' Medea, I aspired to provide my peers with a similar avenue to engage with this captivating character through the lens of the Greek language. So, ChatMedea will enable users to engage in meaningful conversations with Medea, delving into her emotions, motivations, and choices.

Medea

I had such a fun time presenting, emphasizing the significance of Medea’s story as a reflection of her resilience and defiance. This project is a work in progress –– this was the first time I went online to look for answers and found more unanswered questions like mine. Initially, this discovery was daunting, but it swiftly transformed into an exhilarating realization that I was among the first to embark on this uncharted territory of language models. I invite everyone to explore the project here: http://chatmedea.glitch.me/

Aside from my mentorship project, I also did some development work as the President of the A Cappella Council to prepare for our annual A Cappella “O-Show” during the first few weeks of classes. We’re working with the new structure of the Duke orientation program to ensure that first-year students can explore the vibrant art scene on campus!

This weekend, my friends and I wanted to explore a bit further around the Durham area. We visited Cary to the Fenton Maker’s Market to explore local artists’ work. Then, we found Gamers Geekery & Tavern, where we played tabletop games for several hours!

With great anticipation, I eagerly look forward to beginning development next week and embarking on many more adventures!