Preet Patel Senior Blog

  Exploring blockchain and crypto tokens led me to uncover the fascinating world of decentralized finance (DeFi), which represents a significant departure from traditional financial systems. DeFi leverages blockchain technology and smart contracts to create a decentralized ecosystem of financial services, allowing users to engage in various activities such as lending, borrowing, trading, and earning interest without relying on intermediaries like banks or brokerage firms. One of the most compelling aspects of DeFi is its potential to democratize access to financial services on a global scale. By removing barriers to entry and enabling anyone with an internet connection to participate, DeFi has the power to empower individuals who have been traditionally underserved or excluded by traditional banking systems. Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) exemplify the innovative nature of DeFi, offering a platform for users to trade digital assets directly with one another in a peer-to-peer manner...

"Citizenfour" provides a gripping portrayal of Edward Snowden's decision to blow the whistle on government surveillance programs, shedding light on the vast extent of mass surveillance conducted by intelligence agencies like the NSA. Through interviews and footage captured during Snowden's initial meetings with journalists Glenn Greenwald and Laura Poitras, the documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at the events leading up to the publication of classified documents revealing the scope of surveillance activities. The film exposes the troubling reality of widespread data collection, including the monitoring of digital communications and metadata of individuals around the world. It raises profound questions about the balance between national security and individual privacy, prompting viewers to contemplate the implications of unchecked government surveillance on civil liberties and democratic principles. What stands out in "Citizenfour" is Snowden's u...

The case study of HiveTracks and Bee Informed Partnership (BIP) highlighted how collaboration between technology platforms and nonprofit organizations can effectively address environmental issues. By combining the expertise of technologists, scientists, and community members, innovative solutions are developed to promote sustainability and biodiversity. One key learning was the significance of data-driven decision-making in conservation efforts. HiveTracks and BIP collect data from beekeepers to monitor hive health and track disease prevalence. This data empowers beekeepers to make informed management decisions and provides valuable insights for researchers. The case study demonstrated how leveraging data analytics and technology can support conservation initiatives and mitigate environmental threats. Furthermore, the importance of community engagement and empowerment was emphasized. Both organizations prioritize collaboration with beekeepers, providing them with tools, resources, and ...

  Our recent classroom discussion on personal ethics sparked thought-provoking reflections on the complexities of moral decision-making. As we explored various scenarios and dilemmas, we emphasized the importance of empathy, introspection, and moral courage in shaping our ethical compass. Highlights included discussions on the role of empathy in considering the impact of our actions on others, the necessity of ongoing self-reflection to refine our ethical framework, and the significance of integrity in upholding ethical principles. Overall, the dialogue served as a reminder of the communal nature of ethical inquiry and the importance of striving for integrity, empathy, and moral courage in our daily lives. A lot of people were able to connect their ethics with what they learned at home and that was something I related to the most since most of my ethics coming from a not western cultural background have been highly influenced by the way I was raised.