On SPAM, we lump together controls hardware and software + the layout and construction of the OI into one sub-team. Programming is one part of that. My goal is to let as many students, as possible, be a part of Software and Controls. I typically have 6-8 students that are interested and 1 or 2 that have had the chance to learn
any programming language. I'm an Aerospace Engineer by training with FORTRAN,C and C++ thrown in the mix over the years. I always tell the students, that all they need is a willingness to try. The rest will come with persistence and practice. Last year, I had the luxury of working with a senior (Josh G.) who completely took over the programming and configuration management of the software. It allowed me more time to work with the students that had no experience. Now this year I'm counting on them.
