Biology

Gatton Academy senior Ethan Gill of Bowling Green has developed and released his first commercial application for iOS devices.

Ethan Gill, a senior in the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU, has developed the HueHueHue app. (WKU photo by Clinton Lewis)

Gill developed his HueHueHue app out of personal necessity. “I own Philips Hue lights which are supposed to make your life easier,” he said.

Hue lights are a wireless lighting system for the home that can be remotely controlled by a smart device to turn on or off and to emit various colors and shades. “However, having to unlock my phone and wait for an app to load ended up being slower than just turning off a light switch,” he said.

His HueHueHue app resolves this “simple” issue allowing the user to toggle Hue lights with a simple action on an iPhone or iPad. Once configured, the app can even run when the screen is locked, simplifying the process and saving the user time.

WKU’s winter and summer terms provide Gatton Academy students additional time needed to explore and develop their unique passions. During the 2013 summer term, Gill was awarded the Gatton Academy Research Internship allowing him to conduct computer science research under the direction of Dr. James Gary, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Department Head.

Currently, Gill is developing apps and attending national programming competitions during WKU’s winter term as part of his Gatton Academy winter term learning project.

“Gatton Academy students undertake a range of activities during winter term. From classes to study abroad to community service to job shadowing, we ensure that every Academy student is active in their learning during the university’s three-week intersession,” said Derick Strode, Assistant Director of Academic Services at the Gatton Academy. “Ethan’s pursuits in programming are an exact model of how students are using winter term to creatively advance their learning, research, and career goals.”

Gill’s application for compatible iOS devices is available on Cydia at http://moreinfo.thebigboss.org/moreinfo/depiction.php?file=huehuehueDp

Contact: Chad Phillips, (270) 745-6565.