Meet student researchers advancing health, education and data solutions

What made you want to get involved in FURI? 

I had heard about FURI, but I never thought I would be involved in it. When I joined Dr. Holloway’s lab, she suggested I apply. Once I learned more about the program, I thought it was a great opportunity. I had only been in her lab for a couple of months, so applying for FURI was a really good kick-starter to dive deep into my project. Plus, I wanted the opportunity to meet other undergraduate researchers and see what sorts of things they were working on.

Why did you choose the project you’re working on?

I chose Dr. Holloway’s lab because I really liked her research. I like the biomaterials side of things, so it was a perfect fit for me. For the specific project I am working on, Dr. Holloway had a grant that didn’t have anyone working on it. She gave me the grant and asked me to read it to see if it was something I was interested in. I thought it was really interesting and super innovative, so I joined the project. I started working on it by myself initially, but now I work with a doctoral student, which I love because it gives me another brain to think with and a lot more hands-on support.

How will your engineering research project impact the world?

My project has a medical application, so it has the possibility to impact and improve a lot of lives. The overarching goal of my project is to create a hydrogel to treat bone loss. In the U.S. alone there are about  1.6 million surgeries performed per year to treat bone loss. The current treatment methods pose a lot of complications and have many limitations. It is for this reason that there is a need for a novel solution to treat bone loss.

My project bridges this gap by creating a hydrogel that can be implanted into the body to stimulate bone growth as the hydrogel degrades. The novel aspect of the hydrogel that aims to help promote bone regeneration is a metabolite called alpha-ketoglutarate, or AKG. It has been shown to stimulate cell metabolism and modulate bone-degrading cells. The release of AKG into the tissue needs to be controlled, which we aim to do by forming AKG polymer microparticles. Much of the work I have done over the past two semesters has been on characterizing the material properties and release kinetics of AKG from the hydrogels.

A solution like this will provide a treatment option for bone loss patients that is fast and effective, so they can heal as quickly as possible.

How do you see this experience helping with your career/advanced degree goals?

Research has allowed me to explore and experience things that have helped me determine what I want to do in the future. I have learned a lot of skills applicable to my field that I didn’t learn in my classes. I have learned proper sterile techniques, different test methods and collaborative lab work. Recently, I used my knowledge of the biosafety cabinet for my capstone project. Research is something that I am really passionate about, and working in the lab and being able to talk to other undergrads in research has been a vital part of learning that about myself. I aspire to continue research in the future, but most likely in an industry setting.

Why should other students get involved in FURI?

It is a wonderful opportunity to meet other students in research and to show off your own work. I feel like being able to talk to your peers and present your work is part of research, so being able to do that as an undergrad is fun.

Learn more about Emily Mahadevan’s spring 2024 FURI project.

What made you want to get involved in FURI? 

I wanted to get involved with FURI because I personally had a lot of innovative ideas that I wanted to bring to life and FURI supplied me with the means to do so. FURI has allowed to me work hands-on with hardware and software that I have never worked with before. I feel like I am learning so much beyond the classroom setting as a result of the FURI program.

Why did you choose the project you’re working on?

I chose the SwerveStopper camera because it was an idea that I came up with after noticing that drunk driving is still as prominent as ever, and there needs to be more steps taken to stop this issue that takes thousands of lives each year.

How will your engineering research project impact the world?

My project will impact the world by serving as a preventive measure for any individuals who plan to get behind the wheel inebriated. In the same way a red-light or speeding camera prevents people from running red lights and speeding because they don’t want to get captured by the camera and face the consequences, my hope for the SwerveStopper camera is that its existence would stop people from drunk driving in the first place. Even if individuals still choose to go out and drive inebriated, the SwerveStopper camera would capture their vehicle information and hold them accountable.

Have there been any surprises in your research?

In my research, I have been surprised by how versatile the Python programming language is. Python is a language I haven’t worked with yet in any of my courses but now I understand all the hype. Getting to master Python in this hands-on setting when I have mainly been working with C++, C and Java has definitely been humbling, but I am pleasantly surprised that my previous programming knowledge does transfer over to some extent as I play around with Python scripts.

What is the best advice you’ve gotten from your faculty mentor?

The best advice I have received from my faculty mentor, David Claveau, is that with all new technology there is a learning curve. Professor Claveau encouraged me to give myself grace and time when I am trying to learn the new programming languages, operating systems and hardware that this project requires of me. He understands how passionate I am to just make this project a reality, but, at the same time, he encourages me by letting me know that I cannot and should not rush the learning process if I want to make this project great.

Why should other students get involved in FURI?

I think other students should definitely get involved with FURI because it has given me exposure to technologies and hardware that I likely would not have been taught in a classroom setting. Knowing that I have to fiddle around with a Raspberry Pi and different operating systems in order to accomplish my goal of making this outlandish idea I had a reality has been motivating. I genuinely don’t know if, without this FURI project, I would’ve ever pushed myself to learn Python or MotioneyeOS this early in my career and I know for a fact that I would’ve never thought to work with a Raspberry Pi.

Knowing that I’m working to create something great thanks to the FURI program has forced me to expand my knowledge base and get creative!

Learn more about Jenna Lee’s spring 2024 FURI project.

What made you want to get involved in MORE and the project you’re working on?

Since my formative years, I’ve been deeply passionate about research, a trait passed down from my father who dedicated his career to the research and development sector. As I pursued mechanical engineering, I envisioned seamlessly blending my research interests with my growing skill set.

It was during this quest that I connected with Dr. Fard, whose expertise closely aligned with my interests, and his recognition of my research background presented me with an enticing project centered on integrating machine learning into material analysis. Understanding the game-changing potential of using machine learning to speed up material analysis, I eagerly committed to working on this project. This innovative approach has the power to revolutionize scientific research in the fields of material characterization and nanoscience.

As my journey progressed, Dr. Fard recognized my dedication and progress, ultimately inviting me to participate in the MORE program, further solidifying my commitment to research and academic growth. This serendipitous sequence of events underscores my passion for research and my unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in pursuit of innovation and progress.

How will your engineering research project impact the world?

One of the primary challenges in materials testing and analysis is the significant time investment required. We aim to implement machine learning techniques to expedite the process. Our goal is to automate the identification of novel materials with specific properties by analyzing nanoparticles and the spaces between them. This approach will enable us to understand various material characteristics, such as electrical conductivity, more efficiently.

By streamlining the material analysis process, we can enhance the quality of materials used in semiconductor manufacturing. This innovative method will save time by eliminating the need for manual analysis, resulting in a smoother and more efficient process overall.

How do you see this experience helping with your career/advanced degree goals?

This experience holds immense significance for my career trajectory, particularly as a mechanical engineer with a background primarily rooted in design software. While my expertise in design software is undoubtedly valuable, this research opportunity has helped me broaden my horizons, particularly in the realm of material science. Integrating machine learning into material analysis has not only deepened my understanding of this critical aspect of engineering but has also expanded my skill set in the emerging field of machine learning.

This experience has made me confident in my ability to learn independently and has better equipped me to tackle multifaceted engineering challenges and make meaningful contributions to innovative projects in the field. Furthermore, this experience enhances my qualifications for a master’s degree program and diverse career opportunities, bridging the gap between my existing skills and the broader knowledge essential for success in mechanical engineering.

What is the best advice you’ve gotten from your faculty mentor?

The best advice I’ve received from Dr. Fard is to follow what truly interests me and aligns with my goals. He’s not just a mentor; he’s someone who sees potential in every individual and helps them find their path. Dr. Fard follows distinctive research methodologies, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigation and critical thinking.

One unique aspect of his mentoring approach is his encouragement to print out research information and physically write down key notes. This tactile approach not only helps in problem-solving but also promotes deeper understanding and retention of concepts. This advice came in the early stages of my work and set a strong foundation for my approach to research and problem-solving.

With Dr. Fard’s support, I’ve gained confidence and clarity in my academic and professional pursuits, knowing that I’m on a path that’s right for me.

Why should other students get involved in MORE?

Getting involved in programs like MORE and FURI offers students an unparalleled platform to showcase their work and gain invaluable confidence. Beyond enhancing technical skills, these programs foster the importance of networking and personal development. While traditional coursework provides a solid foundation, engaging in research demonstrates a student’s ability to excel beyond standard activities and showcases a genuine passion for their field.

I believe hands-on experiences like this also demonstrate your commitment to doing excellent work and your proactive approach to learning. Overall, being part of these programs enriches your educational experience and sets you up for success in the future.

Learn more about Aishwarya Katkar’s spring 2024 MORE project.