Axum Nickerson - Georgia Tech Project ENGAGES(Botchwey Lab), 6/3/24(6/26/25) - 4/27/26

This semester, I explored the potential of mesenchymal stem cell–derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) as a strategy for tissue regeneration by studying how they influence macrophage behavior. My work focuses on how EVs can shift immune cells from pro-inflammatory to tissue-repairing states, supporting healing while reducing chronic inflammation. I’ve been developing skills in EV isolation, characterization, and in-vitro analysis to evaluate their functional effects.

The Botchwey Lab resides in IBB. The Petit Institute (IBB) is a unique, interdisciplinary research and educational institute composed of state-of-the-art laboratories and globally recognized academic and research engineers and scientists.

The Botchwey Lab leads regenerative engineering research at Georgia Tech, integrating biology, chemistry, and engineering to repair and regenerate damaged tissues. Our multidisciplinary team studies immune cell function, lipid signaling, and biomaterials, with projects spanning sickle cell immunotherapies, muscle repair, and skeletal regeneration.

For mine and many other similar projects, the Botchwey Lab uses the Ultracentrifuge, Izon Exoid, and Biosafety Cabinets to efficiently and safely run experiments and obtain results.

What was the most important thing you learned from your internship?

The most important thing I learned was the importance of consistency and reproducibility in research. Small changes during ultracentrifugation or EV handling can significantly affect results. This taught me to follow protocols carefully and document every step. Using the Izon Exoid showed me how quantitative tools support reliable conclusions. I also learned that setbacks are a normal part of research progress. Overall, the experience emphasized precision and patience.

What engineering practices or mindsets did you see professionals using?

I observed a strong focus on iterative problem-solving and data-driven decision-making. Professionals expected experiments to require optimization rather than immediate success. Standardization was emphasized to ensure reproducible EV isolation and analysis. Quantitative validation, especially through Exoid measurements, was prioritized over assumptions. Efficiency was balanced with accuracy depending on experimental goals. This mindset reflected real-world engineering practices.

What surprised you about the engineering workplace?

I was surprised by how much planning and validation occurred before final conclusions were made. Documentation and protocol review were more extensive than I expected. Collaboration played a larger role than I anticipated, even in individual projects. Feedback was used to improve experimental design and data interpretation. I was also surprised by how often methods were refined. This showed me that flexibility is essential in engineering research.

How did this internship influence your future goals?

This internship reinforced my interest in bioengineering and research-driven problem-solving. Working with EV-based systems showed how engineering tools can be applied to medical challenges. It clarified my interest in translational and regenerative research. I became more motivated to pursue advanced lab and data analysis skills. The experience helped define the direction of my future studies. It confirmed my interest in biomedical engineering.

What advice would you give a future student in this internship?

I would advise future students to focus on understanding protocols, not just completing experiments. Paying attention to details during ultracentrifugation and analysis is critical. Keeping organized notes helps identify sources of variability. Asking questions early can prevent mistakes later. Being open to feedback will improve both results and learning. Patience and consistency make the experience more successful.

I'm very grateful to have had the experience to do this internship, and I'm excited for next year. I've had previous experiences with STEM projects outside of school(specifically at i-STEM Work at Morehouse College), but this experience has gone above and beyond. Not just in terms of what I've been able to learn, but also with the connections that I've been able to make and develop as the year has gone by.  My goal for the Project Engages internship at the beginning was to explore STEM careers, and what I'd like to do after high school. I can safely now say that the Project Engages internship has allowed me to explore these careers, giving me a sample of what it's like to work in a wet lab as a Biomedical Engineer, and has raised my level of excitement and interest in STEM careers.