Become familiar with the chemical structure of major molecules used in the lab and learn naming conventions
Assist in the preparation of fatty acid PET tracers
Perform "hot" and "cold" chemistry
Set-up and clean-up after chemistry procedures
So far, I have learned how to create and keep a professional organic chemistry lab notebook and get hands-on experience with using a vacuum pump, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and pulling the most product out of a solution.
Build diagrams and prototypes of modules that can perform radiochemistry techniques
Collaborate with supervisor in building a radiochemistry module from scratch
Evaluate the efficiency of prototypes by using engineering, physics, and chemistry principles
Give and provide constructive feedback in the design and creation process
I have made a lot of progress on building a new radiochemistry module since the fall, including drawing a full schematic, getting basic programming down for some of the automatic valves and pumps, building the computer to control the module, and finishing the CAD design for some parts. The next step is to start 3D printing, continue more advanced programming, and start designing the general layout of the whole module.
Stay up-to-date on recent literature and background information about PET tracers and specific biological systems
Watch recorded lectures and current radiochemistry procedures being done in the lab
Communicate clearly by asking questions and using active listening skills
Attend weekly lab meetings
I have learned more about the process from lab to patient, and sat in on some of the lab meetings. I've also learned more about the limitations of making PET tracers and the challenges a research lab needs to overcome in order to best serve the patients in nearby hospitals.
Starting my senior year at IUPUI, I'd like to enter the 5 year Master's program in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. I have chosen to pursue this program because I believe this is a great opportunity for me to further my education and become more prepared for a career in research or industry, whichever one I decide to do. I have also decided that my undergraduate biomedical engineering concentration will be in either biomaterials or instrumentation, and would like to take graduate-level classes in this depth area.
As the semesters go by and I take a wider range of biomedical engineering classes, I will have a clearer understanding of what subjects I am most passionate about and would want to pursue in graduate school and beyond. Right now, I am trying to remain very open-minded as I take introductory mechanics, circuits, materials, and tissue engineering courses. In all of these courses, I will continue to challenge myself and discover my own strengths and preferences.
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Maintaining an updated ePortfolio will be useful for my post-IUPUI career. I have already begun adding design projects that I've completed, and plan to continue adding to my ePortfolio every semester, with both class design and honors projects.
This spring, I will expand my portfolio by adding more engineering projects. Specifically, I will focus more on the electrical engineering aspects of biomedical engineering and learn new skillsets that I can add to my resume, so I will be a better candidate when applying for jobs after graduation.
This time next year, I hope to be continuing to add to my ePortfolio more (roughly a project or two a semester) and I will have chosen a depth area in my major. My depth area can be one of three things: biomechanics, tissue and materials engineering, or instrumentation and neural engineering. Since choosing a depth area is very important in my degree plan, using the time now to explore these topics in more detail will help me make a decision when I am a junior.
As my internship nears its conclusion, I have decided to explore clinical internships for the summer and then return as a part-time employee in Dr. Schulte's lab. My internship here has confirmed that I love the design and construction process for engineering projects, and am motivated by each challenge I encounter. As an end goal, I now know that I would appreciate a career where I am constantly challenged to overcome hurdles and think innovatively. With all this in mind, I feel very confident that I am able to use what I've learned about myself to make future career-related decisions.