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Reflection
Content:
As I reflect on my analysis of the accuracy of 3D printing, I have gained valuable insights on how a 3D printer works. Through the assembly of my object, I realized how this may be the future for laboratories as my simple pipette, created from tape and birofillings, was accurate, those with better resources can definitely refine my parts. With my research acting as the starting point, there is now new opportunities for the less-privledged to experience and explore areas of science.
Product:
Going through the process of completing the oral presentation along with submitting my final paper, this class has greatly provided me with essential writing skills and effective presentation tactics. It was a very rewarding experience, being able to share my findings with my colleagues and professors. Even though it was stressful at times, I realized not only am I simply just presenting my work, I am creating a new impact on others.
Process:
As a result of conduction this experiment, I have learned a lot about myself as a researcher and a human being. I have discovered that I am capable of designing my own experiment and going through an entire timeline to physically create my object. As a person, I realized how much I enjoyed experimenting around my engineering topic. Allowing myself to explore a topic I had no previous knowledge on was very interesting for me and opened my eyes to new perspectives and different areas of study.
Acknowledgments
I want to thank Mrs. Petri, my biotechnology teacher from Junior year. She had a vey lasting effect on me and I grew a very close bond with her where I felt very valued and comfortable. She introduced my love for lab experiments and biotechnology field, inspiring me to continue researching in my senior year. She was a very big help during my experimental design, reminding me of ideas from the previous year. My project would not have ever started if I didn't have such an amazing figure in my life and I thank her for being such a remarkable teacher. I would love to thank Mrs. Dobos and Mr. McBride for their constant support throughout my research journey. I had many setbacks through the school year, missing multiple months of school for medical surgeries, and both of these teachers gave me so much grace and helped me stay caught up during my recovery. My project would not have been possible without their help and genuine care about me.
Abstract
The availability of labs and scientific equipment significantly constrains scientific discoveries and progress. To democratize access to science, affordable and accessible scientific tools are essential for researchers at all levels. A major challenge is that many research labs operate on tight budgets, limiting their ability to purchase customized instruments. However, recent advancements in technology, particularly in the affordability and accessibility of 3D printing, have empowered resource-limited researchers to become makers themselves. They can now produce low-cost hardware tailored to their specific research needs. These 3D-printed tools can be created at a fraction of the retail price and customized for unique applications, marking a transformative shift in laboratory accessibility. In the biological sciences, 3D printing offers a remarkable opportunity to create new equipment, replicate prohibitively expensive tools, or modify existing designs. One noteworthy example is the micropipette—a precision instrument used for accurately measuring, transferring, and injecting small volumes of liquid. Operating on a piston-driven mechanism, these pipettes allow users to set measurements via a dial and draw liquid with the push of their thumb. These instruments are a staple within a research lab, bringing up the major question of their accuracy and effectiveness. In this investigation, I evaluated the accuracy of a 3D-printed micropipette in comparison to a traditional micropipette, shedding light on the potential of this innovative technology in enhancing laboratory research capabilities.
Next Steps
Although this is the final chapter in my research, I cannot wait to begin my education at University of Colorado Boulder. I will be majoring in Biomedical Engineering on a pre-PA track. I will continue to apply every lesson I've learned throughout this process within my studies and my everyday life and grow into a better person with everything I have.
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