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, Filed Under: fun, learning, research

Wrapping up the summer!

Sadly, we have come to an end to our summer REU program. Throughout this 10-week research intensive program we were able to take part and contribute to a cancer research lab using an engineering approach. I was part of the Functional Optical Imaging Lab with Dr. Dunn and was able to have a sense of how a real lab functions. I am very thankful to Samuel Mihelic, my mentor, for having the patience to help and guide me through my summer research project. My summer project was based on analyzing the morphology of the neurovascular network through two photon imaging over time. I was able to gather statistical analysis of the vascular changes and present these findings with the other REU scholars.

Poster Session Zoom

This past Wednesday, 08/04/2021, all the REU Scholars presented their posters that will soon be seen in the BMES conference in Orlando. This gave us a chance to understand each other’s project and the different research approaches that each scholar took.

Poster Session Zoom – Hook ’em!

All the scholars can agree that we are excited to go the BMES Conference in Orlando and finally meet everyone in person. We still have two months to prepare, but we all know time flies fast. So, for now we can just say “See ya later and Hook ’em Horns”!

Final Professional Development Seminar Zoom

Diana Lopez-Valdez | The University of Texas at El Paso

, Filed Under: learning, reflections

Reflection: What have you learned about bystander intervention?

https://ywcaspokane.org/youth-bystander-effect-intervention

The things I have learned this summer about the importance of bystander intervention have been mostly to do with the vast definition of the term. The expansive definition of bystander intervention can apply to many different actions one could take in life. Bystander intervention could refer to an action one takes to make another’s day better, whether it be holding the door open for them, giving them a seat on the bus or train on commute to work, or just smiling to try to make another’s day better. Though that is not all that bystander intervention is limited to, as it could range all the way up to helping another in a medical, or social, emergency, which could be life defining for the person receiving help.

I have also learned at the root of the concept of bystander intervention is a societal norm for respect and honor towards each member of that society. As for bystander intervention to exist in the concept that we recognize today, there must be a mutual respect between people that otherwise don’t know or recognize each other. This respect, I find, is mostly derived on a mutual respect for each other’s unique experiences. I find this because, while for bystander intervention to occur there must be a typical bad reaction to indicate the need for bystander intervention, the drive behind it is based on a respect and want for the continued beauty of their individualism without the effect of the heinous event playing a too defining role on that identity. I know it’s kind of a stretch of thinking but I really believe that is where the hearth of bystander intervention comes from.

Jacob Pena | University of Texas at Dallas

, Filed Under: learning, reflections, research

Reflection: What advice would you give past you about research?

https://www.utexas.edu/research/overview

Research had always felt something like an unattainable dream for me. Seeing all the immensely difficult and groundbreaking projects being conducted by renowned researchers, I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of contribution I could possibly make to any of these projects. This REU, however, was able to propel me into the world of research and teach me the necessary skills to succeed. Now I can confidently move forward with an optimistic outlook for any of my future research endeavors.

If I could give my past self some advice about research, they would come three-fold. First, it takes a high level of perseverance. There are many times in research where the tasks at hand may become menial and taxing but keeping the end goal and the potential impact in mind, it’s important to keep pushing on until arriving at results. Second, the areas of research that are being conducted is so broad that it’s highly likely you’ll be able to find people doing research in your niche of interest. If not, you can always be the first to pioneer that space! Third and lastly, research is hard – especially when you are just beginning to get into it. Therefore, it’s important to have great mentors and to ask for help. Research is a collaborative journey where intermingling ideas can lead to bigger and better discoveries. Don’t be scared to ask for help because no one is good at research right off the bat.

Albert Lee | Johns Hopkins University