Research Experience
Advanced Thermofluidic Lab, Summer 2019 – Present
How did the experience transform your learning?
I realized that I did not have as much knowledge in electrical engineering since most of my courses have been in mechanical engineering, but this year I have been taking more electrical courses and working in the lab and it has helped me evolve my electrical knowledge immensely.
I have also been working with 3D printers and Raspberry Pi’s in the lab, which has exposed me to different aspects of engineering that I hadn’t explored previously. I have even purchased my own 3D printer and Raspberry Pi to tinker with, in my own time.
It was also very interesting to learn about micro-channel diffusion and how it can be a more efficient and cheaper alternative to traditional sensors being used currently.
What did you learn that you weren’t expecting to?
I didn’t think I would learn so much from being put into leadership roles with younger students; I learned how to communicate and share both design experience and knowledge with them.
It is also very interesting working with Masters and Post-Doctoral students because they share their knowledge-base with me and I can help them with their research papers. This lets us both reflect on the work that has been done in a step-by-step format.
I’ve also been able to work directly with clients which has given me the hands on experience of working outside of the classroom. I’ve been able to present design concepts to our clients and conduct field tests of sensors that we have been working on in the lab.
How did you learn about the opportunity?
My professor (Mina Hoorfar) who runs the lab, brought up the different project she was working on in the lab for our APSC 375 class and mentioned that we would be able to apply to work in it over the summer, so I jumped on the opportunity!
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