- Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project. Write two or three sentences describing the main activities your STEP Signature Project entailed.
My project involved developing algorithms to analyze data of local field potentials and accelerometer movement in MATLAB for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), occasionally assisting with data collection in the operating room. I also attended weekly seminars on career-building topics to supplement my professional journey, presenting a final research poster at the program symposium.
- What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project? Write one or two paragraphs to describe the change or transformation that took place.
Before my STEP Signature Project, I was concerned that Biomedical Engineering may not be the correct path for me. This is because I was uncertain that I could make a meaningful difference that felt impactful unless I was caring for a patient as a physician. I had previously ascertained research to be much more solitary and isolated from the people it impacts. However, throughout my internship, I was able to interact with patients who received this life-changing treatment and ask them how it has affected their quality of life firsthand. My assumptions about research being confined to a desk or wet lab were transformed as I witnessed the collaborative nature of this aspect of Biomedical Engineering along with patient interactions.
I have realized that I can make a meaningful impact as a Biomedical Engineering without necessarily becoming a physician through this experience, while still prioritizing a patient-first mindset. Through this program, I garnered an appreciation for all aspects of Biomedical Engineering as academia, industry, and medicine are collectively optimized to treat even a single patient. I have also transformed in that I have confidence in my ability to make a difference in these spaces.
- What events, interactions, relationships, or activities during your STEP Signature Project led to the change/transformation that you discussed in #2, and how did those affect you? Write three or four paragraphs describing the key aspects of your experiences completing your STEP Signature Project that led to this change/transformation.
One specific activity that influenced my transformation of thought was my involvement in the operating room during DBS data collection. Observing the role of research within the OR and interacting with medical device representatives, surgeons, and medical students provided real-world context to data and figures I would receive in a regular Biomedical Engineering course. The collaboration of all these individuals allowed the process to be beneficial to the patient, and speaking with these professionals highlighted how every role directly affects the life of the patient.
Another significant experience was developing and presenting my research poster. Collecting all of the data I had worked on for two months, along with findings and significant statistics was a challenging and interesting task that I particularly enjoyed. Presenting this information in such a way that people of various backgrounds can understand and contribute to the scientific conversation taught me the value of effective communication and conversation. I had a few conversations during the symposium that allowed me to prove to myself and others that, although I was only in the lab for a short time, I could intellectualize and improve upon the ideas I had presented, while remaining flexible to outside input. This increased my confidence in my academic prowess and curious mind.
Finally, I am extremely grateful for the mentorship and guidance from my supervisors and peers. Through their unwavering support, feedback, and encouragement, I was encouraged to believe more in my own cognitive and decision-making abilities. These people emphasized the importance of a professional network and growing connections within many professional spaces, as well as the diverse ideas and perspectives that accompany these connections.
- Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life? Write one or two paragraphs discussing why this change or development matters and/or relates to your academic, personal, and/or professional goals and future plans
This transformational experience has given me invaluable insight into my future academic and career trajectory. Although I do not see myself entering into full-time research at present, it has assuaged my fears that a career in industry will not provide me with the profound purpose I am looking for in changing patient’s lives. This experience has further encouraged me to seek out roles in medical device development, as is supported by my recent acceptance into the Medical Product Development program at Ohio State University. It has also reinforced my commitment to improving patient quality of life through engineering solutions.
Personally, the increase in my confidence and interpersonal skills will serve me well in the professional world of networking. Through this certainty in myself and my value in engineering spaces, I will be able to vocalize my ideas and opinions in intimidating and potentially male-dominated spaces. This research internship has underscored my values to be a lifelong learner and my desire to have adaptability in my career. These developments will equip me to navigate a career in which I can make a positive impact on patient lives.
