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Update on FY2007 programs. NSF REU in Integrated Nanomanufacturing – An Introduction to Dr. Bifano’s Laboratory and the Adaptive Biological Microscope. Kylee O’Dell East Central University/Department of Physics Thomas Bifano Mechanical Engineering. Brief overview of presentation.
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I/UCRC CBSS New Proposal Presentation – April 2012 Update on FY2007 programs NSF REU in Integrated Nanomanufacturing – An Introduction to Dr. Bifano’s Laboratory and the Adaptive Biological Microscope Kylee O’Dell East Central University/Department of Physics Thomas Bifano Mechanical Engineering
Brief overview of presentation Introducing myself Background – high school to college Previous research experience This summer’s research laboratory Expectations for summer research accomplishments Positive and negative experiences so far NSF REU INM Introductory Day for RET Participants - July 5, 2016 Presentation Overview
NSF REU INM Introductory Day for RET Participants - July 5, 2016 Introduction Introducing myself Education • Turner High School (very small, I graduated with 18 other people!) • East Central Oklahoma University (Rising Senior) • Majoring in Physics • I plan on studying Mechanical Engineering in graduate school. Still deciding between getting my Master’s or Ph.D. • Relatively small university and does not offer any type of research program for my field.
Influencing Factors for choosing your field Getting my degree in Physics was never something I planned! I decided my major on enrollment day before my freshman year having no idea what I was getting into. Even though I go to a small university, my professors are incredible. They’re a big part of why I stayed so interested in my field of study. I love physics, but I feel that Mechanical Engineering is more beneficial to my career plans. NSF REU INM Introductory Day for RET Participants - July 5, 2016 Influences
Previous Research Experience This is my first official research experience! NSF REU INM Introductory Day for RET Participants - July 5, 2016 Research Experience
NSF REU INM Introductory Day for RET Participants - July 5, 2016 Summer Research This Summer’s Research Experience • Lab name: Precision Engineering Research Lab (PERL) RM 712 • Project Title: Adaptive Biological Microscope • I feel that at this point I am pretty up to speed with the process for this project, although I still do not have all the tools to complete every step. • My personal goal is to be able to correct an actual aberration such as defocus or astigmatism using liquid lenses and deformable mirrors • I got interested in research because it’s not something I’m exposed to at my university! Also, I feel that it is a crucial part of education in STEM fields. • I hope to leave BU with the confidence to perform research in graduate school. • I definitely plan on continuing my education once I complete my undergrad! Eventually I do want to go into industry though.
NSF REU INM Introductory Day for RET Participants - July 5, 2016 Summer Research Goals Summer Research Goals • Adaptive Biological Microscope • We use optical systems to help correct aberrations of the eye • Project Description • Characterize the aberrations of a liquid lens using wave front sensor • Use this information to determine how well the liquid lens can correct aberrations of the eye such as defocus or astigmatism
NSF REU INM Introductory Day for RET Participants - July 5, 2016 Summer Research Goals Summer Research Goals Optotune liquid lens Thorlabs wave front sensor Deformable mirror
NSF REU INM Introductory Day for RET Participants - July 5, 2016 Summer Research Goals Summer Research Goals • Laser beam goes through optical system including lenses and mirrors. • This causes the light to change from a flat wave front, to something different depending on what you’ve done in your optical system. • Image on left shows a wave front that has been brought to a focus
Positives and Negatives NSF REU INM Introductory Day for RET Participants - July 5, 2016 After 4 weeks, what are the highlights (positives) and the lowlights • Everyone in the lab is very helpful! • The first week was a little confusing! I’ve taken a course in optics so I understood the academic side of the project coming into the program. Physically seeing basic concepts I’ve studied in school has given me a much deeper understanding of the overall topic. • Now that I’m familiar with my lab and have a better understanding of what the project’s purpose is, I definitely feel more up to speed. I’m still learning new things every day. • Thank everyone for their time and if they have any questions