Throughout my time at Aziyo Biologics, I gained several real world skills, such as problem solving and communication skills. I was able to develop "job skills" like innovation and creativity in a field where analytics are thought to be the primary concern. In terms of gaining knowledge regarding the biomedical engineering field, I had multiple opportunities to tour several companies that offered different products and technologies. Additionally, I was independently able to write my own protocol and carry out an approved experiment with extracellular matrix tissue. Throughout the experiment I learned how to properly operate an Instron Tensile Strength Machine and analyze data. I have learned that keeping keeping consistent data and recording everything is extremely important when preforming an experiment. The actions that I have taken to get the most out of this experiment is to ask questions when I didn't understand something and to keep an open mind. I have learned that it is important to keep an optimistic attitude even when something doesn't happen the way you hoped.
This internship has prepared me for the future by giving me the opportunity to work hands-on with the machinery commonly used in the biomedical engineering field. This internship gave me a year of experience and knowledge that I can apply in college and future jobs. With everything that I have learned in the past year, I will be more familiar with how a biomedical company operates as opposed to a student who never experienced this hands-on internship. In addition, I have learned how to present myself to others in the professional field and communicate properly with superiors. This internship has changed my views on the engineering field because before I thought engineering was solely math and science, but I came to realize it's also about creativity and inspiration. In fact, when I interviewed my mentor, I asked him if he felt like he could incorporate both his creativity and analytical background into a product and he said, "Every initial idea takes creativity, but there has to be analytics for it to work." My advice to future HMP students would be to make sure they choose a career field that is interesting to them. It's important not to choose a career because all your friends are doing it, otherwise you aren't going to get anything from it and you won't enjoy it. Also, I would advise them to develop time management skills because with class, extracurriculars, and jobs, it's going to be hard to juggle it all. The HMP program is a lot more work than you think it will be, so it's important to keep up with the weekly assignments. Finally, I would advise them to always come into their internship with a good attitude because you will enjoy it more!
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My name is Divya Bhakta and I am participating in the Honors Mentorship Program as a senior at South Forsyth High School. This year I have been interning at a biomedical company called Aziyo Biologics where I have learned many new aspects of the engineering field, as well as life skills such as communication, innovation, and team work. During my time there, I focused my research on an essential question: “Do environmental effects impact the normal functioning of extracellular matrix tissue and if so, what material prevents this effect?” I began researching this topic by analyzing scholarly articles and journals regarding the composition of ECM and its functions. After gaining basic knowledge about the material, I began writing my protocol for my experiment. The protocol mostly consisted of the sample justification and purpose of conducting the experiment. Essentially, I would take a total of 20 sheets of ECM and divide then into two groups: environmentally conditioned and ambient condition. I took the environmentally conditioned samples and sent them to a lab called WuxiApptec, that subjected the samples to different conditions (extreme hot, extreme cold, and humid). I then dogbone-diecut all of the samples. Finally, I preformed a tensile strength test that pulled the samples in a 90 degree angle. I then compared the values to determine a variance. I found that the two groups did exihbit a difference, thus environmental conditions do impact the mechanical properties of ECM. In addition to conducting the experiment, I conducted an interview with my mentor, in which I asked him about the procedure for the experiment. After analyzing my results, I realized how versatile the ECM material is in the medical field, but also the conditions that can easily degrade it. These findings can be applied to procedures like skin repair, cardiac surgery, and bone repair!
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Divya B.High School Intern at a biomedical engineering company called Aziyo Biologics Archives
May 2018
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