Nano and Micro Manufacturing Lab Research

Self Designed Honors Experience

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My research experience with the Nano and Micro Manufacturing Lab entailed developing my knowledge on vibration assisted abrasive machining and tip-based nano-machining using an atomic force microscope. My project mainly involved researching methods in which a testing sample could be vibrated by the movement of a part of the microscope instead of the actual sample itself.

One of my goals from this project was related to research and it was to specifically be able to develop hard skills such as soldering. I was able to achieve this goal and develop this skill when I was required to solder together wires to make electrical connections. Another goal was to be able to develop the ability to conduct independent research, come up with analysis models and use my findings to develop my project. My mentor allowed me a lot of freedom to choose what I wanted to research and in which direction I wanted to take the project. Most of the experience was spent conducting independent research, often consulting articles and sources. 

My main project team involved two undergraduate students, one graduate student, one doctoral student, one post-doctoral student and our professor, so I was really able to engage in meaningful interactions and combine the knowledge and ideas from everyone.

This experience to me gave me the first hands on experience in my undergraduate curriculum and allowed me to research the bigger effects and contributions our research project could do for the betterment of society.

Research is a fundamental part in recognizing what the world requires to be a better place and I would like to continue to use my research in finding ways in which human life can be improved and continue to develop in to a global citizen scholar.

This experience will impact my future in a way that it has reassured that I really would like the opportunity to be able to pursue higher education and apply to graduate school programs.

During this experience, I have been able to use many online resources mainly articles written by my project team and also articles from researchers all around the world that are researching similar projects. I have been able to use my researched knowledge and inputs from my team and me to develop our project.

In the end, I personally learned about my potential and passion. This experience has been very impactful to me as it has given me a form of affirmation in what I see myself doing in the future. This experience has also proven to me that in order to be a global citizen, it is important to be able to work for society and contribute in a way that helps humanity. It is also important to become a well-rounded individual by not only having soft skills but also hard skills and also be able to work independently but also be able to contribute in a team setting. Lastly, I believe that I have been able to successfully prove my self by maximizing my resources and educational opportunity.