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Lessons in Research Methods by Ryan Ollos Working as an undergraduate student at APL-UW for nearly three years has given me the opportunity to participate in the research environment. This exposure has especially prepared me for graduate study. I first came to work at the Center for Industrial and Medical Ultrasound (CIMU) after attending an undergraduate seminar given by the director, Dr. Lawrence Crum. His group's exciting research fit my interests and I was able to begin working in the Laboratory with a graduate student. Working closely with a mentor allowed me to learn a great deal about how research is done, and within one year I was working independently on various projects. With other undergraduate students I designed and carried out an experiment on NASA's reduced gravity parabolic flight jet laboratory. Another project I've been part of is the study of |
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high-intensity focused ultrasound's (HIFU) potential to induce hemostasis. Most recently, I've been studying the application of HIFU to promote drug delivery to the brain in a collaborative project between APL-UW and the UW Department of Neurosurgery. The wide variety of interesting research projects being investigated by graduate students and scientists at CIMU makes for a very dynamic environment. I am always learning about something new and gaining new skills by observing and working with others. During the past two spring quarters, I've prepared and presented work at the University's Undergraduate Research Symposium. I have also been able to give Laboratory tours to high school and new university students. Investigating a problem, and communicating and presenting the results of my work to others are skills that I could not have obtained through class work alone while at the University. Being able to work on a variety of projects has allowed me to determine the sort of research that interests me the most, and has definitely helped me choose classes that benefit these interests. Working at the Laboratory while taking classes has been a challenge at times, but ultimately it has improved my study habits. The scientists, engineers, and graduate students I have worked with always made sure that class studies were my top priority. My exposure to research has definitely influenced my decision to continue on to graduate school. I will pursue a Ph.D. in physics or another discipline to prepare for a career in medical imaging. I have just finished a degree in physics and intend to complete a degree in mathematics, too, before starting graduate school. In the meantime, I will continue my research at the Laboratory to gain as much experience as possible. |
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