2011 National Fellowship for Research Recipients:

The Department of Energy
(Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships)

Jason Ryans - Biomedical Engineering

   • Host University/Institute: US Department of Energy

   • Host Department: Savannah River National Laboratory

   • Advisor(s) at the Host Institute: Dr. Si Young Lee
   • Duration: 10 weeks
   • Research Topic (Brief description within 250 words):

I conducted computational fluid dynamics research in reducing and disposing nuclear waste. Computational fluid dynamics involves using specialized computer software to analyze the fluid and thermal interactions in a system. I worked on two projects involving a nuclear waste mixing tank and an ion exchange system. In the mixing tank project I modeled the fluid interaction of nuclear waste and sediment material to be disposed of in the future. The other project involved thermal modeling of a ion exchange process to remove radiation from nuclear waste..

The National Science Foundation
(Research Experience for Undergraduates)

Kevin Eck - Mechanical Engineering

   • Host University/Institute: Vanderbilt University
   • Host Department: Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education

   • Advisor(s) at the Host Institute: Dr. Kevin Seale, Dr. John Wikswo
   • Duration: 10 weeks
   • Research Topic (Brief description within 250 words):

We used micro-fluidic devices to study various biological systems, particularly cells. The devices were created using photolithography techniques to produce devices with features as small as 2 micrometers. I worked on several projects. The first was creating a valve to be used with a pump developed within the research group. It would select one of the multiple solution inputs to pump through the device. The other project involved using FEA to produce CFD models of the devices, in particular a yeast genealogy tracking device to study cellular aging.

Jessica Petruchik - Biomedical Engineering

   • Host University/Institute: Clemson University

   • Host Department: Department of Psychology

   • Advisor(s) at the Host Institute: Dr. Johnell Brooks
   • Duration: 10 weeks
   • Research Topic (Brief description within 250 words):

Collected normative data for the CDS-250 driving simulator (DriveSafety) for use by rehabilitation therapists in hospitals and clinics. Therapists use the driving simulator to test the reaction times of patients who have suffered functional losses due to injuries or illnesses. We put healthy participants through a series of three tests (Reaction Timer - Stoplight, Reaction Timer - Steering, and Stoplight and Steering) that would test their reaction times to various driving stimuli. Participant data was then recorded and averages were found for males and females. This data was recorded and presented on a graph that will aid therapists in the treatment of their patients.

   • Conference Presentation: The 8th Annual Clemson Conference on Applied Psychology

Andrew Weems - Biomedical Engineering

   • Host University/Institute: Northwestern University

   • Host Department: Department of Chemistry, Theoretical Group
   • Advisor(s) at the Host Institute: George Schatz, PhD
   • Duration: 9.5 Weeks
   • Research Topic (Brief description within 250 words):

Poly (dA:dT) tracts of base pairs in DNA chains are thought to have special properties, including structural, mechanical and dynamic properties that separate the chain from other combinations of base pairs. Computer simulation was used to examine two different DNA 12 base pair unit chains (two variations of each: one restrained and one relaxed) with poly (dA:dT) base pairs in the center of the chain (one with four and the second with two). The DNA parameters found that the restrained molecule with fewer A:T tracts was more mobile overall in the sixth base pair. The occupancy of the primary layer of the spine of hydration, coupled with the water molecule count for the minor groove, both between the fifth and eighth base pairs, can be used to conjecture that longer tracts of A:T will form more ordered water bridges in the spine of hydration of the molecule compared with fewer A:T tracts.

   • Conference Presentation: NSEC presentation

KaLia Burnette - Biomedical Engineering

   • Host University/Institute: Northwestern University

   • Host Department: BME
   • Advisor(s) at the Host Institute: Dr. Marsha Rolle
   • Duration: 10 wks
   • Research Topic (Brief description within 250 words):

Anchor design for the handling of vascular tubes. The goal of this study was to create a tissue anchor for the ends of these small (1.19mm ID) cell-derived tissue tubes to allow cell ingrowth and TEBV handling for mechanical conditioning and burst pressure testing more easily and securely.

   • Conference Presentation: The 2011 Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting-presentation