Undergraduate Summer Research: Vanderbilt University

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 11:05:01 -0400
internship, research, student-highlight, summer-2022, ug, ug-research, ugrad

Chiad Onyeje, '24 chemical engineering

Internship experience
Over the summer, Chiad delved into an Undergraduate Research Internship combining Biomedical Engineering and Nanoscale Science at the Vanderbilt Institution of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (VINSE) program. Chiad learned about cell culturing techniques, microparticle formulation strategies, research project design & communication, and microfluidic device development along with the various tools and techniques often required in the growing field. The microfluidic devices fabricated were made to both refine and optimize the production of antioxidant microparticles by flowing separate aqueous and organic phases together, all studied in the Duvall Lab where Chiad worked. The Engineering Marvels have the potential to reduce internal inflammation and a plethora of differing degenerative diseases as a further cascading effect if taken to the public one day.

What advice would you give to students interested in internships?

"Always step out of your comfort zones when looking for and being a part of the internship. I debated for a while about where to do my internship and ultimately decided on Vanderbilt because of how different the atmosphere would be, along with the differences between Baltimore and Nashville. Furthermore, every internship opportunity is a chance to explore a new side to yourself: tack on a goal or skill you'd want to learn alongside the experience that you wouldn't/couldn't do otherwise. Advice like this is what makes the experience far more impactful and way more fondly remembered!"

What are your plans after graduation?

"Moving up to graduate school to pursue a Masters and eventually a Ph.D! Aiming to inspire change in the greater Chem. E. field there on"

Way to go Chiad! Keep up the great work and continue to positively impact the world!

Here is the link to view Vanderbilt Institution of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (VINSE) program Linkedin post on Chiad: LinkedinPost

If you are a prospective student and interested in applying to the Vanderbilt Institution of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (VINSE) program send an email to vinse@vanderbilt.edu.

Photo Credit: Vanderbilt Institution of Nanoscale Science and Engineering

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