- Why did you pick the DIY Diagnostics stream?
I chose DIY Diagnostics because I was interested in the medicine-related aspect of it. I also liked that we, students, could have the potential to actually develop a new over-the-counter diagnostic test that could be used someday.
What diagnostic ideas are you most excited about?
I’m most excited about mobile apps that people can use to self-diagnose or find answers to any medical questions without going to a medical professional. I think these medical apps will become more popular in the future.
- How do you explain what you are doing to your parents or someone who’s never heard of the FRI.
I just tell them I’m doing research over something that I’m interested in. I tell them that FRI is a program that provides opportunities for undergraduate students to immerse and actually progress in research work, which is often challenging to do as undergrads.
4. Why do you love science? Do you consider yourself a scientist/researcher?
I love science because it explains how things live and work in the world. I think it’s also fascinating how that there is still a myriad of things unknown in science that people have not yet discovered. I don’t consider myself a scientist/researcher because I don’t think I have yet committed enough time and effort in research. However, through DIY Diagnostics and future endeavors in research, I do think that I will one day consider myself a true scientist/researcher.
- How has being a part of the research community helped you succeed at UT in general?
Being a part of the research community has introduced me to a lot of the resources that UT offers to students. I have also gained unique experiences and a community that I think will continue to benefit me even after I graduate.
- How was your experience learning to program mobile apps?
Even though I struggled a lot with coding since I have no experience in computer science, I thought that the results that we got out of them were really cool. I am very proud of the apps that we developed.
- Can you share a big “aha” moment you have had in the stream?
I had a lot of “aha” moments last year we were working on our mobile apps last year. It was always exciting whenever I was able to finally figure out to get my coding to work after spending several hours trying to fix my app.
- Has anything particularly fun or funny happened to you in the stream?
My most fun experience I had during the stream was when I went to Waller Creek to collect water samples. I went with three other FRI students, and even though this task lasted longer than it should have, it was a fun and refreshing experience doing fieldwork outside together with a group of other FRI students.
- How does your research experience compare to someone else you know who has done undergrad research?
I think my research experience differs from that of other undergrads who are involved in research because I have more freedom in what kind of project I want to do. Even when this freedom to do anything sometimes have felt overwhelming to me, I’ve had supportive faculty members and peers who helped guide me in the right directions.
10. Where do you see diagnostics in 20 years and how do you fit in the picture?
I think that do-it-yourself diagnostics will become more prevalent and more advanced in 20 years. Because of the longer life expectancies and the growing senior population, the demand for diagnostics will continue to rise. At that time, I hope that I’ll be continuing research and contributing in the advancements of diagnostics