Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Student (Summer 2016)

"During the summer of 2016, I worked at the Center for Injury Research and Prevention as a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Intern. I had the privilege to work under the mentorship of Dr. Aditya Belwadi.  A project I worked on was the Side Impact Project, focusing on performing data analysis using MATLAB. I was also tasked with verifying a finite element model of a side impact crash using data from sled testing performed with the same test conditions. The other project I worked on was The Harness Tensioner Project, focusing on using REDCap for recruitment purposes, as well as NVivo for data analysis of the transcribed focus groups. 

I gained invaluable information during my 10-week stay at CIRP. This experience has helped me further develop my research and engineering skills, which I will be taking back with me to The College of New Jersey where I am majoring in Biomedical Engineering. I have also made the decision that I want to pursue research, specifically injury science research, as I look to continue my education by attending graduate school after I receive my undergraduate degree in May of 2017. I plan to apply for a MS in either Mechanical Engineering or Biomedical Engineering, with a focus on biomechanics and injury prevention. I will cherish the relationships that I have gained from my short time at CIRP, and I want to thank everyone for making this experience such a great one."