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RESEARCH IN BIOENGINEERING

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Recreating a Recombinant R.opacus Bacteria that Can Use Chitin

By Jackie Ramirez

 

Introduction

In 2022, roughly 119 million pounds of American lobster (Homarus americanus) were landed, and this catch was valued at around $515 million. With this gigantic haul of seafood, consumers will eat <50% of the animal, which makes up the lobster meat. The majority of lobster biomass is inedible and is discarded by homes, restaurants and other facilities, and the majority of that waste is lobster shell. The lobster shell contains three main constituents: minerals like calcium carbonate (CaCO3), proteins and chitin/chitosan polysaccharide. Of these shell components, chitin and chitosan have shown value in bio-based processes. Chitin and chitosan are carbohydrate polymers consisting of the amino sugars N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (glcNAc) and/or D-glucosamine (glcN) monomer units. Depending on the degree of acetylation of the polysaccharide, the polymer may be called chitin or chitosan, where the majority of the monomer concentration of chitosan is D-glucosamine. Chitin and chitosan are very attractive biomaterials with a range of household and industrial uses. Regardless, there remains a large percentage of lobster shells that are discarded or underutilized.

Chitin as a biomaterial for biofuel production is a promising and new area of research that will contribute to solving the global climate crisis. Chitinase ChiA, ChiB, and ChiC break down chitin into monomers of N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG). ChiA is an endochitinase that breaks down chitin within a polymer. ChiB and ChiC are exo-chitinases that cleave monomers at the end of a polymer. The monomers produced by these enzymes are used to produce triacylglycerols (TAG). From here, the triacyclglycerols can be trans-esterified into biodiesel. The bioengineering department here at UMass Dartmouth has looked to the surrounding South Coast of Massachusetts as a source of chitin for biofuel production. The shells of crustaceans comprise of 40% chitin by weight. Through research efforts at UMass Dartmouth, chitin has been derived and separated from the protein components of lobster shells (1). This ecofriendly extraction method has given researchers here the ability to utilize crustacean waste from human consumption to isolate chitin and use it for biofuels in conjunction with Rhodococcus Opacus (R. Opacus). R. Opacus, strain PD630, is a gram-positive microbe which will accumulate TAG in the presence of a steady carbon source. It’s high lipid storage ability and rapid turnover rate make it an excellent candidate for biofuel production (2). Chitin is a proposed carbon source for the bacterium. R. Opacus, which is unable to produce the chitinases necessary to break down chitin into its monomer counterparts for biofuel production, therefore this project will make a recombinant strain of R. Opacus to express and secrete chitinase enzymes.

Soon after receiving an OUR grant, my mentor and her collaborators changed the strategy to use the shells. R.opacus is a difficult bacteria to genetically manipulate, so they decided to get another bacteria that is easier to manipulate and has a better chance of taking up plasmids that have the chitinase genes on them. We switched to pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Methods

Genomic DNA isolation using the Promega gDNA isolation kit.

Design primers specific for ChiA from the bacteria S. marcescens and amplify the gene from the genomic DNA.

Initial PCR conditions: Using 5ul gDNA, 1ul of ChiA-For primer and 1ul ChiA-rev primer plus Taq Supermix. The reaction proceeded with standard PCR cycle parameters with annealing at 59 degrees Celsius and 45 cycles.

Second Attempt using a temperature gradient to see what temperature is ideal for primers to anneal to the template.

Figure 1: We tested 57 degrees upto 62 degrees. Each bar indicates the temperature in that well.

Third attempt PCR: We switched to using Q5 high-fidelity Taq DNA polymerase.

Figure 2: These are the PCR Parameters we used with High Fidelity Taq.

Results

Initial attempts to amplify the ChiA, ChiB and ChiC genes from s.marcescens gDNA (Figure 3). The faint bands at the bottom of each lane are primer dimers. We are expecting bands between 1.0kb and 1.5kb. After some research we decided to try using a Taq polymerase that had High Fidelity. The reason was because we are trying to find one gene in a genome of 5,241,455 bp, and we figured that a DNA polymerase that could stay associated with the template better might allow us to get the genes. The High fidelity Q5 DNA polymerase resulted in the expected products between 1kb and 1.5 kb (Figure 4).

                        

Figures 3 (L) and 4 (R): First attempts to amplify ChiA, B and C. 

Having figured out how to get the correct bands I focused on Chitinase B. I was able to amplify ChiB and gel purify only the correct sized band (Figure 5).

Figure 5: Gel purified ChiB genes

The project is being continued by another student. The next steps are to cut the ChiB insert with enzymes and insert it into the vector.

RESEARCH IN BIOENGINEERING

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SKOV3 Ovarian Cancer Cells Research

By Ilya Korovaev

 

Abstract

Ovarian cancer stays undetected in 70% of cases until stages II, III, and 5-year survival rate is 36% for stage III, but this rate can have significant improvement if ovarian cancer could be detected at an early stage. It has been proven that cancerous cells actively produce exosomes, specifically SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells produce around 20000 exosomes per day and secrete them into the blood stream or lymph. If there will be a detection technique that could find those exosomes inside the body fluids, then ovarian cancer could be detected in the early stages. My research is focused on SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells culturing with the following exosome extraction and studying.

Introduction

Exosomes are nanoscaled extracellular vesicles secreted by cells with a size from 30 to 150nm. An exosome has phospholipids double-layer with specific protein markers on its surface and can contain DNA, RNA or proteins. Cancer cells use those exosomes to prepare other regions of the body for metastases acceptation. The process is the following: created in cancer cell exosome contains protein and DNA fragments to enter healthy cells and start the process of healthy cells mutation. Next step is to colonize prepared area with the metastases. The number of secreted exosomes by a single cancer cell is around 20000 per day, and they are getting secreted into lymph or blood flow to get to their destinations. SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells secrete exosomes with tetraspanins exosomal markers: CD9, CD63, CD81. CD9, CD8 which can be used to detect them among other exosomes and start the treatment as soon as the exosomes are detected. For easier exosomes detection they will be excreted from the cells and studied.

Methods

Cell Thawing:

Cells were taken from -80°C freezer and placed on the ice. After thawing process is completed, the cells were put into prewarmed cell PBS media at 37°C and centrifuged at 120RPM for 8 min. Pour the media out using a pipet and put 1 mL new media and resuspend the cells in the media using pipet. Transfer cells with media into culturing flask and add another 4 mL. Put culturing flask containing the cells and media into incubator at 37°C.

Media Change:

Remove the media from the flask using pipet and put 5 mL of fresh media into the flask. Put the flask with cells into the incubator at 37°C. Media change has been done every two days for the first culture and every three days for the second culture.

Cell Splitting:

Remove the media from the culturing flask using pipet. Put 1 mL of trypsin and rinse the culturing flask with it, put another 1 mL of trypsin and put the flask into the incubator for 10  minutes. Put media in the ratio 2:1 2- the media, 1 – trypsin. Centrifuge the solution for 6 min at 130RPM and pour the media out. Resuspend the cells in 1mL of media. Count the cells: put 10µL of the resuspended cells and 10 μL Trypan blue and pipet the solution onto counting plates on each side. Use cell counting machine and calculate the number of cells. If it is less than 1 million cell cells were put into culturing flask and follow media change process. If the number of cells exceeds 1 million cells cell can be transversed into 6-well plate 120 µL of cells will be transferred into 4 plates. Into first two wells 2ml of FBS media with exosomes will be added and 2mL of exosome-free FBS media. Next step is to monitor the growth of the cells to determine if exosomes-rich media speeds up the growth of the cells.

Results

The first culture of cells survived very well, and after 5 media changes it reached the 1million cells mark. After transferring those cells into 6-well plate on the second day cells got contaminated and died. The second culture of the cells I decided to change the media replacement. I changed the media every third day, and, after two media changes, the cells showed good growth but after the fourth media change, they all died. For the third and final time, I decided to keep media change on every second day because it showed the best results. After changing the media 4 times I decided to split them. Before splitting I prepared 4 different medias: normal (without synthetic FBS), synthetic (without normal FBS), 50% (with 0.5ml synthetic and 0.5 normal FBS), 25% (with 0.75mL synthetic and 0.25 mL normal FBS. After cell splitting and putting cells into 4 different plates and adding 2 mL of each media into four plates, cells died before next media change.

Conclusion

After running the cell culture for three times, all three times cells died. The first time it happened because of contamination; and the two other times, I assume that they did not have enough nutrients to survive.

 

References

  1. Siegel, R. L.; Miller, K. D.; Jemal, A., Cancer Statistics, 2019. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians 2019, 69 (1), 7-34.
  2. Zhang, X.; Yuan, X.; Shi, H.; Wu, L.; Qian, H.; Xu, W., “Exosomes in Cancer: Small Particle, Big Player.”
    Journal of Hematology & Oncology 2015, 8 (1), 83.
  3. A. N. Böing, E. van der Pol, A. E. Grootemaat, F. A. W. Coumans, A. Sturk, and R. Nieuwland, “Single-step Isolation of Extracellular Vesicles by Size-exclusion Chromatography,” J Extracell Vesicles, vol. 3, no. 1, 2014, doi: 10.3402/jev.v3.23430.
  4. Nowak, M.; Janas, Ł.; Stachowiak, G.; Stetkiewicz, T.; Wilczyński, J. R., Current Clinical Application of Serum Biomarkers to Detect Ovarian Cancer. Przeglad menopauzalny = Menopause review 2015, 14 (4), 254-259
  5. Mashouri, Ladan, et al. “Exosomes: Composition, Biogenesis, and Mechanisms in Cancer Metastasis and Drug Resistance.” Molecular Cancer, vol. 18, no. 1, 2 Apr. 2019, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12943-019-0991-5.
  6. Tai, Yu‐Ling, et al. “Exosomes in Cancer Development and Clinical Applications.” Cancer Science, vol. 109, no. 8, 1 Aug. 2018, pp. 2364–2374, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1182327. https://doi.org/10.1111/cas.13697. Accessed 27 May 2020.
  7. Raposo G, Stoorvogel W. “Extracellular Vesicles: Exosomes, Microvesicles, and Friends.” J Cell Biol. Feb 18, 2013; 200 (4): 373-83. doi: 10.1083/jcb.201211138. PMID: 23420871; PMCID: PMC3575529.

RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY

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Physiological Markers of the Aha! Experience 

By Sadye Marie Clark

 

Introduction

Problem-solving is a fundamental aspect of human cognition, with insight problem-solving representing a unique and intriguing phenomenon characterized by sudden, seemingly effortless solutions. The pivotal moment of resolution, often referred to as the “Aha! experience,” marks the distinction between insight and non-insight problem-solving approaches. While previous research has predominantly relied on self-report measures to explore the Aha! experience, this study aims to complement existing literature by investigating physiological markers, specifically changes in heart rate, associated with insight problem-solving.

Objectives

Specifically, my advisor, Dr. Trina Kershaw, and I are:

  1. Investigating the role of heart rate dynamics in discerning between genuine insight, false insight, and non-insight problem-solving processes.
  2. Exploring the emotional dimensions of the Aha! experience and their relationship with average heart rate.
  3. Enhancing our understanding of insight problem-solving by integrating physiological and emotional perspectives.

Background and Significance

Insight problem-solving, characterized by sudden, unexpected solutions, stands in contrast to non-insight problem-solving, which typically involves incremental, step-by-step approaches. The Aha! experience serves as a defining criterion for identifying insight solutions, encompassing dimensions such as pleasure, surprise, relief, and certainty. Previous research has highlighted the neural underpinnings of insight and the challenges associated with self-report measures in capturing the multidimensional nature of the Aha! experience. To address these gaps, this study aims to leverage physiological measures, specifically heart rate changes, to provide a deeper understanding of insight problem-solving.

Research Method

This study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining physiological measurements of heart rate with self-reported emotional ratings. Participants solve Compound Remote Associates (CRA) problems (word problems) while their heart rate is monitored using BIOPAC technology. Self-reported emotional experiences are assessed using scales developed by Danek and Wiley (2017).

Research Protocol

Participants are asked to complete prescreening surveys to determine eligibility and undergo individual testing sessions in a laboratory setting. Heart rate is then measured using BIOPAC technology, and participants solve word problems while providing self-reported emotional ratings. Electrodes are placed on the participant to measure ECG (electrocardiogram) activity. After completing six practice trials, baseline heart rate is collected. After the baseline, participants complete an additional 30 CRA problem trials. If they believe they solved a problem, they are asked to rate their emotional experiences.

Sadye Marie Clark at work, collecting heart rate and problem-solving data in the lab

Current Project Status

Prior to data collection, I had to learn to program my study in E-Prime, a software program for running psychological experiments, and learn how to use BIOPAC, a hardware and software system for collecting physiological data. After several months of development, this study is presently underway, actively collecting data from participants. Upon reaching a sufficient sample size, the collected data will undergo thorough analysis. We will be gathering specific data for each problem rather than aggregating data per participant. We expect that there will be differences in heart rate prior to solution depending on if a person solves a problem in an incremental way vs. if they have an Aha! experience.

Support from the OUR

Thanks to the OUR, I was able to compensate study participants. My experience with applying for an OUR research grant encouraged me to seek additional funding. I received a research grant from Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, to further support my research. Throughout this project, I have encountered numerous challenges and triumphs that have shaped both my methodology and understanding of human behavior. From designing comprehensive experimental protocols to navigating the complexities of ethical considerations, every step has been a learning opportunity. I have honed my skills in data collection through hands-on involvement and fostered a deep appreciation for human cognition and emotion. Collaborating with diverse teams of researchers has broadened my perspective and enriched the depth of my investigations. Without the support of the OUR, Dr. Trina Kershaw, Dr. Heloisa Alves, and Dr. Robin Arkerson, this project would not have been possible. Thank you. Despite encountering obstacles such as participant recruitment difficulties and unforeseen logistical hurdles, my dedication to advancing psychological knowledge remains steadfast, and I am eagerly anticipating this study’s continuation.

RESEARCH IN ENGLISH AND COMMUNICATION

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“The Burden of History and Narratives of Resilience: Inheritance and Trauma in Octavia E. Butler’s Kindred.”

By Jasmine Mattey

I had the incredible opportunity to present my research at the NeMLA (Northeast Modern Language Association) Conference in Boston, MA, an experience made possible through the generous support of the Office of Undergraduate Research Travel Award. The conference served as a platform for me to share insights from my Senior Capstone Paper titled “The Burden of History and Narratives of Resilience: Inheritance and Trauma in Octavia E. Butler’s Kindred.”

My presentation delved into Butler’s exploration of intergenerational trauma rooted in the legacy of enslavement. I argue that Butler leverages the idea of inheritance to explore trauma’s enduring impact on Black individuals and communities. The transformative power of personal and collective storytelling lies at the heart of Butler’s narrative. Through the characters in Kindred, Butler illustrates diverse reactions to the weight of inherited trauma, emphasizing the role of narratives as sources of resilience and empowerment. I highlight how the act of storytelling, both individually and communally, serves as a catalyst for breaking the cycle of generational trauma.

Jasmine Mattey next to her poster at the NEMLA conference.

Presenting at the convention was an amazing experience. I had the opportunity to discuss my research with peers, graduate students, and faculty members. These interactions helped me refine my arguments and provided invaluable insights, perspectives, and feedback on how to strengthen my work.

Moreover, the conference provided a platform for networking with academic presses. I seized this opportunity to connect with publishers, hoping to establish lasting relationships that could facilitate my entry into the world of publishing post-graduation.

I am immensely grateful for the support extended to me by the Office of Undergraduate Research, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the English Department. Since I had to make the trip to Boston from New Jersey, this experience would not have been possible without their assistance. Additionally, I am forever grateful to Dr. Evans and Dr. Arora for their unwavering guidance and support throughout my academic journey.

RESEARCH IN CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY

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Synthesis of Isatisindigoticanine G and its Analogues for Candida auris inhibition

By Kerolos Markos

OBJECTIVE: 

The objective of this research is to develop novel inhibitors for Candida auris based on quinazolinone natural product. This would require developing a novel and efficient synthetic method for the synthesis of pyrido quinazoline natural product and its analogues for screening. We propose to develop a modular approach for the same from piperidones.

LAB WORK:

1. Working with Methyl piperidone

Fig. 1.1 — Methyl piperidone with indole.

In this experiment I set up a table as follows:

Vol. (ml)  Mass (g)  Molar Mass (g/mol) Density

(g/ml)

 Moles Eq. Moles
Indole – 3 g 117.15 – 0.0256 1
Methyl piperidone 2.96 ml 2.898 g 113.16 0.98 0.0256 1
Reagent 2.1 ml 1.82 g 71.11 0.866 0.0256 1

Table 1.2 shows the reactant used in the experiments.

Synthesis of 3-(1-methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)-1H-indole: A solution of 1H-indole, 1-methylpiperidone, pyrrolidine in ethanol (30 mL) was refluxed for an additional 24 hours. The reaction was brought to room temperature, then cooled to 0C, stirred for 30 minutes. The solid was filtered, washed with cold ethanol (2×15 mL), and dried under high vacuum to obtain the title compound as a white solid t as shown in figure 1.3. Total mass is 1.3607 g.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fig. 1.3 — White Solid Obtained.

H-NMR was conducted to the white solid using DMSO as a solvent (figure 1.4).

Fig. 1.4 — H-NMR for 1-methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl

2. Adding N-Phenylmaleimide

Mass Molar Mass Moles
3-(1-methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)-1H-indole 1 g 212.29 g/mol 0.0047
N- phenylmaleimide 0.8157 g 0.8157 g 0.0047

Table 2.1 — Reactant for the Experiment.

Fig. 2.2 — Reaction Scheme.

Synthesis of 5-methyl-2-phenyl-5,6,7, 12-tetrahydropyrido[3,4-c]pyrrolo[3,4-a]carbazole-1,3(2H,4H)-dione: A solution of 3-(1 -methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)-1H-indole, N- phenylmaleimide in toluene (10 mL) was refluxed for additional 16 hours. The reaction was brought to room temperature, then the solid was filtered, washed with cold methanol (15 mL) and dried under high vacuum to obtain the title compound as a red solid t as shown in figure 2.3. Total mass is 1.745 g.

The product got purified again by using 50%/50% hexane and ethyl acetate as a solution and added the red solid to the solution. We started boiling the solution and then let it cool on room temperature for 5 days. Then obtained the crystals again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fig. 2.3 — Red Solid Obtained.

H-NMR was conducted to the red solid using CDCl4 as a solvent (figure 2.4).

Figure 2.4 HNMR for the 5-methyl-2-phenyl-5,6,7, 12-tetrahydropyrido[3,4-c]pyrrolo[3,4-a]carbazole-1,3(2H,4H)-dione

3. Using 2,4-Piperidinedione

We started doing the same experiments as in 1 and 2 using 2,4-piperidinedione instead of methyl piperidone.

Mass Molecular Weight Moles
2,4-piperidinedione 1 g 113.11 g/mol 0.00884
Indole 1.0356 g 117.15 g/mol 0.00884

Table 3.1 — Reactant for the Experiment.

A solution of 2,4-piperidinedione in methanol (20 mL) was refluxed for an additional 24 hours. The reaction was brought to room temperature.

Fig. 3.2 — Reaction Scheme.

Doing TLC for the product by adding the product liquid into air vacuum, after 15 minutes it turned into solid. Then add Na2CO3, H2O then ethyl acetate in test tube; the top layer (the organic layer) was isolated and added to the TLC plate. The TLC plate was put in a solution of 100% ethyl acetate for 1 minute and then observed under UV light.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fig. 3.3 — TLC Plate.

Unfortunately, the 2,4 piperidinedione as a reactant didn’t get involved in the reaction because the initial spot didn’t move.

Another experiment was conducted using 2,4 piperidinedione and isatoic acid but unfortunately we didn’t have enough time because of the finals.

RESEARCH IN ART HISTORY

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Artemisia Gentileschi: Forgotten Italian Renaissance Artist

By Caitlyn Haley

I was inspired by the Boston MFA’s exhibition “Strong Women in Renaissance Italy.” Most of the work in the exhibition was done by women. In my project funded by an OUR Student Research Grant, I did what the Boston MFA did not. I picked a single woman artist from Italian Renaissance and produced a self-portrait of her life and her work. I chose Artemisia Gentileschi because her work was the most featured in the exhibition.

I compiled data from books written about Gentileschi with personal observations from the exhibit to create a poster highlighting vital information about an artist that history forgot. Gentileschi’s contributions were important. Combining my majors—Art History and Graphic Design—I created a visual résumé about her life, the subjects of her work, what she painted, and her achievements.

Poster designed by Caitlyn Haley

Rather than bog down the audience with pages of details, the poster conveys vital information in a visual one-punch. My hope is to make the information accessible to everyone, regardless of discipline or interest. Not everyone is a history buff. However, I think everyone deserves to have their story told. The aim of the project is to correct history’s failure to inject Artemisia Gentileschi into the mainstream consciousness alongside her contemporaries like Leonardo da Vinci.

RESEARCH IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

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Presentation at the 76th Annual Meeting of the Division of Fluid Dynamics in Washington D.C., November 19-21, 2023.

By Jordan I Breveleri

I attended the 76th Annual Meeting of the APS Division of Fluid Dynamics in Washington D.C. from November 19-21, 2023, where I presented my research on drag reduction in marine vessels using porous superhydrophobic surfaces (SHS). The conference served as a dynamic platform for researchers to exchange ideas and advancements in the field. The APS (American Physical Society) Division of Fluid Dynamics Conference provided an excellent platform for researchers to discuss and share their findings in fluid dynamics.

My presentation focused on the innovative use of porous SHS to reduce drag in marine vessels. By injecting gas through the porous surface, an air layer can be sustained, effectively minimizing drag. The presentation primarily showcased the results of my research and highlighted its potential applications in fluid dynamics. The surreal atmosphere of Washington D.C., steeped in history, offered an inspiring setting for scientific discourse. The city’s rich cultural and national significance added an extra layer of depth to the conference experience, making it both professionally and personally enriching.

Photo of Jordan I Breveleri in Washington D.C. 

Presenting in front of a diverse audience was initially nerve-wracking, but with the support of my professor and peers, I successfully navigated the challenge. The engaging discussions and feedback further enhanced the presentation experience, providing valuable insights into my work. Aside from presenting my research, I attended various talks during the conference, gaining diverse insights into fluid dynamics. One particularly intriguing presentation focused on aurora lights, offering a fascinating perspective on the broader spectrum of research within the field.

The conference was an invaluable experience. Presenting my research and attending other panels created a memorable professional journey. The conference not only provided a platform for knowledge exchange but also fostered connections and collaboration within the fluid dynamics community. Overall, it was a rewarding experience that contributed significantly to my understanding of the field.

EXCITING PUBLICATION AWARD NEWS FROM BIOLOGY

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Congratulations to the winners of the 2022 Journal of Zoology “Paper of the Year” award: Alyssa Giordano, Louis Hunninck and Michael Sheriff.

Their paper, “Prey Responses to Predation Risk under Chronic Road Noise,” addresses the increasingly significant issue for wildlife today, anthropogenic noise, through an experiment that tested for differences in foraging and vigilance behavior of small mammals when exposed to either predation risk or road noise alone, or predation risk concurrent with road noise. With its innovative design, this is one of the first studies to concurrently examine the effects of road noise and predation risk on free-living prey, and the results of their study are fascinating.

The link to the paper can be found here: https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jzo.12968

The lead author on the paper, Alyssa Giordano, graduated with a B.S. in Marine Biology in 2021. This work was done under the supervision and mentorship of Michael Sheriff, Associate Professor of Biology at UMassD. During her time at UMassD, Alyssa had funding support from the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) and presented her work at the 2021 UMass Undergraduate Research Conference (Mass URC).

Kudos to Alyssa, and her co-authors!

Research in Mechanical Engineering

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IMECE Undergraduate Student Poster Competition 2023

By Chloe Shirikjian

 

The International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition or IMECE Undergraduate Student Poster Competition and Conference was an impactful event that enabled me to present my research to peers, form connections with people in research and industry worldwide, and to learn about cutting-edge technologies. I arrived in New Orleans on Sunday, October 29, 2023, and attended an orientation for first-time conference attendees. Important members of ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) welcomed the students and shared information about the conference and volunteering opportunities.

I presented my work at the Undergraduate Student Poster Competition later that day. During the first hour of the competition, I presented my poster in front of numerous judges. My poster titled, An Integrated Computational Framework for Process-informed Analysis of 3D Printed Knee Assembly Components, displayed my research from the past six months on numerical simulations of additive manufacturing (AM). I first informed attendees about the background and project goals. Then, I spoke in detail about the application of additive manufacturing to patient-specific prosthesis design and how my objectives contribute to that goal. I went on to discuss the setup, results, and conclusion. In summary, the residual stresses present in the AM printed parts will be a determining factor for structural failure. Additionally, computational methods for function-oriented tolerancing must be developed for practical application of AM in the industry. This event allowed me to receive feedback from judges on points that I had not yet considered, including displaying my results in a xy-plot and including more realistic parameters, such as ligaments and tendons, into my simulation. Furthermore, I received encouraging feedback about the need for this type of work in the industry and received compliments about my presentation. Engaging with judges and peers sparked interesting discussions and a new passion for continuing my research.

 

 

Chloe Shirikjian next to her poster at the IMECE Undergraduate Student Poster Competition and Conference 2023

 

The next day, I attended a talk from a keynote speaker and multiple technical sessions. This event allowed me to learn about the cutting-edge research currently being done and explore various interesting topics in mechanical engineering. In particular, the keynote speaker presented on Small Satellites and the Future of Planetary Space Exploration, which discussed Georgia Tech’s accomplishment of being the first university to send a small satellite into space. The mission was originally intended to use the satellite to search for ice on areas of the moon that do not receive sunlight. However, they experienced some issues with one of the satellite thrusters, which sent the satellite off its original course. This talk enlightened me on the newfound ability for private industry space exploration. In the 2020s, private companies can explore space on a national scale with small satellites and rideshares; space exploration is no longer limited to government defense companies.

My experience at IMECE allowed me to form connections and to reignite my passion for engineering. Presenting my work allowed me to see my research from different perspectives and connect with people in the industry interested in additive manufacturing. Furthermore, attending the technical sessions allowed me to learn about new technologies in industry and research fields. I am extremely grateful to experience such an extraordinary event and I look forward to pursuing similar opportunities in the future.

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