I would first off like to say a BIG thank you to Kim Wilkens, David Chen, and all of the undergraduates who have helped organize this awesome, fun-filled week and for giving up an entire week of their summers to help us out for the entire day. They've taught me a lot and really made this experience fun! I would also like the thank all of the speakers and people in the labs to take time out of their busy schedules to give us a more in-depth view of what biomedical engineers do in the real world. It was really cool to see the tools and machines that the scientists used in the lab here for research, but also it was really interesting to hear about how the speakers help people directly, here in Charlottesville or even in Africa! This whole experience wouldn't have been the same without all of these people, and they all really helped me become more interested in biomedical engineering, so THANK YOU!
-Sarah Meng
Friday, August 12, 2016
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Day 4 Homework
I'd like to first and foremost thank Kim Wilkens, the person who put this all together. Without her, I would not have this amazing experience of being able to tour all of these labs and meeting all of these guest speakers. I felt like this experience really opened up my eyes. It also showed me what exactly biomedical engineering was and how we need more females in this field. I really enjoyed making all of these prototypes and I felt like it also really helped me develop more of an understanding in biomedical engineering.
The second person I would like to thank is Dr. Rebecca Scharf, the pediatrician who talked to us about her work in Africa. I feel like that inspired me to do something that will also change the world in that way. I enjoyed learning about how all the kids fared in Africa and how their lives were impacted.
Thank you all so much for putting in your time and effort into this project!
The second person I would like to thank is Dr. Rebecca Scharf, the pediatrician who talked to us about her work in Africa. I feel like that inspired me to do something that will also change the world in that way. I enjoyed learning about how all the kids fared in Africa and how their lives were impacted.
Thank you all so much for putting in your time and effort into this project!
Thursday Blog Post
I would like to thank the UVa students Kate Donovan, Taisiya Novopachennaia, Heather Sledd, and Christina Stiebris for making my tech-girls experience great. They gave great presentations that were informative, but also fun and relatable. They were able to explain things in ways that made sense to us and we could understand easily. It was really cool to hear about the projects they are all working on as well. Their energy has really made this week fun.
I would also like to thank the researchers who gave us their time to show us around their labs, and the speakers who came, as well as David Chen, and especially Kim Wilkins. They all did so much to help us get the most out of this week. I have learned so much from them and it was so interesting to hear how they have taken processes similar to what we were learning about, and have applied them on a much more complex scale. It was also cool to see how the skills can be applied in different ways, such as OT and Therapeutic Adventures. And thanks again to Kim for providing us with this opportunity to learn about the BME field and about the amazing things that can be done by biomedical engineers.
Ashley
Day 4 Reflection
I
would love to thank Christina Stiebris for contributing to my time at
camp. Because she is one of the students at UVA majoring in biomedical science,
she is able to express her knowledge on the subject and show her passion
towards it. The characteristics that I most appreciate is her attitude and
willingness to help. I enjoy the fun games she organizes while we are waiting
for the next activity like the umbrella game. They always make me intrigued and
bring a smile to my face. As a girl in high school interested in STEM
fields, Christina serves as a great role model.
In
addition, I appreciate the amount of work Kim Wilkens has spent to make this
camp as great as it is. I am impressed how organized the camp has been and
honor her knowledge towards computer science. I think it is so inspiring to see
someone who cares so much about women going into a STEM and/or computer science
field. I can easily say, Kim has successfully changed the future gender gap
of computer scientists by influencing female teens to consider the field.
Thank
you both!!
-Jane
Romness
Thank You
I would like to thank all of the guest speakers who have volunteered their time to talk with us, Rebecca Sharf, Mark Andrews, Susan Berres, and Craig Meyer, all of whom were very interesting speakers. Also, I would like to thank all of the people who spoke with us during the lab tours and the people who just let us see their labs, because they have busy schedules and yet fit us into their day. I would like to thank all of the students who gave up a week of their summers to spend time with us and teach us some of what they know. I am sure that their insight into bio-medical engineering has caused some people to seriously consider it as a field of study. Finally, I would like to thank David Chen and Kim Wilkens, who have taken time out of their busy schedules to organize this event for us.
Madison
Madison
Day 4: Thank You!
I would like to thank Kim Wilkens and David Chen for putting together such a fun and informative camp. Before I had done the camp, I did not really know what biomedical engineering was, but I knew that I really enjoyed biology and medical things. Everyone who I has spoken with us has been very informative, and I feel like I have seen a very diverse group of people in the field. The undergraduate students have also been really fun, and it is really inspiring to see people that are doing things that I hope I can do someday. Christina has especially been really fun and funny, and I can always look to her for something informative or a smile on her face. Mark Andrews was also an inspiration, and I really enjoyed learning about his company, and all the wonderful ways he has helped people with disabilities be able to do fun adventures and recreations. With every lab tour, I feel like I have learned a little bit more about the field and its applications. I am just very grateful that this camp was available for me to do, since this is a male dominated field. Everyone who has contributed to this camp is a wonderful person, and for that, I thank each and every one of you for dedicating your time our learning.
Kelly
Kelly
Day 4 Thank You
I would like to thank Kim Wilkens and David Chen for starting and leading this program. I'm grateful to them and all the students for being there every day and giving us your time since I know you guys are busy people. The students also keep things fun and enjoyable, especially Christina.
People in labs always have work to do, so I'm grateful that they took time to show us around and even prepare presentations for us. I learned a lot about cancer, muscles, and various technology from them and I've never really been in a real, functional laboratory so it was interesting to see all the equipment and different people. I also developed an interest in muscular systems due to the labs and it is now a possible career path for me.
Finally I would like to thank Mr. Meyers as I really enjoyed his presentation. I have always been interested in MRIs and X-rays and other ways to see what's going on inside the body. I had an MRI a couple years back and I wondered how they could see what was in my leg, so he helped me understand.
Victoria
People in labs always have work to do, so I'm grateful that they took time to show us around and even prepare presentations for us. I learned a lot about cancer, muscles, and various technology from them and I've never really been in a real, functional laboratory so it was interesting to see all the equipment and different people. I also developed an interest in muscular systems due to the labs and it is now a possible career path for me.
Finally I would like to thank Mr. Meyers as I really enjoyed his presentation. I have always been interested in MRIs and X-rays and other ways to see what's going on inside the body. I had an MRI a couple years back and I wondered how they could see what was in my leg, so he helped me understand.
Victoria
Thank You
I personally would like to first thank Susan Berres, an occupational therapist who came and spoke to us yesterday. I have a personal interest in occupational therapy and am considering it as a possible career path. I had already job-shadowed an occupational therapist for school, and getting to hear from another one, especially one who works specifically with children, was very informative and helpful for me. You gave me a greater overview of what an occupational therapist does, and you taught me how even very simple things can be used to help people.
I would also like to thank the whole group of UVa students who have helped us this week: Kate Donovan, Taisiya Novopachennaia, Heather Sledd, and Christina Stiebris. Your presentations on the design process have been very informative and helpful. It has been great to be able to interact with you as well and learn more about you all and what you do. Also, your creative games that you use to start the day are quite fun and entertaining. I have learned a lot from you all, and I have really appreciated your help and being able to ask you questions.
Finally, I would like to thank Kim Wilkins for her fantastic work on this program. From sending us daily emails to teaching to collecting materials for our design challenges to taking us from the hospital lobby to the classroom and back every day, you have helped each one of us so much. I am very grateful for everything you have poured into this program, which I am sure is much more than I even realize, and how dedicated you are to making this a great experience for all of us.
-Katie
I would also like to thank the whole group of UVa students who have helped us this week: Kate Donovan, Taisiya Novopachennaia, Heather Sledd, and Christina Stiebris. Your presentations on the design process have been very informative and helpful. It has been great to be able to interact with you as well and learn more about you all and what you do. Also, your creative games that you use to start the day are quite fun and entertaining. I have learned a lot from you all, and I have really appreciated your help and being able to ask you questions.
Finally, I would like to thank Kim Wilkins for her fantastic work on this program. From sending us daily emails to teaching to collecting materials for our design challenges to taking us from the hospital lobby to the classroom and back every day, you have helped each one of us so much. I am very grateful for everything you have poured into this program, which I am sure is much more than I even realize, and how dedicated you are to making this a great experience for all of us.
-Katie
Day 4 Reflection
Bio-Med Tech-Girls would not be possible without all the people who volunteer their time to speak with you, offer lab tours and work with you throughout the week. Please identify at least 2 people who have made an impact on you this week and write them a thank you note as your blog post. You can find the names of the team, speakers and lab tours on the pages of this blog.
If you need anything else on the wishlist, please add it tonight!
If you need anything else on the wishlist, please add it tonight!
Day 3 Reflection
I've loved the bio-medical engineering tech girls camp so far. I think going to all the labs has been the most mind-blowing thing, so far, because I have learned so much from them that I haven't learned before. Things such as learning about regenetive tissue. I had no idea that that was something that scientists are working with. Now, I have 4 full pages of notes on it even though I had no idea it existed before this. I think what has inspired me the most is the woman who spoke to us in the first day. She knew exactly what she was doing, and she knew where needs needed to be filled. I though how she worked in Africa was very inspirational. It was really cool seeing a woman who works super hard get to do all this cool stuff because of it. It shows that work does pay off.
A high point for me was probably thinking of solutions for the problems with Tommy, and a low point for me was probably making the prototype out of index cards and duct tape. I made something that looked awful and barely worked for that. My high point was definitely high, because I'm always trying to solve things and fill in gaps, so hypothetical situations are great for me to use that skill.
It would be great if I could get a Hummkngbird kit, thank you.
A high point for me was probably thinking of solutions for the problems with Tommy, and a low point for me was probably making the prototype out of index cards and duct tape. I made something that looked awful and barely worked for that. My high point was definitely high, because I'm always trying to solve things and fill in gaps, so hypothetical situations are great for me to use that skill.
It would be great if I could get a Hummkngbird kit, thank you.
Day 3 Reflection
So far, the camp experience has been great. This is my first time really being exposed to biomedical engineering, and what blew my mind was the vast applications and diversity within the field. I have really loved the lab tours, since that is when I get to see the cutting edge work that is being done by actual biomedical engineers. It was especially cool to see the 3D bio printer, and I can't wait until it becomes more widely used past a research standpoint for helping people. The person who inspired me most is probably a tie between the pediatrician who spoke to us on the first day and Mark Andrews who spoke to us on the second day. The passion that both of them have for helping those who are disabled have a better and more fulfilling life really inspire me to do the same.
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Day 3 Reflection
The 3-D Bio-Printer was the thing that blew my mind today. I had no idea that we had the technology to print with cells and things like that yet, even with a simple program like Solidworks which we use in robotics at school. Even though it's still mostly in the testing stages, this will change science and give us many more opportunities in the medical field. I just thought it was really cool in general. The speakers who come in and talk to us about how they use biomedical engineering or work with biomedical engineers is really inspiring to me. They are all so passionate about what they do and you can definitely tell. The stories about their experiences helping others really wants me to study hard and be able to start helping other people too, to make their lives easier and more fun! A high point is the hands-on experiences we get to have like prototyping. It's not just a camp where it's like here's a bunch of cool stuff for you to see and learn about but you can't try it out yourself, so I like it because we get to do things ourselves.
-Sarah Meng
-Sarah Meng
Day 3- Reflection
This camp has been an excellent experience for me. While having a lot of fun, I have been able to learn about a job made up of subjects that I love, computer science, engineering and biology. It has been most interesting for me to learn about aspects of biomedical engineering that I have never even thought of before. Because I learned most new information in the labs, touring the labs has been my favorite activity. I have never been to a real lab and seen live experiments. When the biomedical engineers showed us the experiment about the rats, I was really amazed! Also, I have loved the prototyping we have done to try and solve a problem. A lot of the reason I enjoy this activity is because the broad guidelines allow us to use our creative. In my free time, I enjoy building random devices at home with materials I can find around the house. My love for doing this has influenced me to consider engineering in the first place. In conclusion, I have really enjoyed what we have done at camp and believe that I have learned about the general description of biomedical engineering as a whole.
- Jane Romness
- Jane Romness
Wednesday Reflection
So far, I have found this experience very informative and interesting. Before coming, I did not really know what BME even was, and now I feel like I have a pretty good understanding of the process behind developing a method to help someone. I thought the 3D bio-printer was especially interesting. Mark Andrews especially inspired me how he has been able to reach so many people and improve their quality of life. The labs in general have also been really cool to see because you hear about all of the UVa studies, but it's different to really be able to see what's going on and how many things are happening. My favorite part was when we were with our final groups after we picked a plan and we were talking about the possibilities to solve the problem and how we could adapt our ideas to improve them.
Wednesday Reflection
Overall, this camp has been an amazing experience for me! Something that has blown my mind away during this week is the sheer amount of uses of technology in medicine. I really enjoyed learning about the 3D bioprinting of organs and the way they use everyday devices to help in occupational therapy. Someone that has really inspired me during this experience was our first speaker. I loved the work she did with the disabled children in Africa, which is something I wish to do in the future as well. A high point during this camp was the labs that we got to see. I really enjoyed seeing all of the uses of computer programming and other technology in programming that I did not know about. I really enjoyed this experience.
-Samhita Pendyal
-Samhita Pendyal
Day 3 Reflection
I have really enjoyed the camp thus far, and it seems like everyday gets better and better. I have really enjoyed the guest speakers that have spoken with us, and I have really expanded my views on biomedical engineering. Seeing so many people in the field has shown me how the field is very diverse, and that there are many jobs I never imagined that relate back to biomedical engineering. I think that has been something that has blown my mind. With every lab tour we do and every speaker that comes to visit us, my knowledge of biology, and the technology that is expanding the field, grows. Yesterday, Mark Andrews is someone I found very inspiring. He does so many great things for people in need, and the devices he has created for people in need just amazes me. I have not really had a high point or a low point, the entire camp has been such a great learning experience, and I am excited to see what else is in store for the rest of the week.
-Kelly
-Kelly
Wednesday Reflection
I have had a good experience at this camp so far. It has helped me learn about both what I do enjoy and what I do not enjoy. I have learned a lot about the process of taking a scenario, finding problems, and from there taking steps to come up with a solution, and I have discovered that I enjoy working through this process and it is exciting for me. Before coming to this camp I was very interested in occupational therapy, and I was very impressed by the occupational therapist who came and spoke to us today. I have really been surprised by how simple things can be extraordinarily helpful. On the first day the woman who spoke told us about how even simple materials can be used to solve problems, such as how a simple rocking horse can help a child with cerebral palsy to get used to keeping her knees apart. Also today the occupational therapist showed how even something like squishing silly putty or putting straws through a hole in a cup can help people develop their motor skills. I am excited to learn more about how we can help people through both simple and more complex technology.
-Katie
-Katie
Wednesday Reflection
My favorite thing to see was the 3D bio-printer, because I have experience with 3D printers and it was really cool to see how that technology is being used for medical purposes. I also enjoyed the occupational therapist who came in today, because it was interesting for me to learn about the different types of technology that she uses in her work. Also, I thought that it was very inspiring to hear about Therapeutic Adventures, and how much they are improving the lives of many people. Overall, it has been a good experience, and I hope that the next two days are fun too!
Madison
Madison
Wednesday Reflecion
So far, this camp has been a great experience. I enjoyed the opportunities to visit the different labs, especially the second one today which studied muscles. Visiting this one and the one on day 2 actually gave me an interest in studying muscular and cardio vascular systems, something I've never really thought of until this week. It was also interesting to learn more about the lives of disabled people and the creative ways occupational therapist use seemingly random objects to help people, especially children, strengthen themselves in fun ways. The interactive design process activities are also really great because it's one thing to just look at the steps in a power-point presentation, but it's a whole different story if you try it yourself.
Victoria
Victoria
1. During the exercise, I felt a bit frustrated since I couldn't do or had difficulty with actions that I had previously taken for granted. It took a lot longer to get things done and it must be very stressful if you're in a rush. Putting on the sock and shoe was especially difficult (and painful) and required flexibility, which I don't have. Having both legs be affected with spastic CP would have been extremely challenging.
2. This assignment has made me at least a bit more aware of what it's like to live with a disability such as cerebral palsy and how physically and emotionally draining it is. Of course, walking around for ten minutes is very different from living with it, but I understand the frustration more.
3. I liked making the videos because it creates a more interactive learning environment, so I would say it is a good addition to any assignment. For this assignment especially, it was useful to see yourself struggling and offered a new perspective other than first-person.
NOTE: This is late due to some tech difficulties
Wednesday Reflection
Overall, attending this program has been a good one. I have learned a lot from going to the lab tours, and listening to the guest speakers. It is very rare to get the opportunity to see these labs at UVA, and listen to professionals in fields such as a pediatrician and occupational therapist. So I knew applying to this would be something that I would want to take advantage of. One suggestion I have, however, is to get more time brainstorming and for making our prototypes. I understand that we have a tight schedule, but with cramming, we barely have any time to get even a rough idea of what I want the finished product to look like.
Wednesday Blog Post
Write a reflection on your Bio-Med Tech-Girls experience so far. What has blown your mind? Who has inspired you? What has been a high and/or low point? Why?
Visit the wishlist and add items you think you might like to have for prototyping. If you have items from home that you think might be helpful, please bring them. We'll continue to add to the list throughout the day tomorrow.
Finally, download the 123Catch app on your phone (if you can).
Visit the wishlist and add items you think you might like to have for prototyping. If you have items from home that you think might be helpful, please bring them. We'll continue to add to the list throughout the day tomorrow.
Finally, download the 123Catch app on your phone (if you can).
Empathy Assignment
I tried out the simulation with the tight quadricep by attaching a tube to my leg so it couldn't bend. It was really hard to walk and to do everyday things like sitting down and going up the stairs. It felt really weird using different muscles that I usually use when I do these things. Like going up the stairs, for instance. I had to use my core and outer hip muscles to help me get up the stairs and not just my legs. This assignment helped me walk in their shoes and to feel how hard everyday tasks are. It probably is really exhausting for them just to walk around the house sometimes. This assignment really helped me understand the limitations and struggles that they feel. (Definitely not all of them but a few of them). The video was a good way to show other people our experiences.
-Sarah Meng Please include your video in your blog post for today. Also, reflect on:
Day 2 Reflection
I attached a yardstick to my knee in order to simulate tight quadriceps muscles, by preventing the ability to bend my knee properly.
- How you felt during the exercise: I felt very restricted because I was unable to bend my knee.
- If/how this assignment impacted your view of cerebral palsy and disabilities in general:Sometimes we don't realize how much we need something until we are unable to use it. For example, yesterday when we were drawing the bicycle on a post-it note, I had to do it with my eyes shut. This became very difficult, because I felt as though I was drawing off the paper. Having a disability isn't fair at all, and all disabilities whether genetic or not, I'm sure are extremely difficult to deal with especially because you did nothing to have this restriction. You just happened to be that person who has to deal with it, and find ways to cope with it. Whether it be using a brace or other device, or as much as being confined to a wheelchair for life.
- Did you like using video? How do you think it adds or subtracts from an assignment?Using the video made me realize even more how much of a struggle it was to not be able to use my knee. But while others watch the video, you will not be able to realize how difficult it actually was until you truly have this disability, with or without simulating it.-Amanda
Empathy Assignment
1. I felt constrained and upset that I could not easily do normal things that I would normally be able to do easily.
2. I already understood some of the effects of CP and how it would feel. Although, this exercised increased my empathy because I felt the constraints myself.
3. I personally do not like using video. However, I understand how using video lets you gain understanding in the situation and increases your ability to understand.
1. I felt constrained and upset that I could not easily do normal things that I would normally be able to do easily.
2. I already understood some of the effects of CP and how it would feel. Although, this exercised increased my empathy because I felt the constraints myself.
3. I personally do not like using video. However, I understand how using video lets you gain understanding in the situation and increases your ability to understand.
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Empathy Assignment
- How you felt during the exercise
I really felt like I was stuck and was not able to do anything. The first time i tried to stand up from a couch, it took me a few minutes. I almost gave up because i simply could not get up. There was no where for me to push up from to get me up since I could not get my legs underneath me since they could not bend. When i did finally manage to stand up, I felt very satisfied and happy that I was able to persevere. When sitting down, I kind of did give up - I just fell back onto the couch. While I was sitting down, I watched the olympics for a while, and my legs became exhausted because I had to prop them up on a coffee table. - If/how this assignment impacted your view of cerebral palsy and disabilities in general
I definitely feel like this has helped me understand the feelings associated with disabilities and the frustration they must feel with their bodies. I can also begin to imagine how exhausted they must be from simple activities. I can understand how stuck they must feel in their bodies and how easy it must be for them to want to give up. Finally, I can begin to appreciate the joy they must feel when they complete an action that we take for granted, like standing up from a chair. - Did you like using video? How do you think it adds or subtracts from an assignment?
I feel like the video subtracts because I was more focused on the video than on experiencing the adaptation and thinking about how it made me feel. I also had some trouble getting the videos to upload.
- Ashley D.
Empathy Assignment
For my assignment, I decided to simulate tight quadriceps muscles by preventing the bending of my knee. I decided to use two cedar planks to prevent my knees from moving.
During the exercise, I felt very vulnerable because I didn't know when I was going to fall or get hurt. I had trouble getting up the stairs and sitting down. Also, because I had to focus on my leg so much, I felt many of my other movements were being slowed down because of my gait.The fact that I had to use my hands to help me balance going up the stairs as well as walking differently made me feel slightly self-conscious about how weird I look.
This assignment impacted my view of cerebral palsy and disabilities greatly. I did not realize how important my knees were until I had one of them taken away. I also did not realize the severe hinderences of having these disabilities and how it affected their every day life. By making the physical parts of their life hard, it also isolates them from social interaction because of the fear of being judged and being different as well as it being physically harder for them.
I think the videotaping really helped me see what was going on from an outsider's point of view but it allowed me to still have the experience of an insider. The video guidelines allowed me to really get a grasp on how my life would be if I had CP, however it was hard not to get faces into the video.
Empathy Assignment
1. During this experience, I really felt uncomfortable the entire time. The leg that I had tapped up was uncomfortable since I could not bend it, and I just felt like I had to relearn all the tasks I had taken advantage of before. Something I had always thought of as second nature, I had to focus to entire time on what I was doing, so I would not fall down. The whole experience I felt unbalanced as if I was going to fall at any moment.
2. After having my leg taped up and unable to move in many directions, I really was able to see what an everyday life of a person with cerebral palsy. I realized that the struggles of people with disability, in that they have to think more about all their movements than a person without a disability. Every bend of the muscle had to be thought out, and that was something that was very new for me. I think before I had known that the struggle of people with limited to no mobility in their limbs was a large one, but after my own experience, I realized how difficult the struggle really is(and I only did it for 10 minutes- not for my entire life!)
3. I think the video really allowed me to see what my body looked like as I was doing in my movements. I do not really think the video helped in the actually physical feeling what a person with a similar felt, but maybe why they would feel embarrassed about how they looked. Seeing myself on film and moving in a more odd manner than normal made me feel uncomfortable, which simulated why a person with that certain disability would feel embarrassed.
Kelly
2. After having my leg taped up and unable to move in many directions, I really was able to see what an everyday life of a person with cerebral palsy. I realized that the struggles of people with disability, in that they have to think more about all their movements than a person without a disability. Every bend of the muscle had to be thought out, and that was something that was very new for me. I think before I had known that the struggle of people with limited to no mobility in their limbs was a large one, but after my own experience, I realized how difficult the struggle really is(and I only did it for 10 minutes- not for my entire life!)
3. I think the video really allowed me to see what my body looked like as I was doing in my movements. I do not really think the video helped in the actually physical feeling what a person with a similar felt, but maybe why they would feel embarrassed about how they looked. Seeing myself on film and moving in a more odd manner than normal made me feel uncomfortable, which simulated why a person with that certain disability would feel embarrassed.
Kelly
Empathy Assignment
1. During this experience, I really felt uncomfortable the entire time. The leg that I had tapped up was uncomfortable since I could not bend it, and I just felt like I had to relearn all the tasks I had taken advantage of before. Something I had always thought of as second nature, I had to focus to entire time on what I was doing, so I would not fall down. The whole experience I felt unbalanced as if I was going to fall at any moment.
2. After having my leg taped up and unable to move in many directions, I really was able to see what an everyday life of a person with cerebral palsy. I realized that the struggles of people with disability, in that they have to think more about all their movements than a person without a disability. Every bend of the muscle had to be thought out, and that was something that was very new for me. I think before I had known that the struggle of people with limited to no mobility in their limbs was a large one, but after my own experience, I realized how difficult the struggle really is(and I only did it for 10 minutes- not for my entire life!)
3. I think the video really allowed me to see what my body looked like as I was doing in my movements. I do not really think the video helped in the actually physical feeling what a person with a similar felt, but maybe why they would feel embarrassed about how they looked. Seeing myself on film and moving in a more odd manner than normal made me feel uncomfortable, which simulated why a person with that certain disability would feel embarrassed.
2. After having my leg taped up and unable to move in many directions, I really was able to see what an everyday life of a person with cerebral palsy. I realized that the struggles of people with disability, in that they have to think more about all their movements than a person without a disability. Every bend of the muscle had to be thought out, and that was something that was very new for me. I think before I had known that the struggle of people with limited to no mobility in their limbs was a large one, but after my own experience, I realized how difficult the struggle really is(and I only did it for 10 minutes- not for my entire life!)
3. I think the video really allowed me to see what my body looked like as I was doing in my movements. I do not really think the video helped in the actually physical feeling what a person with a similar felt, but maybe why they would feel embarrassed about how they looked. Seeing myself on film and moving in a more odd manner than normal made me feel uncomfortable, which simulated why a person with that certain disability would feel embarrassed.
Empathy Assignment
1. During this experience, I really felt uncomfortable the entire time. The leg that I had tapped up was uncomfortable since I could not bend it, and I just felt like I had to relearn all the tasks I had taken advantage of before. Something I had always thought of as second nature, I had to focus to entire time on what I was doing, so I would not fall down. The whole experience I felt unbalanced as if I was going to fall at any moment.
2. After having my leg taped up and unable to move in many directions, I really was able to see what an everyday life of a person with cerebral palsy. I realized that the struggles of people with disability, in that they have to think more about all their movements than a person without a disability. Every bend of the muscle had to be thought out, and that was something that was very new for me. I think before I had known that the struggle of people with limited to no mobility in their limbs was a large one, but after my own experience, I realized how difficult the struggle really is(and I only did it for 10 minutes- not for my entire life!)
3. I think the video really allowed me to see what my body looked like as I was doing in my movements. I do not really think the video helped in the actually physical feeling what a person with a similar felt, but maybe why they would feel embarrassed about how they looked. Seeing myself on film and moving in a more odd manner than normal made me feel uncomfortable, which simulated why a person with that certain disability would feel embarrassed.
2. After having my leg taped up and unable to move in many directions, I really was able to see what an everyday life of a person with cerebral palsy. I realized that the struggles of people with disability, in that they have to think more about all their movements than a person without a disability. Every bend of the muscle had to be thought out, and that was something that was very new for me. I think before I had known that the struggle of people with limited to no mobility in their limbs was a large one, but after my own experience, I realized how difficult the struggle really is(and I only did it for 10 minutes- not for my entire life!)
3. I think the video really allowed me to see what my body looked like as I was doing in my movements. I do not really think the video helped in the actually physical feeling what a person with a similar felt, but maybe why they would feel embarrassed about how they looked. Seeing myself on film and moving in a more odd manner than normal made me feel uncomfortable, which simulated why a person with that certain disability would feel embarrassed.
Empathy Assignment
I don't know how to get a video to attach to a blog post, so I will try to figure it out, but I thought that I should write out my thoughts about the exercise right now. I simulated tight quadriceps by attaching a field hockey stick to my leg.
1. I felt so constrained when doing this exercise. It was almost impossible for me to just sit down. Sitting is very important to my daily routine. Also, I live on the 3rd floor of my house, so walking up and down stairs is a very important part of my day. I cannot imagine it being as difficult for me as it was with the field hockey stick attached to me. I was so frustrated during the whole ten minutes I can't imagine what it feels like to live life like that.
2. I think that this exercise helped me a lot with my empathy towards people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. It made me realize how frustrated and constrained they must feel. I felt so limited so they must feel like that all the time. It must be very difficult to live without being able to bend your knee, an essential thing for life. I mean I didn't really think about how essential bending your joints is, but it's very essential for life. I couldn't imagine how people lived in the hunter-gatherer times, then I realized that they didn't. This made me realize that we've came very far in medicine, so that we can make accommodations for people who need them.
3. I liked the video, but I don't now how to attach it so I just sent it to Ms. Wilkins. Other than that, it worked well.
1. I felt so constrained when doing this exercise. It was almost impossible for me to just sit down. Sitting is very important to my daily routine. Also, I live on the 3rd floor of my house, so walking up and down stairs is a very important part of my day. I cannot imagine it being as difficult for me as it was with the field hockey stick attached to me. I was so frustrated during the whole ten minutes I can't imagine what it feels like to live life like that.
2. I think that this exercise helped me a lot with my empathy towards people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. It made me realize how frustrated and constrained they must feel. I felt so limited so they must feel like that all the time. It must be very difficult to live without being able to bend your knee, an essential thing for life. I mean I didn't really think about how essential bending your joints is, but it's very essential for life. I couldn't imagine how people lived in the hunter-gatherer times, then I realized that they didn't. This made me realize that we've came very far in medicine, so that we can make accommodations for people who need them.
3. I liked the video, but I don't now how to attach it so I just sent it to Ms. Wilkins. Other than that, it worked well.
Day One Reflection:
Day One Reflection:
I did not get to post this yesterday because I did not understand the website, but I think I've got it now! In this bio medical engineering camp, I'm most excited to work with other females. A lot of the people who I have worked with in science courses outside of school, where it's required, were male and it's very refreshing to see all these women and girls interested in biological medical engineering, it reassures me that this field is for everyone, not just one specific gender. I'm also excited because this is a field that is very much still advancing as we speak. We are always looking for new solutions and there are still a lot of things that we haven't discovered yet in this field. I'm excited to make discoveries.
Today, we experimented using tools such as a "Hummingbird", and a "Leap". I worked specifically with the "Leap" on the program Scratch. With my group, I made a game to help with fine motor skills. Specifically gripping a pencil. We figured that the grip to hold a dart is similar to the grip used to hold a dart. Also, we thought that therapy would bore people much less and, if therapy can be, more fun. I think the project was pretty successful. We had a guest speaker today and what she told us about her work with disabled kids was very interesting. I liked her presentation a lot.
I did not get to post this yesterday because I did not understand the website, but I think I've got it now! In this bio medical engineering camp, I'm most excited to work with other females. A lot of the people who I have worked with in science courses outside of school, where it's required, were male and it's very refreshing to see all these women and girls interested in biological medical engineering, it reassures me that this field is for everyone, not just one specific gender. I'm also excited because this is a field that is very much still advancing as we speak. We are always looking for new solutions and there are still a lot of things that we haven't discovered yet in this field. I'm excited to make discoveries.
Today, we experimented using tools such as a "Hummingbird", and a "Leap". I worked specifically with the "Leap" on the program Scratch. With my group, I made a game to help with fine motor skills. Specifically gripping a pencil. We figured that the grip to hold a dart is similar to the grip used to hold a dart. Also, we thought that therapy would bore people much less and, if therapy can be, more fun. I think the project was pretty successful. We had a guest speaker today and what she told us about her work with disabled kids was very interesting. I liked her presentation a lot.
Empathy Assignment- Tight Quadriceps
2. Before completing this activity, I was not aware of how difficult everyday movement could be. In the braces I struggled to do most everything. It was a sad moment when I realized the severity of the case. Patients with cerebral palsy cannot participate in sports or even play play outside with friends without challenges. Even though the disease directly affects patient's physical structures, it isolates them from social aspects as well.
3. I enjoyed the video aspect of the assignment but am disappointed the video does not show up on the blog viewer page. I liked how the video guidelines were very broad so it allowed me to be creative. I think the video adds to the assignment because it is able to show the viewer a description of the experiment and to list tasks patients with cerebral palsy have a hard time completing.
- Jane Romness
Tuesday Assignment
1. I felt very limited when I was doing this exercise. When I was trying to get in the car, it was especially difficult to fit my leg inside, and I realized, at least partly, just how difficult it would be for people with cerebral palsy or other disabilities.
2. This activity definitely made me realize how many difficulties disabled people face every day, and how much we take for granted being able to use all of our limbs fully. It also made me more impressed with everything that people facing such challenges do everyday, and how small things like climbing stairs can be Olympic hurdles.
3. I liked using the video because it allowed me to see how I looked doing those activities, and it is useful to show others how difficult walking and sitting can be with disabilities.
-Madison
2. This activity definitely made me realize how many difficulties disabled people face every day, and how much we take for granted being able to use all of our limbs fully. It also made me more impressed with everything that people facing such challenges do everyday, and how small things like climbing stairs can be Olympic hurdles.
3. I liked using the video because it allowed me to see how I looked doing those activities, and it is useful to show others how difficult walking and sitting can be with disabilities.
-Madison
Empathy Assignment
For my empathy assignment I simulated tight quadriceps by taping a yardstick to the side of my leg and a cardboard tube behind my knee. I started feeling how difficult it would be even while taping the objects to my leg, especially taping around my ankle, and climbing up and down the stairs to retrieve my phone and other items. It was difficult to climb stairs, put on a skirt, and bend down to pick up a dropped object like I did in the video. Whenever I would start to get impatient and try to go faster, I would start to lose control or mess up what I was trying to do.
This has given me a better view of what it is like to have some kind of disability affecting your leg. Many of the different things you do in life involve using your legs, and everything from sitting to bending over becomes difficult, uncomfortable, and sometimes even painful when you can't bend your knee. I am sure that living my whole life like this would be very difficult. I hope that through biotech we can develop better ways to help those who suffer from conditions like cerebral palsy to function more easily and comfortably.
Using video to do this assignment was a little bit challenging, but it was very helpful to gain a better understanding of the difficulties disabilities can cause. I could not only feel the difference between walking with my regular leg and walking without being able to bend my knee, but I could see it, too. In some ways a video might make an activity look easier or harder than it actually was, but for the most part it helped me to visualize how difficult the actions I had to perform were and how differently I had to go about them. The combination of video and experience helped me to gain a better knowledge and more empathy for those who suffer from cerebral palsy and similar conditions.
-Katie
Tuesday Blog Post
Empathy Assignment
You were introduced to cerebral palsy and its implications today. While you could spend all week researching this disorder, you would still never truly understand the mental, physical, and emotional impact of the disorder simply by reading articles and websites. To help with that, we want you to get into these patients’ shoes and try to comprehend how these people live their day to day lives. We want you to be creative and really delve into this assignment.
Goal:
To empathize with cerebral palsy patients and use video as a presentation medium
Assignment:
Research the ways that cerebral palsy places physical limitations on people’s lives. Using anything laying around your house (duct tape, rope, etc.), mimic those limitations on yourself. For this assignment we want you to focus on spastic cerebral palsy patients. This means that their muscles are always contracted resulting in rigid joints and limbs. For example, tight calf muscles result in pointed toes. This makes it hard for them to place their heels on the ground while walking.
Choose one of the following activities:
- Simulate tight quadriceps muscles by preventing bending of your knee (i.e. attach a broomstick or yardstick to your leg as a cast)
- Simulate tight calf muscles by preventing bending of your ankle (i.e. create a cast with cardboard, bandages, etc.)
We want you to then try your device out for at least ten minutes to get the feel of the disability. Then, videotape yourself doing three everyday tasks that might be harder to do because of the device. As in any research assignment, to preserve confidentiality avoid videotaping your face or showing any identifying features.
Please include your video in your blog post for today. Also, reflect on:
- How you felt during the exercise
- If/how this assignment impacted your view of cerebral palsy and disabilities in general
- Did you like using video? How do you think it adds or subtracts from an assignment?
Day 1 Reflection
What I am most excited about with biomedical engineering is how fast the career is growing, and how more and more people will be able to benefit from it. I think it is so important for technologies to keep getting innovated and improved upon, and I think this is a career that does just that. I think biomedical engineers use divergent thinking, and many different perspectives make this career such a unique and strong one. As this career becomes more popular, the technologies improve, and eventually more people will have access to them, which I think is really cool.
Today we made prototypes on devices that could people with sensory or motor disabilities or injuries. We used hummingbird, which is something I have never used, as well as the program Scratch, and another program with I forget the name of (which is similar to the Xbox connect sensors). My group and I designed something to help stroke recoverers and/or children do their rehab exercises in a more fun way. We designed a game on Scratch, which made doing repeated exercises seem more fun and interactive with technology.
-Kelly
Today we made prototypes on devices that could people with sensory or motor disabilities or injuries. We used hummingbird, which is something I have never used, as well as the program Scratch, and another program with I forget the name of (which is similar to the Xbox connect sensors). My group and I designed something to help stroke recoverers and/or children do their rehab exercises in a more fun way. We designed a game on Scratch, which made doing repeated exercises seem more fun and interactive with technology.
-Kelly
Monday, August 8, 2016
Reflection for Monday, 8/8
For me, the most exciting thing about the future of biotech is the creativity and ways you can go about implementing it. I love the fact that everyone can be helped by biotech because of all the creative ways in which you can make a prosthetic or a piece of furniture fit their needs. This helps to show the ways in which biotech may also improve in the upcoming years. I'm also really excited about wearable devices and seeing how they help to make the world more active and in-tune with their health. This would really help solve many of the problems we have right now with obesity and other health problems.
From today's activities, I found the works of our guest speaker, a pediatrician, the most interesting. I found it amazing that she was able to go and help all of those people and make such a big impact on their lives. I also really appreciate the fact that she works with the demographics she works with because it is often overlooked and forgotten. I also loved the happiness of the children in the pictures when they had all of their prosthetics on.
-Samhita Pendyal
From today's activities, I found the works of our guest speaker, a pediatrician, the most interesting. I found it amazing that she was able to go and help all of those people and make such a big impact on their lives. I also really appreciate the fact that she works with the demographics she works with because it is often overlooked and forgotten. I also loved the happiness of the children in the pictures when they had all of their prosthetics on.
-Samhita Pendyal
Day1 Reflection
The creativity and endless possibilities in biomedical technology are what make it exciting. I am most excited for when biomedical technology makes it possible for people who today do not have access to proper medical care are able to receive proper treatment due to biomedical technology that is engineered to be cost-effective and suit the individual.
Learning to use the Hummingbird was very engaging and interesting. I have never been very interested in robotics, but the Hummngbird definitely sparked an interest for it in me. It was also a good experience prototyping innnovative solutions to medical problems using the Hummingbird and Leap Motion. I very much enjoyed listening to the guest speaker who is a pediatrician. Her story was very inspiring, and it was very interesting to hear about the work she does with differently abled children around the world. It definitely seems like a very satisfying profession being able to help those in need on a global scale.
-Arghya S.
Learning to use the Hummingbird was very engaging and interesting. I have never been very interested in robotics, but the Hummngbird definitely sparked an interest for it in me. It was also a good experience prototyping innnovative solutions to medical problems using the Hummingbird and Leap Motion. I very much enjoyed listening to the guest speaker who is a pediatrician. Her story was very inspiring, and it was very interesting to hear about the work she does with differently abled children around the world. It definitely seems like a very satisfying profession being able to help those in need on a global scale.
-Arghya S.
Monday Reflection
I’m most excited for bio-tech to be connected with new technologies in the near and distant future. New technology exists now that did not a few years ago. I am very exciting to see what innovating things bio-medical engineers can do using these technologies to further assist people that would not have been possible before. There is so much possibility and I can’t wait to see what will come out of bio-tech.
As for today, I found it very interesting! I knew very little about bio-tech before today, and I think that it is a very interesting subject that is so necessary in improving the quality of life for many people. I really enjoyed the Leap Motion and playing around with scratch. It was also really cool to meet so many girls that have the same interests I do. The speaker was fantastic and was my favorite part of the day. I thought it was so interesting how many applications she saw for bio-med were looking for relatively simple answers to problems that require more of an innovative mindset than anything else. I really liked how they are trying to find simple and cost-effective replacements to help children in need despite their economic situation to allow them to be involved with other children.
-Ashley D.
Monday Reflection
I am very excited for the potential for biotech to help spread health to third-world countries, and help other people have access to similar healthcare as in the United States. I am also excited to see how different advances in other fields of engineering contribute to Bio-medical engineering, and the developing relationship between doctors and engineers. I also am just excited in general for the greater ability to help people, and hope that as technology develops, world health will improve a lot too.
Today we learned about bio-medical engineering and computer science, then worked some with Hummingbird kits and Lean motion sensors. Next we broke into groups and designed prototypes to help with fine motor skills or limb rehab using either the Hummingbirds or the Lean motion sensors. It was cool to figure out how these pieces of technology could be used to help people, even being designed by teenagers in one day. The speaker was also interesting, especially her points about technology being used for healthcare in third world countries. Overall, I learned a lot and met a lot of cool people today!
-Madison Crouch
Today we learned about bio-medical engineering and computer science, then worked some with Hummingbird kits and Lean motion sensors. Next we broke into groups and designed prototypes to help with fine motor skills or limb rehab using either the Hummingbirds or the Lean motion sensors. It was cool to figure out how these pieces of technology could be used to help people, even being designed by teenagers in one day. The speaker was also interesting, especially her points about technology being used for healthcare in third world countries. Overall, I learned a lot and met a lot of cool people today!
-Madison Crouch
Day 1 Reflection
In the future, biomedical technology is bound to become extremely advanced. I'm excited for the point when mainstream prosthetic limbs achieve or even surpass the abilities of the original. It will probably get to the point where artificial limbs will look no different than normal limbs, which is important because some people are really uncomfortable exposing artificial/amputated limbs. I'm also excited for when bio-med tech gets advanced enough for people with special needs so they could be more easily integrated into modern society and lead easier and happier lives.
Today I had a great time, especially with the Hummingbird and the guest speaker. I've watched my friend use something like the Hummingbird and I was kind of intimidated by all the wires and devices he was using, but now it seems really easy and fun. It's eye-opening for me that something I previously thought difficult was in actuality simple. I really liked the guest speaker because I think it's great how people think of innovative ideas to deal with disabilities. It taught me that getting good care doesn't rely as much on fancy equipment (although it helps a lot) but rather depends more on the therapists that interact with the child and help them grow as well as the perseverance of the parents.
-Victoria H.
Today I had a great time, especially with the Hummingbird and the guest speaker. I've watched my friend use something like the Hummingbird and I was kind of intimidated by all the wires and devices he was using, but now it seems really easy and fun. It's eye-opening for me that something I previously thought difficult was in actuality simple. I really liked the guest speaker because I think it's great how people think of innovative ideas to deal with disabilities. It taught me that getting good care doesn't rely as much on fancy equipment (although it helps a lot) but rather depends more on the therapists that interact with the child and help them grow as well as the perseverance of the parents.
-Victoria H.
Day 1 Reflection
The ability of biotech to completely alter the lives of people excites me. Technology can be applied in so many ways to help people with any sort of disability, from enabling them to feed themselves to helping them move around. With the progression and advancement of technology, even more people will be helped as simple items become easier to produce and more advanced items are developed, such as better prosthetics due to more advanced robotics or cheaper ones by means of three-dimensional printing.
Today we made prototypes of devices or programs to help with different problems. My group made a mini cardboard prototype of a wheelchair with a distance sensor on the back that detected objects behind it. If it was "all clear" behind, the lights on the arm rests shone green, but if an object was close they turned red and if an object was very close they turned blue and a device on the wheelchair back vibrated. At the end of the day we had a guest speaker who talked about how she helps children with disabilities in other countries to lead better lives by using biotech. She told us about how even very simple materials can be used to help someone with a disability. I learned a lot today about how technology from simple to complex can be used to help those in need.
-Katie
Today we made prototypes of devices or programs to help with different problems. My group made a mini cardboard prototype of a wheelchair with a distance sensor on the back that detected objects behind it. If it was "all clear" behind, the lights on the arm rests shone green, but if an object was close they turned red and if an object was very close they turned blue and a device on the wheelchair back vibrated. At the end of the day we had a guest speaker who talked about how she helps children with disabilities in other countries to lead better lives by using biotech. She told us about how even very simple materials can be used to help someone with a disability. I learned a lot today about how technology from simple to complex can be used to help those in need.
-Katie
Monday Reflection
I am incredibly interested in the various advancements biotech has yet to discover. It amazes me how engineers are able to continuously create new inventions. For instance, although the ENIAC does not involve biology, it is an excellent example of how much each aspect of technology can improve and be altered to benefit the product's usability. My curiosity about what new products will be created to benefit those in need influences me to pursue Biotech. Also, it is great to see more women participating in the STEM field. I have enrolled in Computer Science classes at my high school and there has been an extreme contrast between the number of boys and girls. It's great to see other girls that have interests similar to mine!
The activity I enjoyed most today was creating prototypes using Hummingbird or Lean to help advance mobility. The assignment allowed me to be creative and think about realistic conflicts that could benefit from technological applications. The experience gave me a positive idea about what biotechnology really is. I am excited to more thoroughly learn about the area of study this coming week!
- Jane Romness
- Jane Romness
Monday Reflection
Hearing the different ways that the undergraduates at UVA are helping out different people with biomedical engineering, makes me really wonder and become excited about the all the possible ways that future biomedical engineers will help be able people. With the rapidly growing world of technology, I think that biomedical engineering can really change the way of living in the next decade, even in the next few years. Also, I'm glad to see other girls interested in STEM-related fields. I'm on my school robotics team. There are only about five girls total out of the 30ish people on the 3 teams we have, so it's really great to see these many girls who have the same interests as me.
The activities today were fun! The hands-on prototyping was great. I got to figure out how hummingbird works. It was also nice because I got to work with people I didn't know before. The speaker was really great. Her story about working with people around the globe and helping disabled people is the biggest reasons why I find biomedical engineering, and just engineering in general, so interesting. (To be able to travel around the world is a big plus too!)
-Sarah Meng
Day 1 Reflection
I am most excited about having more females participate in these fields, instead of the stereotype of having only males choosing this particular career path. In addition, I want to attend medical school right after I graduate college. With more biomedical engineers, we will be able to create more innovative technologies to make surgery easier and less invasive.
In regards to today's activities, I found our guest speaker, a pediatrician at UVA, to be the most interesting. It was rewarding to listen to her story or how she first started her thought process of becoming a doctor, and why she loves working with children.
In regards to today's activities, I found our guest speaker, a pediatrician at UVA, to be the most interesting. It was rewarding to listen to her story or how she first started her thought process of becoming a doctor, and why she loves working with children.
Research Resources
Helpful Resources
An overview of cerebral palsy
Focus on researching the following topics and use the resources listed below as a guide to get you started on your research. Feel free to look up other websites and articles beyond those provided.
- What is cerebral palsy?
- What are the causes of cerebral palsy?
- What are the types of cerebral palsy?
- What are the signs of having cerebral palsy?
- What are the mobility limitations involved in cerebral palsy?
General Information:
Videos:
General overview (Khan Academy)
Spastic cerebral palsy overview (Khan Academy)
Notice the lack of movement in the child’s knees and ankles causing her to walk on her toes. This is caused by the muscles in her legs not being able to relax. Also notice how her hips are rotated inward.
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