Meet student researchers advancing computing, AI and more

What made you want to get involved in this program? Why did you choose the project you’re working on?

I have always been eager to gain research experience at ASU in the field of sustainability. As an environmental engineering student, I am passionate about exploring different aspects of sustainability, and this research project in hydrology has provided the perfect opportunity to develop my technical skills. I chose this project, “Assessing the Water Scarcity Problem in the Western United States,” because it involves statistical modeling, an essential skill for analyzing environmental data and one that I was eager to strengthen.

How will your engineering research project impact the world?

This project contributes to advancing knowledge in water resource management and assessing the impacts of extreme weather fluctuations on water availability. The goal is to better understand how weather changes affect water scarcity in the western U.S. and provide insights that can help address this critical issue. The findings have broad implications, including improving access to drinking water, informing water policy decisions and enhancing water infrastructure. In an era where sustainable water management is essential, this research plays a vital role in supporting long-term solutions.

How do you see this experience helping with your career and advanced degree goals?

This project directly aligns with the topics I am studying in my environmental engineering degree program while integrating the statistical modeling skills from my data science minor. It provides the perfect opportunity to apply and strengthen my knowledge in both fields while gaining new technical and analytical skills. Beyond the technical aspects, this experience is helping me develop professional and communication skills, making me a more well-rounded engineer and better prepared for my future career or advanced studies.

What is the best advice you’ve gotten from your faculty mentor?

The best advice I have received from my faculty mentor has been technical guidance. With Dr. Garcia’s deep expertise in hydrology and data analysis tools, she has provided invaluable insights that have helped me navigate this field as a newcomer. Dr. Garcia’s support has been instrumental in helping me understand hydrology in the United States, improve my programming skills and grow both academically and professionally.

Why should other students get involved in this program?

FURI and the GCSP research stipend program are an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students to gain hands-on research experience. It introduces them to a wide range of fields within their major or new areas of interest, helping them discover what they might want to pursue in their professional careers. Additionally, the program fosters meaningful connections with faculty mentors and provides a platform to present research in a professional setting and receive valuable feedback from both academia and industry. It is a great way for students to develop technical skills, build their professional networks and gain insight into potential career paths.

What made you want to get involved in this program? Why did you choose the project you’re working on?

It was my mentor who encouraged me to look into the MORE program, and I’m so glad she did. I saw that it could provide an opportunity to continue my research with additional resources and support while engaging with a larger research community at ASU. I chose this project because of my interest in point-of-care diagnostic devices and biomedical device manufacturing. This project is a great example of how engineering principles can directly impact health care by improving the design and production of medical devices.

How will your engineering research project impact the world?

Rapid and accurate disease diagnosis is the first step in effective treatment. Point-of-care diagnostics make testing more accessible by providing fast and cost-effective results outside of traditional clinical environments. For example, if you suspect you have COVID-19, the first thing you’ll likely do is take a quick COVID test at home before seeking treatment. My project focuses on automating a critical step in the production of diagnostic chips made in the lab. The goal is to streamline manufacturing to make diagnostics more widely available and ultimately improve health care accessibility.

Have there been any surprises in your research?

One of the biggest surprises I’ve encountered in my research was realizing how small design choices can dramatically impact the performance of my device. This experience has emphasized the importance of precision and continuous refinement in engineering design. It has also taught me to approach design challenges with a more detail-oriented mindset.

How do you see this experience helping with your career and advanced degree goals?

This experience has strengthened my skills in biomedical device manufacturing and process engineering, areas I want to pursue in my career. Through this research, I have gained hands-on experience in prototyping, troubleshooting and optimizing engineering systems, all of which are valuable skills for both industry and academia. Taking a project from concept to implementation has given me a deeper understanding of the design process and is a valuable experience for anyone interested in pursuing engineering.

Why should other students get involved in this program?

Participating in the MORE program has given me the chance to work closely with faculty mentors and collaborate with peers while gaining hands-on research experience. For other master’s degree students looking to get involved in research, this program is a great opportunity to develop relevant skills and contribute to meaningful advancements in their field. Additionally, having the ability to present my research and engage with a broader academic community at ASU has helped with my communication skills and potentially opens doors for future collaborations and career opportunities.