I’ve just passed the halfway point in my internship, and it’s quite bittersweet. I feel like I’ve learned so much and I’m really enjoying my time at 3SD, but the time is passing almost too quickly. This week is something of a turning point for me, as some projects are ending, but I’m beginning several new projects, as well.
We have been working more and more on testing the new Pumani devices. This week, we rented an oxygen concentrator to accomplish some of the testing. In the clinics, oxygen concentrators are often coupled with the CPAPs for effective therapy. We have also begun lifetime testing, which is basically running the Pumani continuously until it fails. The point of this testing is to replicate the failures that the units experience in the field in a controlled manner and to see if there is a way we can prevent them. We currently have a CPAP running in the lab day and night. It’s constant hum has made me realize what a normally quiet atmosphere I work in, which I’m sure is entirely different than the atmosphere in Malawi.
To complete the testing, I’ve had to write and follow fairly in-depth protocols. These ensure that the tests I’m conducting can be repeated. They are especially important, given that I’ll be leaving in about a month, and the testing will continue well beyond my departure. I’m learning that documentation, in general, is very important to ensure clear communication within an organization and between organizations. Documentation can include anything from invoices to CAD drawings to meeting minutes to manuals.
I’ve talked previously about learning the difference between engineering education and professional engineering. I’ve talked with several different people about this topic even more recently. It seems that the two forms of engineering focus on different aspects—out of necessity. At Rice, I’m exposed to need-finding, problem definitions, brainstorming, and prototyping. At 3rd Stone, I’ve been more focused on product definitions, manufacturing, regulatory approvals, scale-up, and testing. Both aspects are vital to the eventual implementation of a device, and I’m thankful that I have the opportunity to be exposed to both sides. I am looking forward to utilizing the knowledge I’m gaining about the design process on my senior design next year. I think it will be very useful to know about the full process that a device must navigate, even beyond prototype development.
Yesterday, I got to tinker with the Global Focus Microscope, which was originally developed by a BTB student for diagnosis of tuberculosis.1 It is a simple, low-cost microscope that has an attachment that allows you to view the samples and take pictures with your phone. There is one in the 3rd Stone office, and though I couldn’t quite get it to work for what I needed it for (the sample was too thick), I did get it to work! I was pretty excited, as I’d never used it before and we couldn’t find the manual, so I just had to wing it. However, it’s a very intuitive, easy-to-use device (as all global health devices should be), and I had it working pretty fast. I was impressed by the pictures it put out, and it was neat to see the real device.
I hope that everyone had an excellent 4th of July this past weekend! I was lucky enough to spend it with some nearby family. Sidenote—the public transport in the Bay Area is actually really great, if you were wondering!
Relevant links:
1. http://www.3rdstonedesign.com/project/global-focus-microscope/