Hello Everyone!

Welcome back to my blog! I’m Alinafe, and I’m excited to share with you the highlights and experiences from Weeks 4 through 6 of my internship at OEDK. These weeks have been filled with technical challenges, exciting adventures, and memorable events that have shaped my learning journey. Let’s dive into what we accomplished and experienced during this time!

Week 4: Gel Modification and Prototype Development

1. Gel Modification Methods

This week, our main focus was on enhancing the gel used for imaging by modifying its properties to improve its performance.

• Air Pump and Syringe Methods:
  • We started by trying to build a homemade air pump using a cane, battery, motor, and balloons
                                  

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Unfortunately, this DIY approach didn’t work as planned, leading us to order a commercial air pump .

Despite our efforts, the commercial pump also failed to achieve the desired results.

• • Next, we used a syringe to modify our gel . While this method was somewhat effective, it did not gave us required results.

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• Electric Stirrer Success:
  • Our breakthrough came with the use of an electric stirrer, which proved to be the most effective method for creating small, uniform bubbles in the gel (Figure 5). This tool allowed us to achieve the precise bubble size we needed for our project, marking a significant step forward.

2. Prototype Development

• Testing and Iteration:
  • We created test prints and models using different materials to evaluate their effectiveness ). While Material A  and B did not work as expected, Material C demonstrated clear imaging results, which was a promising development for our project

    

    

    A Fun Break: Houston Zoo Visit

    During a busy week, we took a break and visited the Houston Zoo:

    • Exploring the Zoo:
      • We saw lions, monkeys, colorful birds, and many other animals. It was a fun and relaxing way to take a break from work.
    • Learning About Animals:
      • We learned about animal conservation and the zoo’s efforts to protect endangered species.
    • Team Fun:
      • It was a great chance for us to relax, enjoy the day together, and share our favorite animals.
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Week 5: Testing, Reflection, and Client Engagement

This week was a bit quieter due to the Independence Day holiday, offering us time for reflection and preparation for the next stages of our project.

1. Testing and Client Interaction

   

• Model Testing Outcome:
  • We had a meeting to test our models and found that Material A and B did not yield satisfactory results. However, Material C showed potential, leading us to focus on refining this material
• Client Collaboration:
  • Our client was responsive and supportive throughout Week 5 and Week 6. Their timely feedback and availability for discussions helped us navigate challenges effectively and stay on track with our project goals.

2. Team Building Activities

• Bike Ride Adventure:
  • Led by Professor Nodskov, we enjoyed a 3-mile bike ride from the bike shop to the post and back. It was a great and fun opportunity to bond with my team members, enjoy the outdoors, and take a break from our usual routine.
    
• Ice Skating Fun:
  • Our team went ice skating at Galleria Mall, organized by Brooke and Rohan . We started off wobbly on the ice but ended up having a fantastic time as we learned to skate and cheered each other on. It was a fun and memorable experience for all of us.
    

Week 6: Final Model Refinement, Challenges, and NASA Visit

Week 6 was crucial for finalizing our model and dealing with unexpected challenges, including the effects of Hurricane Berly.

1. Final Model Preparation and Hurricane Impact

• Model Refinement and Testing:
  • We focused on perfecting our final model for gel testing, making necessary adjustments and conducting thorough tests to ensure it met all specifications.
• Hurricane Berly Disruption:
  • Hurricane Berly caused significant disruptions, including power outages for off-campus students . While our project materials remained safe, the storm impacted communication and work schedules, challenging us to adapt and find solutions.

2. Inspiring Visit to NASA

• NASA Exploration:
  • We visited NASA’s Johnson Space Center led by Rohan and Renee, where we explored fascinating exhibits. Highlights included:
    • Spaceships and Rockets: We saw detailed models of historic and current spacecraft, including Apollo missions and Mars rovers.
    • Mission Control Centers: We got a behind-the-scenes look at the control rooms used for managing space missions.
    • Astronaut Exhibits: We viewed real spacesuits and learned about astronaut training and experiences.
    • Presentations: We attended talks from NASA experts and astronauts, gaining insights into space exploration’s history and future goals .
      

Conclusion

These past three weeks have been transformative, combining technical progress with team bonding and inspirational experiences. We tackled challenges in gel modification, refined our prototype, and navigated the disruptions caused by Hurricane Berly. Our adventures included a fun bike ride, an enjoyable ice skating session, and an inspiring visit to NASA.

Thank you for following along on this journey, and I look forward to sharing more insights with you soon!