Summer Research Leads to Amsterdam

Undergraduate research is a great way to gain experience as a student. It can also lead to traveling abroad, as is did for Christine Ho, a senior in chemical and biomedical engineering.

Last summer Ho conducted research at the Bone Tissue Engineering Center (BTEC) as a part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program at Carnegie Mellon. Under the guidance of her research advisor, Dr. Abiraman Srinivasan, she studied the in vitro biocompatibility of a resorbable polyurethane/bone composite for craniofacial reconstruction.

"Through this research project," she said, "I gained a better understanding and appreciation for biomaterials and bone interactions, further developed my lab skills, and worked with different groups of people at Carnegie Mellon, the University of Pittsburgh, and Vanderbilt University." Ho highly recommends the SURF program. "It was a rewarding experience, and I would encourage other students to pursue their research interests and take advantage of the SURF program!"

At the conclusion of the SURF program, Srinivasan informed Ho and her fellow researchers about the World Biomaterials Congress (WBC) and helped them submit abstracts. Their proposals were accepted, so with the support of BTEC and the Tartans Abroad Fund, Ho and others from BTEC attended the World Biomaterials Congress in Amsterdam, The Netherlands in May 2008.

"I had an incredible time!" said Ho. "It was great meeting people from around the world." Ho met graduate students, professors, researchers, and representatives from companies from around the world. "Although we were a diverse group of people, we all shared one thing in common—a passion for crossing frontiers in biomaterials and regenerative medicine in order to make a difference in the world."

Ho described the World Biomaterials Congress as "an environment that buzzed with energy, enthusiasm, and excitement! It was a meeting of the minds, an intersection of different disciplines, a forum to share ideas and collaborate with one another to produce innovations that improve our world." She participated in a poster session and attended plenary sessions, speaker presentations, symposiums, and a debate. She also visited exhibits and booths set up by corporate sponsors.

"I enjoyed sharing my research with others and learning about the many exciting projects going on in the biomaterials field. It was also a wonderful opportunity to be exposed to other cultures and to enjoy the sights and sounds that Amsterdam has to offer. I had a bit of time to explore the city, the canals, the Dam Square, Vondelpark, and sample some Gouda cheese and local food!"

Ho considers herself fortunate to have had the opportunity to conduct research at BTEC, as well as to attend the WBC. "I am very grateful for the support from BTEC and Carnegie Mellon. Not many colleges provide such opportunities for their undergrads," said Ho. "That is one of the many things that make Carnegie Mellon such a great university. The faculty members here are top experts in their field and care about shaping the leaders of the future. They provide opportunities for undergrads to participate in their research and also support them in their exploration and development as lifelong learners, thinkers, and leaders."

Ho speaks highly of both her research experience and her opportunity to travel abroad as a result. "My summer research experience at BTEC and participation in the World Biomaterials Congress has broadened my understanding of the field and allowed me to see how research is translated into applications. It has provided me with opportunities to explore my interests, meet other people, share ideas and expertise, and has inspired me to further pursue the field. It was an experience I’ll never forget!"