It’s summer break on LeTourneau University’s campus, but
that doesn’t mean the work comes to a halt. Labs are still put to good use on a
daily basis, and they’ve even been the workplace for several LETU students.
Assembled by chemistry professor Dr. Vivian Fernand, an LETU
team of two chemistry, one biology, and three biomedical engineering students are
pioneering new types of sensors that will be used for detecting harmful
chemicals.
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| Dr. Vivian Fernand |
The sensors, which resemble small squares of paper, will be
an easy method to detect chemicals harmful to the body. Placed on a surface in
question, they will turn certain colors that indicate whether a dangerous
substance is present.
The final product
will be especially useful for law enforcement investigating crime scenes and
cleaning crews in situations where hazardous materials may be a concern.
Funded by a $25,000 departmental grant from The Welch Foundation, these scientists- and
engineers-in-training are being paid to develop valuable skills that they’ll
one day use in professional laboratories in addition to receiving research credit for
the project.
“The nice thing is, everyone can get a degree, especially in
science and engineering, but how you want to distinguish yourself is through
research,” Fernand, the project’s faculty advisor said. “Not everyone gets the opportunity
to participate in research at the undergraduate level.”
“Research during undergrad is not that common,” she added.
“If a student graduates with research experience along with a published paper,
they are directly accepted into graduate or medical school. Research is a big
plus, but the maximum plus is a published paper. That’s exactly what I’m trying
to do with these students. Many of them are starting to write their own papers
on this project.”
Each student was also required to present their work at the
end of every week to perfect their presentation skills. “Because of that,
whenever they present in a professional setting, they’re really confident,”
Fernand said.
After the project is completed, each student will have the
opportunity to present their findings at seminars and conferences.
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| The research team |
The experience will also benefit the students should they
decide to enter the workforce directly after they complete their undergraduate
degrees. They’re establishing the same skills used universally in labs: safety,
working individually and
in a group, developing and analyzing new ideas, and problem solving.
The strength in her team, as Fernand points out, lies in its
variance of areas of study among the students.
“I believe every one of us has different gifts and
capabilities. That’s why I’m trying to utilize both engineering and science
students,” she said. “Whenever you have diversity in your team, you come up
with better ideas as a whole.”
Developing the sensors – and students’ lab skills – is an
ongoing project. The team grows in number every year, moving forward with
LETU’s mission to develop competency in the workforce and commitment to
effective hands-on experience.
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