ISSUE ONE VOLUME TWO
OCTOBER , 2007
A BMES STUDENT PUBLICATION FOR THE COMMUNITY OF BME
A Candid Look at Working Abroad Melody Keith ‘09
Living and working in France for the summer was like living in a fairy tale. Each and every day I enjoyed something chocolate; and each and every day I came home to a view overlooking a river that flowed beneath a cathedral. There are decided differences between American and French architecture, culture, and technology. French infrastructure is decidedly more romantic; however the cynicists would claim space deprivation as opposed to intimacy. There is a beautiful simplicity in French life. No one seemed to own a dryer, probably due to energy costs, but I had never seen a group of college students own a more technologically advanced washing machine. Likewise, I saw more push-start ignitions in vehicles, although the French drive less. It seemed that less was more, and newer, more convenient technologies were integrated with the public: an intriguing,
yet stylish, combination of old and modern. From the beginning… After intensely studying and practicing foreign language since about 13, I was eager to find work experience abroad. Pressed and proper, I doled resumes out at Georgia Tech’s Work Abroad Fair. Despite my assumptions that my efforts were fruitless, a few months later I received a telephone call from a company called ERAI, a French Intermediary Company. They found my resume “interesting.” I have limited work experience (most of it, family employment) and the
technical skills of your average GT student. Aside from my foreign language, I’m not that special. However, from this I can speak a profound universal truth: showing up is half the battle. So I began my entrance into the workforce in France, employed by Medel'Pharm to work in marketing. It is a mechanical engineering company that produces a compression simulator, the Stylcam, whose main purpose is to foretell the behavior of a compressed powder in industrial rotary production. While my superiors did give me some exposure to the machines, and to learn the mechanics, I primarily did uncoordinated research and data entry: a sore combination of stupidly easy and boring. I often felt confused and almost resentful concerning my lack of duties. I found it hard to stay focused and work productively when I was aimlessly attempting to teach myself compression mechanics. The most difficult task was spending all day in front of a computer, scanning and editing business cards, all while trying
ISSUE ONE VOLUME TWO
BMES Pioneer Editorial Board
Editor in Chief Aileen Li ’10 Layout Editors Lexi Torres ‘09 Michael Zhang ’10 Features Editor Rebekah Hamrick ’10 Staff Writers Inez Falcon ‘10 Melody Keith ‘09 Monica Liou ‘10 Kiersten Petersen ’10 Development Editors Alice Chan ’10 Patrick Shannon ’10
What’s Inside? ‣
What is BME?
‣
The Success Guide
‣
Career Fair Info
‣
Upcoming Events
NOT to log into facebook. It was en route to the factory site in Bourg-en-Bresse when we found ourselves beside massive fields of sunflowers planted along the road. As I was admiring them one day in the car with my boss Bruno, he asked me if I wanted one. "Isn't that illegal?" I asked. "What are they going to do? Hang you by your toes?" I felt mischief swell up inside me as I replied, "Let's do it," and so he pulled over, and I snuck over to the field. I tore at the stem awhile as it was difficult to break. Hiding in the immense field, as cars passed by, I imagined going to jail for stealing sunflowers and how poorly it would look on any future background checks. Finally victorious, I triumphantly returned to the car, beaming with my beautiful sunflower. We drove away, my boss thoroughly impressed by my act of gnawing the flower free with my teeth. It is easy to remember to develop and work towards certain objectives when the work is complicated and in-depth. However, I had forgotten that it is even more imperative when an assignment is dry, simple, and tedious. I would have accomplished so much more if I had developed goals that exceeded the company’s expectations of me. Truth is a Georgia Tech student’s typical best is going to be milestones greater than the ordinary. It comes down to identifying or
OCTOBER , 2007
creating marks to reach, and challenging yourself to surpass them by leaps and bounds. Overall, I have a very positive view of France. Even though I have returned to my classes, I’ve already entered and gained confidence in the industrial world. I have learned how to carry myself and express my opinions. I have learned how to interact with my peers and work under employer expectations. My transition into the workforce was a difficult one; however, I now view it as I do my encounter with the sunflower in the field. Initially it was a trying time of gnawing and teeth grinding, but I can now share with everyone what I have gained. So, don’t just think wishfully about working or studying abroad- do it!
ISSUE ONE VOLUME TWO
Behind the scenes of biomedical engineering Monica Liou ’10
You’ve chosen your school; you’ve chosen your major. Congratulations. The pressure of decisions that will inevitably affect your future can be daunting. As intimidating as that may seem, all of us are responsible for taking a step up and making these decisions. Ranked third in the country, Biomedical Engineering (BME) has become a popular choice among undergraduates, but what are we getting ourselves into? Yale University defines BME as the “use of the tools and methods of engineering to better understand human physiology and disease and the development of new technologies for disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.” According to the McGill Faculty of Medicine, it is simply the “application of engineering to medicine and the life sciences”. As for GT BME students: Jonny Platt, a second year, describes the field as one that “combines mathematics and science to serve the every day needs of humanity.” Although you could even come up with your own interpretation of biomedical engineering, it is all of these statements combined.
A Biomedical Engineer can do a variety of things. The most certain application of the field is the development and manufacturing of biocompatible, mechanical devices, such as pacemakers and prosthetics. Other branches of this field include medical imaging, bioinformatics, tissue engineering… the list goes on (try www.bmes.org for a full list). After graduating from Georgia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, many students will go their own ways. They are employed in industry, in research facilities of educational and medical institutions, in teaching, in government regulatory agencies, and in hospitals. They also get involved in great organizations such as Teach for America and the Peace Corps. What’s great about being in Atlanta, is that we have a lot of great companies right here that have internships and careers to offer. With a center located here in Atlanta, Medtronic has engineers research and design instruments that either alleviate pain, restore health, or extend life. Another prominent company located in Atlanta is St. Jude Medical. Their purpose is to manufacture medical devices dedicated to making life better for cardiac, neurological, and chronic pain patients all over the world. And there are many more companies, just about anywhere you wish to reside in the world after college.
OCTOBER , 2007 Even though these tasks may sound very ambitious, it is the teamwork that counts in any company, big or small. Many teams spend time working together on projects that affect the lives of millions of people. And despite its difficulty, it is typically a rewarding field; according to Medtronic, a life is improved every five seconds from one of their products. While many students come into BME knowing what they want to get out of it, some feel unsure of their careers after Tech. “I chose BME because it combines my biological and medical interests with my analytical and problem-solving skills. It's a growing field, which indicates that there should be a sufficient market to employ me after school, helping to secure a future for me. Because I'm not really sure what I want to do after school, choosing such a flexiGovernment/ Industry Medical School Graduate School Other
12% 34% 36% 18%
ISSUE ONE VOLUME TWO ble field, I leave the doors open for medical school, graduate school, or even for simply joining an engineering firm with a bachelor's degree,” said Platt. According to Jessica Falcone, a third year BME student, “I’m not sure what I plan on doing after I graduate, but I am considering either going straight to work at the company that I had an internship with last summer or get a master’s degree at graduate school.”
OCTOBER , 2007
“Either way, I know my major in BME has allowed me to keep great options open.” Biomedical Engineering has been a successful major for many students. We find fulfillment in working with living systems, serving others, and using their expertise to help tackle the great problems that face health care. While many will find the journey to graduation an arduous one, they may also find that it is well worth the trip.
Join BMES today! www.gtbmed.com
October, 2007 Sunday 30
Monday 1
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
2
3
6
BMES Industry Seminar
4 Research Option Information Session 11AM Klaus 1116 West
5
Undergraduate Professional Internship Orientation (11AM – 12 PM, Bill Moore Student Success Center, Clary Theatre)
10
11
12
13
AEMB New Initiate Information Session (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM) PURA app. due
Last day to drop a class with a grade of “W”
EWH repair session
11 AM - 12 PM Whitaker Rm. 1103 Speaker: Doug Evans
7
8
9 Fall Break
Friday
Saturday
meet 9 AM 2nd floor student center
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Spring 2008 course schedule available on OSCAR
28
29
30
URS application due
IBB Seminar Dr. Joyce Wong 11 AM - 12 PM IBB Suddath RM
31
EWH repair session meet 9 AM 2nd floor student center 1
2
3
ISSUE ONE VOLUME TWO
OCTOBER , 2007
The Success Guide General: •
Adjust your attitude: many of us got through high schools without putting in much effort; that is about to change. Tech is a very difficult school, so you’re probably going to have to work a bit harder to get the grades.
•
Make friends (and keep them). Having good friends makes life more fun. Your friends are the ones who help get you through the tough times in college.
•
Choose a smart load of classes. There is a difference between taking 18 hours and taking 18 hours worth of hard classes. Sign up for a load that you can handle.
•
Learn. Many students agree that the big difference between college and high school is that in college you really learn. “Students should know how to study; most of the time, it means learning what the material means and how it will be applicable in your future, whether that is in medicine or industry… enjoy your time in the BME department because there are some good people who can teach you things you will never find in a text book.” – Ramsey Al-Hakim, GT Phi Kapp Phi Cup winner 2007.
•
Successfully manage your time. You’ve probably heard that “at Tech, out of sleeping, partying and getting good grades, you can only pick two.” However, with good time management, it is possible to achieve two and half. We really can’t stress enough how important it is to be smart with time. “Do some work everyday so you can enjoy the weekend.” – Katherine Kendall
•
Tech has a lot to offer – go out there and find what suits you. For example: the third floor of the Student Center has a buffet with amazing food and it is definitely worth the ten dollar splurge. “Explore Tech. Although you can't escape the fact that Tech is a school, you can come to realize that colleges are really interesting. Look into the sports, the culture, the work and the people: this is your home for the next 4 (or more) years and it's never too early to find the neat parts about it.” – Joseph Abrahamson
•
Read the Technique. There are important, juicy and funny things in there; it is important to know what’s happening on campus.
•
Be involved…to a degree. Staying involved has a lot of benefits: meeting new people, polishing leadership skills, making a difference, etc. However, don’t be overly involved – remember what’s important to you and the reason that you’re at Tech (getting the degree!). Find what works for you. (www.service.gatech.edu)
•
Know the bus system. Trust me, once you get that down, your life will be a lot easier.
•
Find a hobby. Whether it be programming, skateboarding or shopping – keep at it if it relaxes you. Tech offers many fun activities from skydiving to ballroom dancing. “It is important for students to find a hobby and make time for it every week.” – John Stein, GT Dean of Students
•
Go to the CRC, even if you don’t care about having a good body, it relaxes your brain!
•
Find a good place to study. Some recommended spots are: the library, the flag building (student service building), the Whitaker Lounge, Klaus and the campanile.
•
Tech has a number of mentoring programs. Having a mentor makes everything easier.
•
Don’t overly stress out about grades, just give it your best shot.
•
Find something to laugh about every day.
ISSUE ONE VOLUME TWO
OCTOBER , 2007
Success Guide Major and Classes: •
Ask yourself this: why BME? If you’re not genuinely interested in BME, your life is about to get a LOT harder.
•
Join BMES. Attend all BMES functions. Get involved with BMES. The organization will allow you to meet people in your major as well as give you an idea of what you want to do after college. You may even gain a leadership skill or two.
•
Read the BMES Newsletter and be involved with it – tell us what you want to read about.
•
Attend lectures and pay attention. You can learn a lot from lecture that’ll make homework seem a lot easier. If you aren’t going to pay attention in class, you might as well just stay home and sleep.
•
Attend office hours. Take advantage of a professor’s office hours – ask what you don’t feel comfortable asking in class, let them know that you’re trying early on in the semester instead of begging for points before Finals. Tech Professors are very nice, just talk to them.
•
Talk to upperclassmen when you’re signing up for classes – they have a lot to tell you.
•
Visit Paul Fincannon and Sally Gerrish. They are very friendly and knowledgeable.
•
Realize that undergraduate research is not required for students. If you don’t have a passion for research, don’t do it. Find your passion and devote to that.
•
If you decide to do research with a faculty member, pick something that you are truly interested in. “If you really want to get something out of your research you will most likely have to stay in a lab for a number of semesters so it is important that you are doing something you enjoy.” – Michael Chervonski
•
Use the basement computer lab. You get 1000 pages per semester and you can save your files on those computers.
•
Use the BMES WORD archive online. Visit www.gtbmed.com then go to GT-BMES. “Registration is free and you get to enjoy old tests, quizzes and homework from a number of BMED courses!” -- Linda Pelcastre
•
Get tutored. A large portion of Dean’s list and Faculty Honors students have been tutored or actively participate in a tutoring program. Take advantage of Tech’s tutoring programs.
•
Don’t blindly follow the suggested schedule. Talk to Paul or Sally about how to personalize your schedule. For example, some students resented taking BMED2210 and BMED2300 together.
Last words: “Be passionate about what you do (and mean it); don’t be afraid to go above and beyond. whether that is your first problem in BMED 2300, your research project or your extracurricular activities, passion tells employers and graduate schools that you know what you’re doing, you know where you’re going, and you won’t waste any opportunities you’re given.” – Virgil Secasanu, Vice President of BMES
ISSUE ONE VOLUME TWO
OCTOBER , 2007
3rd Annual Biotechnology Career Fair at Tech Kiersten Petersen ‘10 Did you know that many biotech and medical-based companies are looking for undergraduates to fill some of their top positions? With the rapidly growing biomedical industry, its no doubt that the 3rd Annual Biotechnology Career Fair held on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 from 12:30-5:00PM in the IBB Atrium, was packed with leading companies recruiting our very own GT Biomedical Engineering Undergraduates. Over 25 companies attended the fair, including St. Jude Medical, Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Metronic, Inc, and Advanced Bionics. Not only were representatives from these companies available to answer questions, but many companies were even holding on-site interviews! The fair also included two Panels titled “What are companies looking for?” and “Transitioning from Academia to Industry”, with speakers from several representative companies. Even if you did not get the opportunity to attend, you can still find out about and apply for job and internship opportunities. Listed below are several Companies that are leaders in the Industry and are looking for Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate students in internship, CO-OP, part time, or full time positions.
Go to careerfair.bme.gatech.edu for more information!
Company
Description
Georgetown Clinical Consulting Corp.
• • •
Full or part time undergraduates with set committed hours Detail-oriented and enthusiastic Gain experience in clinical research and running FDA-regulated medical device studies
GlaxoSmithKline
• •
Undergraduate internships and full-time Work with drugs that treat diseases including asthma, virus control, infections, mental health, diabetes, and digestive conditions
MedShape Solutions, Inc
• • • • •
Undergraduate Co-op positions for Fall 2007 or Spring 2008 Must be sophomore or older Assist in device analysis and design of medical devices Work on the cutting edge of shape memory material technology Work with leading engineers, scientists, doctors, and business leaders
Medipurpose, Inc.
• • •
Undergraduate full time with Biomedical background Position title: Database Monitor Help commercialize a proprietary wireless sensing and communication technology for the human body to improve management of heart failure and aneurysms.
Novozymes
• • •
Undergraduate full time Work in biofuels R&D groups Help expand frontiers of biological solutions through enzymes and microorganisms to improve industrial performance.
Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc.
• • •
A Johnson-Johnson Company Full-time Hire Interview: Oct. 17th www.jnj.com/careers/global/index/htm
ISSUE ONE VOLUME TWO
OCTOBER , 2007
Tell Us What You Want To Read About! Send your ideas to achan3@mail.gatech.edu