Student Spotlight at Roger Willams University
Julia Ward at Dr. Ahmet Akosman’s Laboratory
Working in the Roger Williams University Lasers Lab under Dr. Ahmet Akosman has undoubtedly been my most worthwhile undergraduate experience. I joined the lab in May 2023 and participated in the RI-INBRE SURF program full-time during the summers of 2023 and 2024. The opportunity to learn about and experience the research process through Dr. Akosman’s invaluable mentorship has inspired a new level of scientific curiosity in me.
The positive, encouraging, yet challenging environment of the lab has allowed me to grow immensely as a person. It has also fostered a heightened desire to continue learning and gaining knowledge, which I want to pursue in graduate education.
At RWU, every engineering student receives a degree in generalized engineering with a specialization in a particular branch of their choice. When it came time for me to declare my specialization, I knew what I wanted to do didn’t exactly fit in any of the typically offered paths. I decided to declare a custom specialization in biomedical engineering and add a biology minor. After hearing about Dr. Akosman’s lab and his research project surrounding using terahertz radiation for biological sensing applications, I knew it would be a perfect fit given my unique educational path.
During my time in the Lasers Lab, I have learned how to use the advanced software COMSOL Multiphysics to simulate many THz negative curvature fiber geometries for the refractive-index-based sensing of various chemical and biological analyte materials. I have also conducted extensive research on existing literature about the optical properties of biological materials, particularly blood components and cancerous tumors. My ability to compile large masses of data into easily understandable visuals and presentations has also improved exponentially.
Along with all these lab-based skills, I owe the drastic improvement in my public speaking and presentation abilities to my research experiences. I am so fortunate to have been able to present our group’s research at the Optica Advanced Photonics Congress in Quebec City, the National IDeA Symposium of Biomedical Research Excellence in Washington, D.C., the IEEE Photonics Conference in Orlando, the Rhode Island Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium, and the MIT Undergraduate Research Technology Conference. Thanks to these conferences, I have gained so much professionalism and confidence.
While the thought can sometimes feel overwhelming and scary, research has helped me solidify a plan and goals for my future following my graduation in May. I am currently in the process of applying to PhD programs in biomedical engineering, with the intent to enroll in one in the fall of 2025.
I would absolutely recommend pursuing undergraduate research for anyone interested and has an opportunity. Dr. Akosman’s advice has been so important to me through the years, and gaining a new network of colleagues and friends in my fellow research assistants has meant the world. I am excited about the future and unboundedly grateful for all my undergraduate research experience has done for me.
Ethan Neidt at Dr. Ahmet Akosman’s Laboratory
Being a part of this undergraduate research opportunity has been a blessing over the past year. Thanks to RI-INBRE and Dr. Akosman, I have been able to expand my knowledge in the field of photonics by analyzing potential THz fiber sensing applications.
This summer, I focused on the many geometrical parameters of such fibers and their biomedical sensing effects. To do so, different blood constituents were placed in the negative curvature fibers, and an advanced finite element analysis software, COMSOL Multiphysics, was used to solve Maxwell’s Equations.
Not only was I allowed to present this work at URI but also in Quebec City, which were both thrilling experiences. This research has been amazing as it has advanced me academically and has also grown my character.
I am incredibly thankful to everyone who has supported me and this project, and grateful for the friends and memories made along the way. Again, a special thanks to Dr. Akosman for being an insightful source of guidance and to all our sponsors for making this possible.
Riley Como Dr. Ahmet Akosman’s Laboratory
At the beginning of 2024, I was allowed to be a part of Dr. Akosman’s research lab, which is funded by the generosity of RI-INBRE. I have expanded my knowledge about optics and photonics, which I never thought I would be involved with.
By working closely with Dr. Akosman I have developed a multitude of skills with various software and 3D printers that many of my peers do not have. I was also lucky to present my research at the URI symposium and an international photonics conference in Quebec City. I feel as though being part of this lab group has greatly benefitted me. I am much more open to trying things out of my comfort zone and have become stronger academically. I thank Dr. Akosman, my fellow lab-mates, and everybody who has supported me throughout my research. This has been the highlight of my college career thus far, and I look forward to continuing my work. The memories and knowledge from this experience are invaluable and have left a significant impact on me.
Megan Harrington at Dr. Koty Sharp’s Laboratory
Megan, a 2023 and 2024 SURF participant, has been working in Dr. Koty Sharp’s RI-INBRE-funded research lab since her first semester at Roger Williams University. She started work as a first-year student screening coral-associated microbes to produce antibacterial activity. Throughout the academic year and summers, Megan has worked on developing a cultured probiotic strain of bacteria and characterizing wild coral microbiomes.
“Being able to conduct research early in my college career has completely shaped the student I have become. It gave me the confidence to add Biology as a second major and the desire to continue doing research even while studying abroad in New Zealand, where I was able to help a PhD student complete her project. Working full-time as a SURF student has allowed me to realize my passion for research, and it encouraged me to pursue a career in research post-graduation. The laboratory techniques, skills, and mentorship I have gained from INBRE have made me feel confident in my ability to be successful in a graduate research program.”
Sam Ruemmler at Dr. Koty Sharp’s Laboratory
Sam is a senior undergraduate in marine biology and SURF participant in 2023 and 2024, has worked in Dr. Koty Sharp’s lab for the past three years. He has primarily focused on the project “Determining the probiotic potential of Pseudoalteromonas rubra using the local coral Astrangia poculata.”
“I am so thankful to have the experience working in Dr. Sharp’s lab. I have connected and networked with a wide range of researchers and gained unique experiences I would not have had elsewhere, all with a mentor who has been wonderfully supportive of our goals and interests. The RI-INBRE support has enabled me to conduct research projects, discuss my research with colleagues and classmates, and attend and present my work at conferences. Without the RI-INBRE support, I would not have the technical skills I have today or the experience and confidence I have gained from presenting my research at SURF conferences. These skills will be invaluable to me in the future, no matter where my career takes me.”