Research Experiences for Undergraduates Student (Summer 2024)

"This summer during my CIRP REU internship, I focused on independently developing a parametric child booster seat generation tool. This software, now utilized by my mentor Jalaj Maheshwari, MSE and other CHOP research engineers, creates simplified booster seat models for use in computational car crash test simulations, helping to analyze how different seat features impact the kinematics and kinetics of pediatric occupants.

Built entirely from scratch using Python and open-source libraries like CadQuery and VTK, the project initially challenged my understanding of booster seat complexities. Through literature reviews and interviews, I gained the knowledge necessary to identify essential program functionalities for creating realistic models.

In just 10 weeks, I successfully completed the core functionalities, enabling CIRP engineers to analyze and build upon my work. This success was made possible by regular interactions with the engineering team, where I received feedback, collectively brainstormed solutions, and enhanced my communication and collaboration skills, all of which helped me overcome challenges in the software development process.

Beyond coding, I engaged in diverse activities guided by REU mentors, where I learned about other research efforts, how to create a professional presence, and expanded my network within and beyond CHOP. These connections and lessons deepened my insight into academia versus industry in computer science, inspiring me to pursue post-undergraduate studies and broaden my career possibilities.

As I prepare for my junior year at the University of Delaware this fall, the impact of this REU experience on my career development cannot be overstated. CIRP not only introduced me to the intricacies of research, but also equipped me with a professional presence and broadened my career perspectives. I am immensely grateful to CIRP for the invaluable experiences and skills gained through this program."