Academic Experience

Check out our peer advisors who have done research, studied abroad, or are double majors!

Research

  • What lab are you working in and what area of research are you involved in?

    I worked at the Solar Durability and Lifetime Extension (SDLE) Research Center this summer and continue to do research there this semester.

  • Describe the work you are doing.

    I was involved in the process of fabrication of PV minimodules, meaning I created solar minimodules. Additionally, I was trained on several characterization techniques including SunsVoc and I-V measurements and EL/PL images.

  • What did you learn during your research experience?

    I learned more about the renewable energy field, specifically the solar industry and was able to apply my studies to hands-on experiences. Specifically, I learned how solar panels are made and studied, as well as understanding why degradation of solar modules is important to the renewable energy industry.

  • Is there any advice you would give to a student looking to do research?

    I would advise students to try out research at CWRU and to get hands-on experience with something you might be interested in because it can only provide you with skills and experience for your future career. Doesn't hurt to try!

  • Who am I?

    Cora Lutes, Systems & Control Engineering

  • What lab are you working in and what area of research are you involved in?

    I worked at the ReLLiNC lab doing research with advanced prostheses for lower limb amputees.

  • Describe the work you are doing.

    As an intern in 2019, I did data analysis on the chronic stability of implanted nerve cuff electrodes which involved data processing in Excel and visualization in MATLAB. I also contributed to progress reports for the Department of Defense. Finally, I presented my work to the greater Motion Study Lab Group and at CWRU's Summer Intersections. Currently, I am finalizing the latest data collection and preparing a manuscript for publication.

    This summer, I researched virtual reality as a new area for our lab. I am now pursuing a virtual reality simulator for a myoelectric ankle prosthesis for training of a user and training of the EMG controller. The simulator will be implemented on an Oculus Quest running a Unity application.

  • What did you learn during your research experience?

    I gained a lot of experience communicating whether in formal presentations of during one-on-one Zoom meetings. Much of my work was self directed and open ended so time management and setting goals was important. It was also insightful to see day-to-day operations of research from recruiting subjects to actually performing experiments. Most valuable of all, I went from answer questions in class to starting to ask questions myself.

  • Is there any advice you would give to a student looking to do research?

    Give experiential learning a try even if you think you have your career planned out (and especially if you don't). I thought I would go straight to an industry job and now because of my internship, I am pursuing a research career!

  • Who am I?

    Eileen Petros, Biomedical Engineering & Computer Science

Study Abroad

  • Where and what did you study abroad?

    I studied BME at Universidad Carlos Tercero de Madrid in Madrid, Spain.

  • What classes did you take while abroad?

    I took Statistics, Anatomy and Physiology 2, Introduction to Biomaterials, and a materials science engineering class.

  • What did you learn while studying abroad?

    I learned things academically, which was a given being that I was still in school, but the most important things I learned came from experiences outside of the classroom. For example, Americans take everything too seriously and life is about enjoying yourself. Also, food is way too expensive here.

  • Is there any advice you would give to a student looking to study abroad?

    Study abroad. Just do it (Nike)

  • Who am I?

    Saleha Hoffman, Biomedical Engineering

Double Major

  • What two majors are you studying?

    Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

  • Why did you decide to double major?

    The mechanical aerospace double major at CWRU is unique to Case as in the double major, you only have to take one extra class over the 4 years. All of your technical electives for mechanical engineering are filled with aerospace engineering classes. This allows for a set schedule for each semester which is nice! Also, the aerospace department is a tight group of students, with only about 40 people in each class!

  • What did you learn as a double major?

    I have learned great time management, since each semester I have a pretty packed schedule. Also, rely on your advisors and office hours! Professors are there to help you and want to watch you succeed!

  • Is there any advice you would give to a student looking to double major?

    If you're thinking about double majoring - do it! Worst case, if it becomes too much, you can always switch one to a minor. Try to work out your schedule on a Google Sheet to see if it is plausible. Be sure to get opinions from advisors of both departments!

  • Who am I?

    Makayla Shreve, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

  • What two majors are you studying?

    Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science

  • Why did you decide to double major?

    I really enjoyed my intro computer science courses and wanted to pursue at least a minor in the area. Speaking with upperclassmen in BME, I found out that there was a computing and analysis track which would require several of the same classes as a Computer Science major. Since I was already doing some of the work, it made sense to pursue the major. I also have research interests at the intersection of these fields and wanted to have background in both.

  • What did you learn as a double major?

    It's never too early to make a Four Year Plan! Declare early so you can get into classes and buildings and have an advisor in the department. Also, talk to your advisors and upperclassmen (peer advisors!). They have knowledge of requirements and the experience of the actual class workload which can be invaluable.

  • Is there any advice you would give to a student looking to double major?

    Don't be afraid to add a minor/major and not complete it. The experience matters more than the piece of paper.

  • Who am I?

    Eileen Petros, Biomedical Engineering & Computer Science