The summer co‑op student presentation day is an event that many at the Nanotechnology Research Centre look forward to every year. The presentations provide a glimpse into what the future of nanotechnology will look like as the cohort of students continues their studies and furthers their research in the field.
This year, there were 8 virtual seminars on innovative topics ranging from adaptive optics and open source transmission electron microscopy to 3D bioprinting.
Preetham Baddam, a first year student at the University of Alberta, delivered his seminar on "Geometric Code – The Language of 3D Bioprinting." "This summer was my second summer at the NRC. Although we were unable to access the facility for the majority of my internship due to COVID‑19, I was able to continue doing some aspects of my research that not only progressed some of our work, but also enabled me to gain very valuable skills, such as coding. Each year I spend at the facility, my experience within the team gets better. I plan to continue doing research in the future and would absolutely love to return to the NRC’s nonotechnology facility."
All student presenters and the organizing host, Adam Bergren.
Rayan Basodan, who is soon completing his undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Engineering, delivered a seminar on adaptive optics. "My biggest driver has always been that sense of purpose that my work contributes to the collective effort in a positive, tangible manner. Working with the Nanotechnology Detection and Automation team, I've encountered an exceptional level of trust, in both myself and my work," said Rayan.
"Within the adaptive optics project, it was very clear to me how my efforts contributed to one of the team members’, Dr. Byoungyoul Park, Thirty Meter Telescope deformable mirrors, and that was all I needed. The project has been a great learning experience so far," he continued.
"Being trusted fosters a sense of responsibility that has been a great motivator, which is much needed when working from home or with limited lab access. Overall, while my peers at UBC have expressed how these COVID days have been a struggle, in contrast, I've been fortunate to work in such an enabling environment at the NRC."