Blog #1 – Ellena Jeon

Welcome to my first blog!

My first week was filled with 3 hands-on projects: a 3D-printed phone holder, a foot stand, and an ultrasonic sensor. Click below to read more about them!

Project 1

Our first project focused on 3D modeling and printing.

Using TinkerCAD, my team, BioNova,was challenged to design and fabricate a functional phone stand from scratch.

As we analyzed the sample model provided, we noticed that the top portion, specifically the connection point, was prone to cracking under stress.

To address this, we redesigned the joint by adjusting and smoothing the angle to better distribute the load and improve structural integrity. Throughout the process, we collaborated closely to iterate on the design, ensuring both aesthetics and functionality. In doing so, we not only learned how to navigate TinkerCAD and build a 3D model from the ground up, but also developed problem-solving skills by improving upon an existing design based on real-world performance concerns. This project introduced us to the fundamentals of rapid prototyping and the importance of teamwork in engineering design.

Project 2

Next, we were tasked to create a foot stand. From ideation and design to precise measurements, we made sure that we finalized every detail before going into the manual work.To construct the base, we used a saw to cut metal at 45-degree angles to create a mitered joint. You may be wondering why are we using hand tools to cut metal? Well, I wondered the same thing, but in lower resource settings, electricity is not always guaranteed. Or, as our mentor, Eubrea, puts it, “I like to see you suffer.”

After cutting the metal, we welded the pieces together. However, the angles did not quite align. We spent hours trying to perfect every corner to 90 degrees. Despite our efforts, we still ended up with small gaps at the joints. After welding, we spray-painted the steel base.

Next, we moved on to creating the wooden top. Thankfully, now that we have “suffered,” we were allowed to use power tools and cut our wood pieces. Then, to add the finishing touches, we added side panels to the wood to give it a smoothening effect. This time, the edges fit better than when we used hand tools. This project gave me a deeper appreciation for the convenience of electricity, and have much respect for all of the welders and carpenters.

Project 3
Team BioNova!

The final project that we worked on was my favorite! We learned about embedded systems and coded a microprocessor in order to create an ultrasonic sensor. I was able to code the ATmega328 microchip on Arduino IDE and create the circuit on the breadboard. Troubleshooting the circuit was always difficult for me, but my teammates, who had far more experience than me, were able to help me debug the system and gave me helpful tips on how to conduct an analysis of the circuit.

When we got the sensor to work, “Beep– bibip” was the sound of our alarm when there was an object 20 cm away from it. By the end of the session, the room was filled with giggles of success and loud buzzing noises.

After the breadboard, it was time to transfer our circuit onto the soldering breadboard. This was my first time soldering a circuit, so I struggled with the metal’s melting time and precision. However, my teammates all very patiently gave me unlimited tries until I was able to perfect one by myself.

After learning these technical skills for prototyping, we were ready to dive into the Kenyan healthcare system and immerse ourselves in the local hospitals! We visited two level 5 Hospitals: Thika and Kiambu. My group was shadowed nurses, clinical officers, doctors, and other clinicians in the Accidents and Emergency (A&E) department. 

 

Kiambu Level 5 Hospital

The first hospital we visited was the Kiambu Hospital. Right now, in Kenya, there is a doctor’s strike, but the hospital is still very busy, and everyone is working hard to help the patients. Through both observation and interviews with the nurses, I was able to understand the triage system, vital checking procedure, and patient transport system. 

 

Thika Level 5 Hospital

The next hospital we visited was Thika Hospital. I was placed in the A&E department again so that we could compare the two hospitals. I was able to observe two minor trauma surgeries, which were completed efficiently. We were also able to walk around and tour the reproductive health center, comprised of antenatal, postnatal, and NICU (it had very very small babies!)

During the visits, we carried around a small notebook to write down our observations. These observations included inadequate medical equipment, inefficiencies, dogma, and contamination. As a team, we shared what we saw, came up with 15 needs statements, and conducted research on 10 of them. We will be narrowing down on one to begin the process of developing our own medical innovation. Overall, these past two weeks have been completely new, challenging, and incredibly eye-opening. I am so excited to see what we will be able to achieve next week!

Thanks for reading! See you next time:)

 

Ellena Jeon

Bioengineering '27

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