Katie Birmingham, Author at

Posted on May 24, 2016May 3, 2016 by Katie Birmingham — Leave a comment

Why I Left a Large Research University for Grove City College

Since a young age, I have dreamed of obtaining my Ph.D. in biomedical engineering and pursuing a career in research. Therefore, when I began looking at colleges, I focused my attention on colleges that had large research programs and offered an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering and ended up choosing a school that specialized in biomedical research. I thought I had chosen the perfect school, a school that would jump-start me to my career aspirations.

Two years later, I found myself at Grove City College, a school I initially had written off my list of potential schools because it offered neither the major I wanted nor an explicit emphasis on research. Although I never envisioned I would one day be a Grover, it has been the best choice I have made. Why?

1. Small class sizes.

At the first institution I attended, I was thrown into classes with hundreds of students which made interactions with the professor very impersonal. A few of my classes didn’t even have enough seats for everyone, so the professors encouraged us to just “skip class and read the textbook.” At GCC, nearly all of my classes are under 50 students. If I raise my hand, the professor immediately calls me out by name and answers my question. I am treated as a person in class, not a number.

2. Opportunities for student research.

Research at my first institution was everything I had wanted it not to be. I was the lab rat, doing the chores of graduate students. I did not have the opportunity to actually perform research, as I was too busy cleaning the microscope or proofreading emails. At Grove City College, I was involved in a research project with an electrical engineer in which we created a 3D-printed hearing aid. The research project allowed me to travel to two conferences, as well as win the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ Undergraduate Research Competition.

3. A strong, well-rounded education.

I love being an engineer, and if I could, I would stay in the lab all day culturing and analyzing cells. But as an engineer, that is not all I am required to do. I must be able to communicate my ideas effectively and efficiently. I must be able to carry intellectual conversations about topics other than Bernoulli’s equation or shear stress theories. Grove City College, by emphasizing a liberal arts education, has enhanced my knowledge in all disciplines, not just engineering.

4. The option to compete in sports.

I love being active. Throughout my life, I have always been involved in multiple sports. When I went away to a D1 university, I no longer had the opportunity to participate in varsity athletics. I felt a void – I missed being a member of a team, I missed the competition. At Grove City College, since it is a D3 school, I was able return to varsity athletics and it has become one of my most valuable college experiences.

5. A Christian environment.

Going to college and learning how to live on your own is hard. Suddenly, we must make decisions for ourselves, we face new challenges and we are given unique opportunities. The atmosphere at Grove City College, more so than my previous institution, has helped me grow as a Christian. I am constantly provided with the support I need to help me face tough situations and make hard decisions from faculty, staff and fellow students. I can honestly say the study body as a whole at Grove City College is the nicest group of people I have been encountered.

Posted on April 27, 2016 by Katie Birmingham — Leave a comment

STEM Hall: An Inside Look

In August of 2013, Grove City College opened the doors to a $39.5 million state-of-the-art facility: the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Hall. STEM Hall has become the second home to many students, including myself, on campus due to its unique features. I have highlighted my three favorite below.

Grove City College STEM Hall at Dusk. — Grove City College STEM Hall at dusk.

1. The open-air atrium

STEM Hall atrium, featuring sage-glass windows.

The open-air atrium of STEM Hall is the perfect place to work on group projects and study. With large tables to spread out and expansive windows to connect you to the outdoors, the atrium is always packed with students from all majors. The atrium boasts sage-glass windows, which darken in bright light to reduce sun glare and radiant heat.

2. Glass Walls

Glass-walled labs in STEM Hall, promoting the concept of "science in sight". — Glass-walled labs in STEM Hall, promoting the concept of “science in sight.”

Emphasizing the idea of “science in sight,” the laboratories in STEM hall are glass-walled. This concept aims to demystify the work scientists do in the lab and encourage more students to take up STEM studies.

3. Dry-Erase Walls

The walls in the basement can be written on – they feature “wall-talkers,” which allow the walls to function as dry erase boards. This makes the basement of STEM perfect for working out problems, diagramming reactions and brainstorming ideas.

For more pictures of STEM, be sure to check out these panoramic photos.

Note: The photos from this post were taken from the Grove City College webpage.

Posted on April 26, 2016 by Katie Birmingham — Leave a comment

Student Research Spotlight: Matthew Kauffman

Can you do research at a small, undergraduate, liberal arts college? Yes! Grove City College has a flourishing research program spread among various programs in both technical and non-technical majors. Matthew Kauffman is a current junior electrical engineering major from the little town of West Liberty, Ohio. He is currently involved with multiple musical groups on and off campus and has combined his love of music with his interest in electrical engineering to develop his own independent study with Dr. Mohr.

What is the research you are conducting?

I am designing and building a tremolo/boost effects pedal for use with electric guitar. For someone who is not a guitarist, this is a little box which I plug my guitar into before my amplifier which creates an effect, or in this case, two effects. The first effect is providing a boost, which essentially is just making my guitar signal “louder” before it gets to the amplifier. This effect is especially useful when a guitarist wants his guitar to get louder for a certain part of a song, such as a solo. The second effect, and main effect, is the tremolo effect. This is where the volume of the guitar signal is varied up and down with a waveform. This is a classic effect that is probably best known for its inclusion in surf music.

Do you receive any form of compensation for your work, such as class credit or monetary compensation?

Grove City College awards electrical engineering elective credit by considering the class as an independent study. Generally, research counts as one to two credits per semester. In order to receive class credit, you are required to develop a syllabus with your professor outlining what your goals are for the semester.

What has been the hardest part of your research?

The hardest part of working on this project has been trying to find simple ways to implement my ideas into my oscillator circuit (the part which creates the waveform for the tremolo). I needed to find a balance between finding a simple circuit that won’t take up too much space, but yet meets all my expectations in performance. Because most oscillator circuits aren’t used in the way I am using mine, it took me a while and a lot of research to find the right pieces that could do what I desired.

What has been the most rewarding part of your research?

The most rewarding part of this project is when I get part of a circuit working to the point where I can plug my guitar into it, turn the knobs and actually hear the results coming through an amp. I have a feeling it will be even more rewarding when I finish putting it into an enclosure and install it on my personal guitar pedal board.

What non-technical skill have you found yourself using frequently?

The non-technical skill I have used the most is my musical skills to help me determine what ideas are actually useful or not. For example, I eliminated a portion of my circuit when I determined it wasn’t a very musical or useful sound.

How has this project related to your studies?

The first half of this project was entirely circuit design. I used many ideas I learned in my circuits classes, whether it was to add my own design elements or analyze design elements I found in my research.

Has this project shaped your plans for the future?

Music has always been my biggest passion outside of my major. My dream job would be working somewhere in the audio equipment industry, but even if I don’t end up doing that, I still plan on doing effects pedal design on the side. In fact, I have plans for starting my own effects pedal company this summer to sell my designs.

To learn more, check out Grove City College’s Department of Electrical Engineering webpage.

Posted on April 26, 2016April 26, 2016 by Katie Birmingham — Leave a comment

#iLookLikeAnEngineer

Using the hashtag #ilooklikeanengineer, women in science, technology, engineering and math fields all over the world have been breaking gender stereotypes about females in STEM disciplines. Nationally, according the the American Society of Engineering Education, 11% of undergraduate mechanical engineers are female. Grove City College’s mechanical engineering department boast over 16% of all mechanical engineers being women. The Grove City College female engineers joined the #ilooklikeanengineer movement by sharing their own photos that show the diversity of GCC women in engineering.

MECEs work hard but play harder! This group of sophomore engineers know what's up! #ilooklikeanengineer — Engineers have a 4 year pledge period. We work hard and we want to use what we learn to help others. Our fields of interest range from energy to biomedical engineering but mechanical engineering unites us! #ilooklikeanengineer

In the classroom or in the pool, engineers rule! Grove City is challenging, but you can balance varsity sports with an engineering degree. #ilooklikeanengineer

Posted on March 15, 2016 by Katie Birmingham — Leave a comment

Student Research Spotlight: Sophia Gebert

Can you do research at a small, undergraduate, liberal arts college? Yes! Grove City College has a flourishing research program spread among various programs in both technical and non-technical majors. Dr. William Birmingham, the department chair of Computer Science, is one of many professors at GCC passionate about engaging undergraduate students in research. Using distributed artificial intelligent, Dr. Birmingham creates next generation computer games for mobile platforms. Sophia Gebert, a senior Computer Science student, is one of four students working in Dr. Birmingham’s lab.

How did you become involved in research at Grove City College?

Last year while studying, one of my computer science friends began talking about the research project he had just become involved in with Dr. Birmingham. I was intrigued by the work he was describing, which led me to talk to Dr. Birmingham about joining the project. A team of four students, including myself, was formed to develop a mobile game. At the end of last year, we completed the game and have moved forward to begin working on this current project.

What is the research you are conducting?

Our project is to explore the types of games that fit naturally on an Apple TV. We believe that “ported” smartphone, console or PC/Mac games to the Apple TV do not provide an engaging game experience. We are currently developing “Screamin’ Tators,” which is the game of hot potato adapted to a video game. The game involves players connected to each other via the Internet trying to keep potatoes—Screamin’ Tators—off their screen. The game uses simple swipe gestures to move the potato and asks the player or the audience to shout phrases during the game.

My role in the project right now is to develop in-app purchases for the game. Specifically, I am designing power-ups which players can use to sabotage other players, such as adding fog to the opponents screen, as well as defensive power-ups, such as adding grease to the screen to assist the player to move the potato faster.

A screenshot of the "Screamin' Taters" game. — A screenshot of the “Screamin’ Taters” game.

Do you receive any form of compensation for your work, such as class credit or monetary compensation?

Grove City College awards computer science elective credit by considering the class as an independent study. Generally, research counts as one to two credits per semester. In order to receive class credit, you are required to develop a syllabus with your professor outlining what your goals are for the semester. Additionally, you must give an end of the year presentation to faculty and students to communicate your results.

Grove City College also allows students to obtain the IP rights to their game, which they can then use to further develop or sell their game.

What has been the hardest part of your research?

The hardest part of my research was learning how to program on a new platform. It is especially hard because the platform is relatively new, so there has been little previous programming done on it. I was also unfamiliar with the programming language that we are using prior to beginning the project, so there was a large learning curve initially.

What has been the most rewarding part of your research?

The most rewarding part of my research is working with the team to develop a vision for the game and discuss design ideas, then see them come together each week. Being able to transform a creative idea into an actual product makes the work worth it.

What non-technical skill have you found yourself using frequently?

The non-technical skill that I have used frequently is communication. I have learned how to express my ideas effectively and share my opinions with my team members. Communication has been a key component of working as a successful, efficient team.

Since you and two of your team members are all graduating this year, what is the future of this research project?

As I mentioned earlier, the school allows you to obtain the IP rights to any games that you have developed while working as a student researcher at Grove City College. Our team hopes to get the rights to this game so we can continue to work on it, and hopefully sell it, after we graduate. If that doesn’t happen, this project will be handed off to underclassmen to continue to develop it.

Has your research experience shaped your plans for graduation?

My research experience has had a tremendous impact in shaping my plans for after graduation. The project confirmed my interest in mobile development, and led me to pursue a career with a company working in their mobile development sector.

Do you have any final thoughts?

Do an independent study. It is a relaxing learning environment that allows you to work closely with faculty members and build professional relationships. It also looks good on resumes and gives you something to talk about on job interviews. I was able to find my passion through undergraduate research, and all student at Grove City College have that opportunity as well.

To learn more, check out Grove City College’s computer science department page.

Posted on March 8, 2016 by Katie Birmingham — Leave a comment

Student Research Spotlight: Alex Voris

Can you do research at a small, undergraduate, liberal arts college? Yes! Grove City College has a flourishing research program spread among various programs in both technical and non-technical majors. Dr. Erik Anderson, a professor of Mechanical Engineering, is one of many professors at GCC passionate about engaging undergraduate students in research. Intrigued by the mechanisms by which fish move and the factors that drive ants to move in perfect harmony, Dr. Anderson’s research lab is focused on looking at living systems to motivate new technology. Alex Voris, a senior Mechanical Engineering student, is one of over a dozen students working in Dr. Anderson’s biomechanical lab.

Alex Voris, Mechanical Engineer '16 — Alex Voris, Mechanical Engineer ’16

How were you able to become involved in research at Grove City College?

The summer after my sophomore year I was hired as an intern at a manufacturing plant. The experience, while valuable, was not what I was looking for and I decided that I wanted to explore the research side of mechanical engineering. Upon returning to school at the beginning of my junior year I talked to various mechanical engineering faculty about potential research opportunities, and after an informal interview process, I was offered a position in Dr. Erik Anderson’s lab.

What is the research you are conducting?

I work in Dr. Anderson’s biofluids lab conducting research on remora fish in collaboration with Dr. Brooke Flammang from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Our research is focused on the adhesion mechanisms of remora fish, which use a suction disk to attach to other fish in turbulent conditions. Using videos to analyze the attachment and detachment of a remora fish, we hope to be able to understand the mechanisms used by remora fish in order to create a better method of suction for whale tags. The research we are conducting is novel, as this is the first time that there has been a concerted effort from an engineering group looking at the suction disks of remora fish. A video that I took of the remora attaching and detaching to a surface is shown below.

Do you receive any form of compensation for your work, such as class credit or monetary compensation?

Grove City College awards mechanical engineering elective credit by considering the class as an independent study. Generally, research counts as one to two credits per semester. In order to receive class credit, you are required to develop a syllabus with your professor outlining what your goals are for the semester. Additionally, you must give an end of the year presentation to faculty and students to communicate your results.

What has been the hardest part of your research?

The hardest part of my research was the process of getting started, particularly learning to work and communicate with new people, as well as learning new software programs.

What has been the most rewarding part of your research?

The most rewarding part of my research was breaking new ground. It is exciting to see results, which I could then show to Dr. Flammang and together we would come up with a conjecture as to what was occurring and why. It makes the work I am doing in the lab applicable to real world problems.

What technical skill have you used most during your research experience? What non-technical skill have you found yourself using frequently?

The technical skill I have used the most is developing an understanding of the mechanics of how a fluid interacts with a surface and developing a logical process describing what is occurring. Specifically, I have had to learn how to write code in MatLab to analyze the movement of animals, the corresponding fluid reaction and to predict what would happen when similar events occur in the ocean.

The non-technical skill that I have used frequently is communication. I have learned more about public speaking and writing throughout my research experience than I have learned in any of my classes as a result of practice and experience through presentations and conferences.

Have you had the opportunity to present your research?

In addition to presenting my research at Grove City College I was selected to present my research at a biology and biomechanics conference in the fall of 2015. Using the communication skills I developed through this research experience, I was able to tailor my presentation to a biology focused audience and make it less technical. In doing so, I won the undergraduate presentation award.

My research has also been mentioned in numerous other conferences, and it is in the process of being published.

How does your research align with your classes?

Conducting research has allowed me to apply my knowledge that I have gained in the classroom to real world examples and problems. My classes helped me develop logic skills to think through problems and develop solutions. For example, I have learned how to apply the scientific method to a research question, I have learned how to determine and test different variables, hypothesize potential solutions and analyze variables.

Has your research experience shaped your plans for graduation?

My research experience assisted me to get a position at one of the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF-REU) program at the University of Alabama the summer after my junior year. Moreover, it persuaded me to attend graduate school to pursue my Ph.D., which I will begin in the fall of 2016 at the University of Alabama. This research experience has opened many doors for me. And similar experiences are possible for any student at Grove City College.

To learn more about Grove City College’s Mechanical Engineering program, visit the department page!

Posted on February 22, 2016February 22, 2016 by Katie Birmingham — Leave a comment

Outside the Bubble: Neighborhoods of Pittsburgh Part Two

This is the second part of a series highlighting some of my favorite neighborhoods of Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh is only 45 minutes away from Grove City, making it a great destination for a day trip. Be sure to check out the first post of this series which highlights Shadyside and Squirrel Hill on the east side of Pittsburgh. This post includes the Strip District and Market Square, two eclectic neighborhoods full of unique events and authentic restaurants.

STRIP DISTRICT

Pittsburgh’s Strip District, which runs along the Allegheny River, was once the home of many mills and factories due to its convenient location for transportation of goods and materials. The thriving industry in the Strip District during the 19^th century made it a mixing pot for immigrants from all over Europe and Asia. As wholesalers began to leave the area in the mid to late 20^th century, immigrants revitalized the abandoned warehouses, turning them into ethnic restaurants, specialty markets and art studios. Today, the Strip District is a bustling, outdoor historic market place. With crowded streets full of food vendors offering authentic cuisine from all over the world – from fish markets to homemade potato pancakes to fresh mozzarella – as well as native Pittsburgher’s speaking “Pittsburghese”, the Strip District is a great location for students looking to expand their surroundings and indulge in delicious food. While you’re there be sure to check out Pamela’s Diner, where the Obama family sampled some world famous pancakes. If the line is too long, you can try the pancakes topped with ice cream at Pamela’s rival, Deluca’s.

MARKET SQUARE

Market Square is the hub of activity in downtown Pittsburgh, featuring an eclectic mix of old restaurants and new shops. The best part of Market Square, however, are the numerous events that occur year round. During the summer and fall months, Market Square hosts one of the best farmers markets in Western Pennsylvania, full of fresh fruit from local farms and Amish goods from just down the road. Market Square kicks off the Christmas season with Pittsburgh’s annual light-up night, illuminating downtown Pittsburgh with Christmas lights. The Christmas festivities continue in Market Square with a Holiday Market, which is inspired by German Christkindlmarkts, bringing a bit of European tradition to downtown Pittsburgh. Additionally, throughout the winter, Market Square sets up an ice skating rink, where many Grove City students can be seen attempting to maintain their balance on narrow blades. For those with Irish blood in them, Market Square boasts one of the best St. Patty’s Day parades. In addition to the celebratory seasonal events, Market Square is also the location of numerous food trucks, concerts and outdoor movie screenings. And while you are there, be sure to try Pittsburgh’s famous delicacies – a sandwich topped with French fries – at the Primanti Brothers.

Note: All images from this post were taken from Google images.

Posted on December 15, 2015February 22, 2016 by Katie Birmingham — Leave a comment

Outside the Bubble: Neighborhoods of Pittsburgh Part One

When I embarked on my college search, I was only looking at schools in an urban setting. Although I had grown up in a small town, I have always considered myself a city girl. However, as I started visiting colleges, I realized that attending school in a city was not what I was looking for. I did not want to deal with the daily hassle of crowded streets and constant commotion. I wanted to take advantage of the opportunities that a large metropolitan area can offer, while being able to enjoy the charm and peaceful environment of a small town. Grove City, located less than an hour north of Pittsburgh, was the perfect fit. Pittsburgh is home to 90 unique neighborhoods, and I have highlighted two of the most popular below. In part two of this post, I will highlight two of my other favorite neighborhoods.

SHADYSIDE

With tree lined streets that are filled with charming boutiques, upscale stores and small bakeries, Shadyside gives the east end of Pittsburgh a unique, village-like feel. For students who enjoy sipping locally brewed coffee and savoring homemade pastries while looking through high-end national retailers, Shadyside’s Walnut Street is the ideal day trip destination. Ellsworth Avenue in Shadyside is famous for its surplus of consignment shops and vintage stores surrounded by nationally recognized local restaurants. Walnut Street and Ellsworth Avenue are within walking distance, separated by a few streets of beautifully restored, stately Victorian mansions. And while you are in Shadyside, you can visit the only street in the country that is paved with wood, Roslyn Street.

SQUIRREL HILL

Also located in Pittsburgh’s east end district is Squirrel Hill. Squirrel Hill is famous for the business area along Forbes Avenue and Murray Avenue, which is affectionately referred to as “upstreet” by the local residents. Upstreet contains many local business which are more affordable than the shops in Shadyside, but they are equally unique. Squirrel Hill is bordered by the flourishing expanses of Pittsburgh’s famous Frick Park and Shenley Park, offering Grove City students the opportunity to admire the flora inside Phipp’s Conservatory, play a round of Frisbee golf or simply wander along miles of hiking trails after a morning of shopping in the business district. And during the many months of winter in Western Pennsylvania, Shenley Park offers ice skating, making the cold weather a bit more tolerable.

A View of Downtown Pittsburgh atop a hill in Schenley Park. — A view of Downtown Pittsburgh atop a hill in Schenley Park.

Be sure to check out part two of this post to learn about Market Square and the Strip District.

Note: All images from this post were taken from Google images.