40 Research Reflection by Megan Weaver

Faculty Mentor: Kota Takahashi (Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation, University of Utah)

My experience at the University of Utah’s summer undergraduate research program exceeded my greatest expectations. I learned endless knowledge on steps taken to conduct a research project, different graduate programs, and the NSF-GRP. The knowledge I gained during this program will carry with me for the rest of my life. After attending this program, I plan to attend graduate school to obtain my Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, focusing on biomechanics. I am highly interested in studying at the University of Utah under my current mentor, Dr. Takahashi. He is very knowledgeable in the field, always excites me to learn more, and keeps me thinking of new exciting research methods. Using the biplane fluoroscopy, I was allowed to analyze joint angles innovatively, which had never been studied before. I am so thankful that I was selected to participate in this program, and I will cherish this opportunity for the rest of my life!

First and most importantly, I want to thank God for allowing me this opportunity. Thanks to Alex, Emily, Lillian, Mauro, Owen, Paulina, Riley, and Wyn for all the summer adventures! I am so lucky to meet such amazing people that will become lifelong friends.