57 Research Reflection by Alec Tzeng

Faculty Mentor: Yan-Ting Shiu (Internal Medicine, University of Utah)

During this project, I acquired substantial knowledge about the research process. Being able to apply what I learned in class and translate theory into practice has been a meaningful experience for me. However, research isn’t only about applying knowledge to solve a problem; it demands a distinct mindset. The human body is a remarkably complex system, with biological pathways that are deeply interconnected and often convoluted. To answer questions about these mechanisms, I had to elevate my thinking and embrace alternative possibilities in my study design.

Throughout my research, I encountered numerous challenges. One major hurdle was the use of fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulations in a murine model, which is a novel approach in our field. Because of the limited literature on the use of FSI simulations in arteriovenous fistula, I struggled to create a robust protocol. I spent countless hours testing different parameters, reading about solid mechanics, and searching for possible remedies to each simulation error. Despite these efforts, my lack of knowledge about FSI simulations, complex fluid dynamics, and solid mechanics significantly stymied my research process.

It seemed that I was incapable of completing this task no matter what I did. No amount of reading or testing could resolve my persistent simulation errors. The turning point was one of my meetings with my mentor Dr. Yan-Ting Shiu. She listened to my frustrations and offered a new perspective on research and failure. Her guidance helped me reframe simulation errors not as setbacks, but as valuable data points for refining my model. I also broadened my literature search to topics outside my field that have had success with an FSI model such as FSI modeling in mice with atherosclerosis. This shift helped me break out of my tunnel vision and draw inspiration from adjacent fields. With renewed creativity and direction, I was able to overcome the technical challenges and complete my project.

In my future, I aim to become a medical device engineer who creates cutting-edge and innovative devices with a deep respect for the principles of engineering. I want to contribute to the development of technologies that improve patient outcomes, especially where biological complexity presents significant challenges. This experience has shaped me into a more resilient and resourceful researcher; I will be able to use what I have learned (ingenuity, perseverance, and resourcefulness) to be a successful medical device engineer.