In the summer of 2020 I worked with the University of Virginia REU in their Cardiac Biomechanics Lab; I worked 40 a week for 9 weeks. My research was focused on understanding why increased heart rate reverses the growth of heart failure preserved ejection fraction patients and restores normal cardiac function.
​
Gold Level Experience
Intro to the
Experience
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Patients with heart failure preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) do not respond well to the typical treatment for heart failure. This treatment is decreasing heart rate. Preserved ejection fraction means that despite the patient's cardiac malfunction, they the retained ability to pump out the same amount of blood. HFpEF patients, however, have shown a positive response to a moderate increased heart rate. I utilized software to replicate the heart failure. I then aimed to increase the heart rate using the model and reverse the growth, however I ran out of time.
Self Reflection
INTERDISCIPLINARY
Through this experience I learned that I not only enjoy research but I also have great interest in the fields of medical engineering and biomechanics. I confirmed my research interests and settled on grad school programs in this discipline. During the internship, I expanded my knowledge of cardiac function/failure and MATLAB. The skills I gained in MATLAB will aid me in future endeavours, not only throughout my academic career but in my professional career as well.
Learning Objectives
PROGRAM WIDE
Formulate questions and hypotheses within the discipline.
When I was introduced to the project there was a lot for me to take in and understand. When going through the project, I needed to repeated ask myself what I was going and how it corresponded to my ultimate goal to understand my results.
EXPERIENCE
Identify the different disciplines that contribute to the solution of a complex problem.
The project dealt with cardiac function and failure, mechanical growth, and hormonal growth. I needed knowledge of not only engineering software but also biology to complete this project.
PERSONAL
Flexibility
During this research project, I needed to be flexible. I did not understand much and despite my efforts I often made mistakes. I needed to be flexible enough to charge my methods or my perception of this problem.