Tips for Success from 2018 Razorback Classic Paolo Garcia

Senior Paolo Garcia, who was recently named a 2018 Razorback Classic

Paolo Garcia is an Honors College Fellow and a senior majoring in biomedical engineering here at the University of Arkansas. He was recently recognized by the Arkansas Alumni Association as a “Razorback Classic,” an honor that celebrates academic excellence, demonstrated leadership, and campus or community involvement. Below, he offers tips on how to succeed as an undergraduate engineering student at the U of A:

1. When in doubt about a concept you are learning, don’t hesitate to ask someone. If you are confused about something you have encountered in your studies, it’s highly likely that someone else feels just as lost. When this happens, it is important to remember that there is a wealth of students and faculty in the department that you can consult. A fellow classmate may be able to help you understand something that was mentioned in class simply by providing an alternative perspective. An upperclassman could point you in the direction of a valuable resource. Lastly, a professor could potentially clear up confusion with a few minutes of discussion. Don’t let your question go unanswered!

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BMES Visits Butterfield Elementary

Marinna Tadros shows the children how to make putty.

Ethan Echols is a senior biomedical engineering major from Fort Smith, Arkansas. He is also the president of the University of Arkansas Biomedical Engineering Society, a group that recently took an outreach trip to Butterfield Elementary School. Below, he reports on the trip:

On September 26, 2017, several students with the University of Arkansas Biomedical Engineering Society visited Butterfield Elementary School to perform a variety of science experiments with the school’s science club. While most of our events take place on campus and concern only biomedical engineering students, community outreach is also a priority for this society. The opportunity to share scientific knowledge with children is particularly important, as early cultivation of scientific curiosity in young minds is essential for the emergence of tomorrow’s leaders in science and engineering.

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10 Tips from Hailey Carter

Hailey Carter

Hailey Carter, a sophomore studying biomedical engineering here at the University of Arkansas, was recently named February’s “Student Leader of the Month.” Below, she offers 10 tips on how to succeed as an undergraduate engineering student here at the U. of A.

1. Get involved. I know just about everyone says this, but it truly is so important. Getting involved on campus not only acts as a release from class work, but it helps you to grow as a person.  Through getting involved, you are able to meet other people who may share a similar passion as you but differ in every other capacity. This allows you to learn how connect with others all around campus. For me, I have loved getting involved in the Volunteer Action Center and my sorority, Kappa Delta.

2. Don’t be afraid of change. For as long as I can remember, I always told myself I didn’t want to be an engineer. I think this stemmed from many people telling me that I should study engineering. After coming to the University of Arkansas and learning about the Biomedical Engineering department, I knew instantly that that was what I wanted to do. Every day since making that decision, I have been challenged and have expanded my knowledge at an exponential rate. I can confidently say that I cannot imagine studying anything else. Change can be terrifying, but college is a time to explore and expand your horizons. With this is likely to come change. You are learning new skills and gaining knowledge that is shaping you into the functioning member of society you will one day be. Also, you may have thought your college experience would be one thing, but turns out it’s completely different. Accept that and make the best of it. Do not fear each day just because it is different than the one before it.

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On Inspiring Future Engineers: Christofer Baldwin Reflects on a Visit to the Don Tyson School of Innovation

Christofer presents to students at the Don Tyson School of Innovation.

Christofer Baldwin is an undergraduate studying biomedical engineering here at the U of A. This past December, he had the opportunity to deliver a presentation to students at the Don Tyson School of Innovation in Springdale. Below, he reports on his experience:

On December 15, 2016, I was asked to give a presentation to the Environmental and Spatial Technologies (EAST) Lab and Medical Science students at the Don Tyson School of Innovation in Springdale. The School of Innovation is a newly-founded school that offers a curriculum based on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) rather than a traditional public school curriculum. Eighth and ninth graders participate in mastery and project-based learning activities to earn credits towards graduation. Sophomores through seniors are enrolled in concurrent credit college courses to graduate high school as well as earn an associate’s degree through Northwest Arkansas Community College.

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Balancing BME and German: Lauren Feekin on the Joy of Double-Majoring

Feekin with part of the Berlin Wall during her study abroad trip to Germany.

Feekin with part of the Berlin Wall during her study abroad trip to Germany.

Student Lauren Feekin is a fifth-year senior studying Biomedical Engineering and German Language through the International Engineering Program. Below, she discusses her experiences in pursuing a dual degree, and how she finds connections between BME and German:

Hi! My name is Lauren Feekin, and I am a fifth-year senior here at the U of A, graduating in December 2016. I am from Lee’s Summit, MO, right outside of Kansas City, and ended up at Arkansas because it flew under my radar, and completely swept me off my feet when I saw its beautiful landscapes and opportunities. Through my years here, I have been constantly surprised by the kindness that abounds not only from the students, but also the professors that have cultivated my passion for biomedical engineering, as well as the German language. (more…)

10 Tips from Seth Washispack

Washispack in the laboratory.

Washispack at work in the lab in John A. White, Jr. Engineering Hall.

Seth Washispack, a class of 2016 graduate of the biomedical engineering program here at the University of Arkansas, was recently named a “Razorback Classic” by the University. Below, he offers 10 tips on how to succeed as an undergraduate engineering student here at the U. of A.:

1. Take your sophomore year to find out what you want out of life. Yes, involving yourself in extracurriculars is wise, and I highly suggest it, but you will do a much better job if you have a goal in mind to drive your whole being.

  • I became involved with activities my freshman year and continued at an alarming rate. By the time I was a sophomore, I was doing two research projects (badly), teaching an SI (a ten hour commitment), learning gymnastics (another ten hour commitment), and studying for school. Overloaded and sleep deprived, I learned that I can either do many things poorly or a few things well. Even with this knowledge, it was not until my senior year when I began to make hard decisions about my involvement in so many things. My greatest regret from this experience is not being able to give myself fully to the activities I was involved. Yes, I helped grow the clubs I belonged to, but a greater focus could have helped me transform these organizations to change not only the campus but the community.
  • Ailon is a good example. She was not heavily involved in any biomedical engineering RSOs until Engineering World Health (EWH) started. When she became involved, she gave her all to the organization. In one year, Ailon built EWH into an organization known for the involvement of all the members. There are several successful committees to engage the members, and they are making a difference on campus and in the community. They are even making strides to impact the world by sending supplies to third world countries.

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