This past summer, to continue my interest in engineering, I interned at Keio University's Space Robotics Group lab through the Junior Research Experience Program (JREP), allowing me to practice robotics professionally. Traveling alone to Japan, I commuted every day to the research lab and worked under the supervision of Professor Ishigami and graduate student mentors.
Working alongside Ph.D. candidates I was tasked with the design and fabrication for an apparatus of a biomedical research project. During my time at the lab, I designed and updated the apparatus in the onShape CAD software, based on frequent feedback from the professor. After the design was finalized I bought and assembled the parts while also creating an animation render in the Blender software to explain how the apparatus functioned and how it should be used. During the assembly of the apparatus, I frequently consulted the manufacturing department of the college and learned to use CNC laser cutters, drill-presses, and several other manufacturing equipment to aid the fabrication process. At the end of my internship, I presented my work to all the graduate students at the lab and for my contribution, I am expected to coauthor a research paper within the next year.
Working with graduate students on challenging projects not only enhanced my technical skills but also inspired me to pursue advanced robotics research in college.
