Title: Medical Technology and Environmental Health Undergraduate Researcher: Sarah Bogdan Advisor: Professor Kim Fortun, Department of Science and Technology Studies
Abstract The aim of this proposed research is to broaden understanding around the relationship between medical technology and environmental health. The research will be primarily based on asthma aiding medical technologies including inhalers and nebulizers. I will research how these technologies are influenced by environmental factors, how users engage with the different types of technologies, how these technologies promote or undermine understanding of environmental health. Additionally, I will research different designs for these medical technologies. The research will utilize and contribute to the Asthma Files, an electronic public archive based on collaborative research done in the Science, and Technology Studies department on asthma health literacy. Research Question, Methods, Significance The research will be driven by a variety of questions. Does technology facilitate disease? How are medical technologies developed? How are these technologies perceived? How do individuals engage with their asthma technologies? Does each user use their technology correctly? What regulations are in place that limit what kind of asthma aiding technology a person can use? To properly conduct this research, I will attend weekly meetings on Thursdays at 6pm to ensure collaboration among my peers and research advisor. At the end of the semester, I will have a presentation on my findings read for the STS undergraduate research symposium. Asthma has a large impact on public health all over the world. It is important to understand the variety of technological efforts and the rules and designs that apply to them in order to reduce the health burden on asthmatics. Project Design and Feasibility I will begin my research by profiling organizations that make asthma aiding technologies and create a timeline of the advancements or road blocks that have occurred. Furthermore, I will perform a meta-analysis on how these technologies are developed at what rate design changes are made based on user needs. I will observe the interactions between individuals and asthma aiding technologies. There are many resources available for this research project, adding to its feasibility. Weekly meetings will keep the project moving. Background I am a fourth year Mechanical Engineering and Design, Innovation and Society dual major. I have taken many classes that have had large focuses on creating environmental friendly products for real-world problems. I have interned with Solarize Troy, a non-profit group that focuses on increasing the use of solar power in Rensselaer County. Additionally, I have interned at Snap-on Tools in Milwaukee doing mechanical design. Presentation and Evaluation My research will be overseen by Professor Kim Fortun and we will meet every Thursday at 6pm. Each week, I will present a summary of findings from my research to the advisors and other student researchers. Also, I will upload my findings to the Asthma Files 2015 “wikispace”. Dissemination of Knowledge I will present my findings at the STS Undergraduate Research Symposium in December of 2015. I will ensure that my research is compiled to promote further discussion and collaboration.
Undergraduate Researcher: Sarah Bogdan
Advisor: Professor Kim Fortun, Department of Science and Technology Studies
Abstract
The aim of this proposed research is to broaden understanding around the relationship between medical technology and environmental health. The research will be primarily based on asthma aiding medical technologies including inhalers and nebulizers. I will research how these technologies are influenced by environmental factors, how users engage with the different types of technologies, how these technologies promote or undermine understanding of environmental health. Additionally, I will research different designs for these medical technologies. The research will utilize and contribute to the Asthma Files, an electronic public archive based on collaborative research done in the Science, and Technology Studies department on asthma health literacy.
Research Question, Methods, Significance
The research will be driven by a variety of questions. Does technology facilitate disease? How are medical technologies developed? How are these technologies perceived? How do individuals engage with their asthma technologies? Does each user use their technology correctly? What regulations are in place that limit what kind of asthma aiding technology a person can use?
To properly conduct this research, I will attend weekly meetings on Thursdays at 6pm to ensure collaboration among my peers and research advisor. At the end of the semester, I will have a presentation on my findings read for the STS undergraduate research symposium.
Asthma has a large impact on public health all over the world. It is important to understand the variety of technological efforts and the rules and designs that apply to them in order to reduce the health burden on asthmatics.
Project Design and Feasibility
I will begin my research by profiling organizations that make asthma aiding technologies and create a timeline of the advancements or road blocks that have occurred. Furthermore, I will perform a meta-analysis on how these technologies are developed at what rate design changes are made based on user needs. I will observe the interactions between individuals and asthma aiding technologies.
There are many resources available for this research project, adding to its feasibility. Weekly meetings will keep the project moving.
Background
I am a fourth year Mechanical Engineering and Design, Innovation and Society dual major. I have taken many classes that have had large focuses on creating environmental friendly products for real-world problems. I have interned with Solarize Troy, a non-profit group that focuses on increasing the use of solar power in Rensselaer County. Additionally, I have interned at Snap-on Tools in Milwaukee doing mechanical design.
Presentation and Evaluation
My research will be overseen by Professor Kim Fortun and we will meet every Thursday at 6pm. Each week, I will present a summary of findings from my research to the advisors and other student researchers. Also, I will upload my findings to the Asthma Files 2015 “wikispace”.
Dissemination of Knowledge
I will present my findings at the STS Undergraduate Research Symposium in December of 2015. I will ensure that my research is compiled to promote further discussion and collaboration.