The most frightening part of research is getting started. Taking that leap into a new project takes courage. Julianne Chania Setiadi, a senior in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Arizona, shared that once she took the leap, her nervousness went away with the positive lab experience that she had in the biomedical department. When Julianne started her research in Dr. Travis Sawyer’s Biomedical Optics and Optical Measurement Laboratory, she was able to let her fear go.
Julianne’s research involves using polarized light imaging to capture images from gastronomic light samples. She now talks easily of the complexity of her research, which involves looking at a type of cancer; Gastronome.
“Gastronome is a rare type of cancer and mainly happens in the small intestine, stomach, liver, and pancreas.
It has a high mortality rate and is not detected until it is too late. The tumor is small in diameter and often missed in endoscopes.
We want to figure out where the tissue came from and what mutated to get this tumor. I use polarized light imaging to see the specific characteristics of this tumor so we can find a way to diagnose it so we can have an early diagnosis and cure it locally.”
While Julianne’s research sounds complicated, the lab’s support system has benefited her throughout her research journey. She relates that the support given to her from Dr. Sawyer was very beneficial and that he provided many one-on-one meetings where she was able to build her knowledge by asking questions. Through this she found her research to be a trial-and-error learning experience rather than a stressful one.
While Julianne’s research sounds complicated, the lab’s support system has benefited her throughout her research journey. She relates that the support given to her from Dr. Sawyer was very beneficial and that he provided many one-on-one meetings where she was able to build her knowledge by asking questions. Through this she found her research to be a trial-and-error learning experience rather than a stressful one.
This opportunity not only allowed Julianne to get a unique research experience, she credits her lab for helping her develop other skills. She told our team that she feels more confident reading research papers and presenting in front of an audience, and no longer feels intimated doing so: “I used to get terrified when I would present something because everyone in the room is grad students, I am sure they know way more about subjects then I do. But I have gotten a lot less intimidated because I have learned I absorb a lot more if my mind is not full of fear,” Julianne told us. Once again, Julianne took that leap to overcome another frightening task.
One of Julianne’s favorite experiences of working in the lab was talking and learning from others. She enjoyed being able to communicate with the Principle Investigator (Dr. Saywer), Grad students, and other undergraduate students.
One way the lab members came together was through “lab socials.” Julianne found these to be a fun experience. She loved talking with everyone and getting to see people from different backgrounds speak about their personal experiences and their own research journeys.
Julianne felt proud to be a part of the “big picture” her lab works to solve, and for being a contributing member of the group. Her research experience led to new friendships and she has used research as an opportunity to build professional relationships.
When asked about her next steps after graduation, Julianne shared that she has an ideal career in mind. Her research and undergraduate experience led her to discover a field that interests her: “I want to work with laser camera companies that make [equipment specifically] for dermatology.”
Julianne knows first-hand how frightening the idea of research can be before you start. Once she took her initial step into the project, she realized that research was different than what she thought it would be. It was an interesting, challenging, and enjoyable journey working with a supportive team. She was able to use research as a stepping stone during her undergraduate journey, research an interesting topic, and build friendships along the way. Julianne’s advice to other students is to “Stop doubting yourself and just go for it.”
Julianne Chania Setiadi | Senior in Biomedical Engineering
