I work with Professor Randy Ewoldt in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Illinois and am a Research Assistant helping uncover newfound knowledge on yield-stress fluids through iterations of impact-test experiments with different weight percentages of laponite in water and data collecting/analysis through the use of a rheometer. The purpose is to understand the rheological characteristics of this material and clearly define the effects an unaged and aged sample of laponite has upon impact of a coated surface; all this with the goal to implement our findings into fire extinguishing applications with this material.
I really like the people that I work with and with the graduate student I work directly with. I've learned so much about rheology and yield-stress fluids and have been given multiple responsibilities where I can experiment on my own. I was also tasked with orchestrating and directing high-speed video recordings of the experimental findings which have since been submitted to the Gallery of Rheology Contest. These findings will be presented at this year's Society of Rheology in Texas.
What I wish was different
I wish I would have been working with this group a long time ago. I've had the great combination of luck and preparedness that helped me land this position which I'm very grateful for.
Advice
Don't hesitate to reach out to professors and ask what their research consists of and if you can help. Most of them would love nothing else but a helping hand.
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Research Fellow
June - July 2018 • Urbana, IL
What I liked
The opportunity to conduct my own research with guidance from faculty and graduate students and to learn about conducting research and graduate school.
What I wish was different
Advice
Prepare more before going into the research with some possible ideas for what you would like your project to be. It will make it easier upon arrival.
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Student Researcher
August 2015 • Urbana, IL
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
Do it early it can be rewarding towards the end as far as achievements and networking as well as a resume builder and help with gaining more experience in the research field
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Undergraduate Researcher
May 2018 • Champaign, IL
What I liked
cool research project
What I wish was different
Advice
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Media and Marketing Program Assistant
August 2017 • Champaign, IL
What I liked
I liked that I was able to hold a position that was relative to what I wanted to do post-graduation but also let me continue working closely with study abroad after returning from my Austrian program.
What I wish was different
I don't think I would have changed anything. I really enjoyed my position and the people I worked with and met.
Advice
Although it is a job, take advantage of all the amazing and different people you'll me while there.
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Undergraduate Research Assistant
May - August 2018 • Urbana, IL
What I liked
Interesting, Meaningful, and learned a lot.
What I wish was different
Advice
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Undergraduate Research Assistant
January 2018 • Champaign, IL
What I liked
I love working very closely with my professor, graduate students, and other undergraduates. It is very interesting to hear many different points of view during meetings and through lab shifts. I also enjoy training other research assistants on transcription procedures. Being able to share my expertise and help others gain this valuable experience is very rewarding.
What I wish was different
Advice
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Undergraduate Research Assistant
June - August 2018 • Urbana, IL
What I liked
I enjoyed the flexible hours as well as the content of my research. I also liked building a relationship with one of my professors.
What I wish was different
I really don't think I would have changed anything.
Advice
I would definitely plan out your hours and stick to a schedule to ensure that you manage your time. If you work remotely, I also advise calling your HR rep. as soon as you can to get the remote hire process started. Once the process gets started, it's best to correspond with HR as promptly as you can.
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Workflow Analyst Intern
June - August 2018 • Champaign, IL
What I liked
My ability to apply my academic and research skills into the work for the internship. Specifically, just applying a few actions on the little, but only, basis we had instead of just spending a lot of time looking for a stronger foundation.
What I wish was different
More research to be been done on the topic we've been working on, and more recent research. E.g. more research papers published past 1920's
Advice
When you're given sparse amounts of information that may or may not be correct due to the age of the content, it's best to hypothesize and execute action in order to figure out what does and doesn't work.
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Undergraduate Research Assistant
September 2017 • Urbana, IL
What I liked
I want to pursue research as a career in the future, so I loved the chance to dedicate all my time to that through a paid experience.
What I wish was different
A higher summer stipend, I still had to work part-time to cover living expenses.
Advice
Research is something that's great to try out as an undergrad, and being here over the summer made it easier to fully immerse myself since I didn't have classes to worry about.
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Chemistry Research Intern
May 2018 • Urbana, IL
What I liked
The ability to do have my own project and work on it on my own
What I wish was different
Advice
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Undergraduate Research Assistant
January 2018 • Champaign, IL
What I liked
Working together with graduate and undergraduate students, being in touch with faculty and large research leaders; hands-on experience with laboratory setting and working with concrete, learning safety and ASTM test standards
