Daniel Shyu | Neurotrauma Research
What type of research have you been working on?
Currently, I am working with Dr. Eric Nauman conducting research on neurotrauma in sports. I started in my junior year and have developed new methods of evaluating helmet effectiveness in attenuating the impact of various hits. This next year, I will combine these results with a current study of high school football players to determine the critical physical parameters of helmets for predicting their performance in decreasing neurotrauma.
Why did you choose to work in this lab?
The previous two summers, I had done research in influenza viruses and dysphagia diagnostics at different institutions. As a result, I sought out a research position in BME at Purdue to expand my experience in engineering. Being an avid sports fan, I realized the impact that Dr. Nauman's lab has on the future of sports such as football. I met with Dr. Nauman to discuss how I could bring a more biological perspective to his helmet project, which had taken a mechanical approach. Also, as an honors student, this experience provided an opportunity to start my thesis that I will complete before graduation.
What have been your favorite parts about working in these labs?
My favorite part has been the collaboration with other labs in the Purdue Neurotrauma Group and the comprehensive look at neurotrauma. By combining mechanical testing of helmets with MRI results from high school football players, medically relevant results have been found that could impact the approach many sports take to neurotrauma. In addition, I have been able to work on projects related to biomedical, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, as well as health & kinesiology. Being able to see how each discipline examines our central research area of identifying the mechanisms that lead to traumatic brain injury has been incredible and has improved my ability to apply various approaches at solving this research problem.
How has this influenced your future academic or career plans?
This experience has shown me that I would like to continue research either in medicine or academia. I am interested in attending medical or graduate school and look to improve public health and primary care with sport injuries, specifically in neurology. Furthermore, I have seen the necessity for further clinical research in neurotrauma and an improve protection in youth sports.
What advice would you give to students who are interested in doing research with a professor?
Many professors are looking for new undergraduate students to do research so don't be afraid to contact them! Learn about the professor's research areas and how they may align with your passions. Also, make sure to talk to TAs and older students to understand the research experience and all that it entails.