Interdisciplinarity

Believe it or not, Art and Science are go hand-in-hand when researching granular materials

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Interdisciplinary Research on Granular Materials

at the University of Chicago

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3D Printed & Laser-Cut Particles for Lab Experiments

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Compression Trial on Disk-Shaped Particles

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3D Printed & Laser-Cut Particles for Lab Experiments

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Interdisciplinarity Activity:

 Research Internship at the University of Chicago

• Summer Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates)

• 400 hours, Summer 2017

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Learning Objectives:

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Persistence

I learned to persist through computer programming challenges when learning Python, a computer language that was completely new to me. When my code did not work, I identified why it failed and sought solutions to make it function. I continually assessed and adjusted the Python code. Persevering through this helped me to overcome coding challenges and to analyze my experimental data.

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Integrity

During experiments, I had to replicate trials and pour particles into the membranes at the same speed, angle, and height. I became accustomed to this art of pouring and when a pour did not feel the same as previous trials, I redid the trial. I took my job as an experimentalist seriously and maintained consistent in experimental work preserve the integrity of the project.

 

Identify the different disciplines that contribute to the solution of a complex problem

I applied my knowledge in physics, mechanical engineering, and computer programming to grasp foundational information motivating my project, execute experiments, and extract information for tests. By utilizing these different disciplines as well as artistic skills, I produced results and shared them with others. Most importantly, I recognized how a variety of disciplines can work together to reveal new information.
 

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Reflection

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Participating in the University of Chicago’s MRSEC REU was my first research experience in a university setting. This great experience revealed to me the interdisciplinary nature of research and the need for different disciplines to collaborate and solve complex issues. My summer project investigated granular materials’ behavior. Increased understanding of granular materials can help make soft robotics more flexible and cost-effective. Utilizing improved soft robotics in energy industries can make solar energy more economical. Over the summer, I learned about granular materials and realized the importance of interdisciplinarity by applying my knowledge in physics, mechanical engineering, and computer programming to grasp background information motivating my project, execute experiments, and extract information from tests. In addition to these disciplines, I utilized artistic skills throughout the project. 

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At a glance, it may not seem that art was involved in a physics-based research project; however, upon deeper reflection, I realized that it was a part of my project all along. There was an art to designing particles and pouring them during experiments. Art was also involved in my final project presentation. For the presentation, I photographed particles, illustrated experiment setups, and created a video of the X-ray images of a packing to help communicate the project details.

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Several disciplines, such as physics, mechanical engineering, and computer programming, photography, and graphic design enhanced my project and helped me share information with others. By opening my mind and focusing on topics’ similarities rather than differences, I realized that various disciplines are linked by their potential to help people accomplish tasks in new ways and enhance projects. To help myself become more successful in future endeavors, I plan to continue to gain skills in a variety of areas. This will widen my scope of understanding and abilities, so I will be able to think creatively and help improve technology in our lives. 

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Additional Learning Objectives:

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Describe & apply strategies for creating common ground

between different disciplinary perspectives

Although computer programming and graphic design are very different disciplines, they were both needed to complete my project. I found common ground between the two in the way they could be approached; both disciplines required designs, assessment, and refinement so they could be used or interpreted by the end-user. I applied this approach to both programming and creating graphics illustrating experimentation methods.

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Describe & apply bridging strategies that facilitate

the conscious integration of different disciplines

Through this experience, I learned that varying disciplines can be used to solve problems and that they are linked by their similarities. By becoming cognizant of the processes involved in disciplines like computer programming and graphic design and by drawing connections, I saw the value in linking varying disciplines to accomplish tasks. I plan to unite technical and artistic perspectives throughout my future career.

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