1. Update on Virus Diagnosis and Detection Programs
I/UCRC CBSS New Proposal Presentation – April 2012
Update on FY2007 programs
Update on Virus Diagnosis and Detection Programs
December 2009
NSF REU in Integrated Nanomanufacturing – An Introduction to Dr. Bifano’s Laboratory and the Adaptive Biological Microscope
Kylee O’Dell
East Central University/Department of Physics
Thomas Bifano
Mechanical Engineering 1 1

2. Brief overview of presentation
Update on Virus Diagnosis and Detection Programs
NSF REU INM Introductory Day for RET Participants - July 5, 2016
December 2009
Presentation Overview
Brief overview of presentation
Introducing myself
Background – high school to college
Previous research experience
This summer’s research laboratory
Expectations for summer research accomplishments
Positive and negative experiences so far 2

3. Introducing myself Education
NSF REU INM Introductory Day for RET Participants - July 5, 2016
Introduction
Introducing myself
Education
Turner High School (very small, I graduated with 18 other people!)
East Central Oklahoma University (Rising Senior)
Majoring in Physics
I plan on studying Mechanical Engineering in graduate school. Still deciding between getting my Master’s or Ph.D.
Relatively small university and does not offer any type of research program for my field.

4. Influencing Factors for choosing your field
Update on Virus Diagnosis and Detection Programs
NSF REU INM Introductory Day for RET Participants - July 5, 2016
December 2009
Influences
Influencing Factors for choosing your field
Getting my degree in Physics was never something I planned!
I decided my major on enrollment day before my freshman year having no idea what I was getting into.
Even though I go to a small university, my professors are incredible. They’re a big part of why I stayed so interested in my field of study.
I love physics, but I feel that Mechanical Engineering is more beneficial to my career plans. 4

5. Previous Research Experience
Update on Virus Diagnosis and Detection Programs
NSF REU INM Introductory Day for RET Participants - July 5, 2016
December 2009
Research Experience
Previous Research Experience
This is my first official research experience! 5

6. This Summer’s Research Experience
Update on Virus Diagnosis and Detection Programs
NSF REU INM Introductory Day for RET Participants - July 5, 2016
December 2009
Summer Research
This Summer’s Research Experience
Lab name: Precision Engineering Research Lab (PERL) RM 712
Project Title: Adaptive Biological Microscope
I feel that at this point I am pretty up to speed with the process for this project, although I still do not have all the tools to complete every step.
My personal goal is to be able to correct an actual aberration such as defocus or astigmatism using liquid lenses and deformable mirrors
I got interested in research because it’s not something I’m exposed to at my university! Also, I feel that it is a crucial part of education in STEM fields.
I hope to leave BU with the confidence to perform research in graduate school.
I definitely plan on continuing my education once I complete my undergrad! Eventually I do want to go into industry though. 6

7. Summer Research Goals Adaptive Biological Microscope
Update on Virus Diagnosis and Detection Programs
NSF REU INM Introductory Day for RET Participants - July 5, 2016
December 2009
Summer Research Goals
Summer Research Goals
Adaptive Biological Microscope
We use optical systems to help correct aberrations of the eye
Project Description
Characterize the aberrations of a liquid lens using wave front sensor
Use this information to determine how well the liquid lens can correct aberrations of the eye such as defocus or astigmatism 7

8. Thorlabs wave front sensor
Update on Virus Diagnosis and Detection Programs
NSF REU INM Introductory Day for RET Participants - July 5, 2016
December 2009
Summer Research Goals
Summer Research Goals
Optotune liquid lens
Thorlabs wave front sensor
Deformable mirror 8

9. Update on Virus Diagnosis and Detection Programs
NSF REU INM Introductory Day for RET Participants - July 5, 2016
December 2009
Summer Research Goals
Summer Research Goals
Laser beam goes through optical system including lenses and mirrors.
This causes the light to change from a flat wave front, to something different depending on what you’ve done in your optical system.
Image on left shows a wave front that has been brought to a focus 9

10. Update on Virus Diagnosis and Detection Programs
NSF REU INM Introductory Day for RET Participants - July 5, 2016
Update on Virus Diagnosis and Detection Programs
December 2009
Positives and Negatives
After 4 weeks, what are the highlights (positives) and the lowlights
Everyone in the lab is very helpful!
The first week was a little confusing! I’ve taken a course in optics so I understood the academic side of the project coming into the program. Physically seeing basic concepts I’ve studied in school has given me a much deeper understanding of the overall topic.
Now that I’m familiar with my lab and have a better understanding of what the project’s purpose is, I definitely feel more up to speed. I’m still learning new things every day.
Thank everyone for their time and if they have any questions