2019 Summer Intern Report: Hannah DeVore

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Hannah DeVoreBackground
University of Virginia, Class of 2019, Electrical Engineering

Hometown: Charlottesville, Virginia

Project
Automatic Acoustic Field Intensity Mapping Robot

Project Goal
Sam Clinard and I worked together to create a robot to automatically scan the ultrasound field produced by a transducer. It has three translational degrees of freedom, and is controlled through a computer that can run MATLAB. The computer also interfaces with a function generator and oscilloscope to generate the field, acquire measurements, and move the hydrophone (sensor) automatically. After the project is complete, the goal is to share the code and schematics publicly for anyone who wants to build a duplicate.

Why were you initially interested in working for the Foundation?
As a biomedical engineer, I wanted a chance to both gain experience in the practical applications of engineering and participate in a project that could make a tangible difference in the quality of life for many people. The Focused Ultrasound Foundation’s goal is to assist in the adoption of life-improving therapies, so to me, it seemed like the ideal chance to gain experience while making an impact.

Share some thoughts on your experience as a Foundation intern.
The Foundation has a very good approach to internships; they recognize that interns are coming to learn just as much as they are to work. The availability of lectures on the field really helps inform and round out your knowledge of the field, even if the lectures are not directly applicable to your project.

What are your upcoming plans? What is your dream job?
For the next several years, I will be pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis. I would like to work in early-stage design for medical devices.