A WORK IN PROGRESS

During the week of March 13 to March 19, I spent my time effectively researching and devising a plan for my final product, which is writing a publication on the fluid dynamics of various different types of heart valves, such as biological (cow and pig) and mechanical valves. Following the experiment of the fluid dynamics test, I will be comparing the results and writing an original paper and getting it published on the web. The main accomplishment during the last week was answering one of my main recurring questions, which was where am I going to get access to these valves and where can I perform my research for the fluid dynamics test? Dr. Brinkman so graciously said that he can get me access to these valves, since they are not easily accessible to high school students. However, even with finding the valves to use for being experimented, finding the place to conduct the experimentation is still proving to be a struggle. I keep having to ask myself the recurring questions of where can I gain access to the fluid dynamics test machine? How should I structure my experiment process to where I can find the results to which valve works the best? Does the number of leaflets in the valve matter? How does nature provide us with three leaflets in our valves instead of two, four, five, etc.? The biggest struggle this week was to find answers to these questions, but I am definitely getting closer to my goal. During the next week in ISM, I will be contacting surgeons at UT Southwestern Medical Center to see if they have the lab for Dr. Brinkman and I to conduct the experimentation with. I will then start writing my publication with the compilation of the background research that I have done about aortic heart valves and the overall test. Overall, I have discovered that I want to continue learning about the advancements in technology that have aided in many medical breakthroughs in surgery. This is a more broad goal that extends further than just cardiothoracic surgery, and I believe by learning about technological advancements, it will better shape me for my future in the medical field.