Career Spotlight
Meet Dr. Eric Joseph Bubar, Associate
Professor of Physics
What kind of scientist are you?
Astrophysicist/Applied
Engineer
What was your major in college?
Applied
Physics
What do you like most about being a scientist?
My favorite part of being a
scientist is finding answers to questions and using science to solve
problems. Currently in my lab, we are
using physics to invent tools to make life easier for individuals with limb
differences. For example, we created an
adapter to attach to a trumpet to allow a user without a hand to support the
weight of his instrument. We have also
used 3D scanning and printing to create realistic cosmetic prosthetic hands for
people when medical coverage was unavailable.
What are you most proud of related to being a scientist?
I
am most proud of using my skills as a scientist to help other people and then
applying this knowledge to teaching others to make a difference. I’ve been able to make an impactful
difference in lives of people all over the world by creating prosthetic devices
that are sent to countries where medical care is not readily available.
Is there anything you would like students to know about your career or how they could become a scientist?
I am currently using my training as
a scientist to teach students at a University.
The most important lesson I have learned is that in becoming a
scientist, you will learn HOW to think and solve problems. There is a clear process (called the
scientific method) that can be used to find answers to almost any question that
you might have. For example, I have a
degree in astrophysics which has nothing directly to do with my current work in
prosthetics. But my training in science
allows me to work in areas that may not be exactly the same as my subject
area.
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A child with newly fitted 3D printed hand
Science in the News
The struggle to recreate human tissues in the laboratory is nearly as old as the medical profession itself. The cell as you all know, is the structural, functional and biological unit of all organisms, whether it is a single celled-bacteria or a 90 trillion-celled human! While these microscopic units appear simple, they are actually quite complex and almost impossible to build from scratch, which is why for the longest time 'growing' new human body parts in the laboratory seemed like an impossible task. That perception seems to be changing somewhat, thanks to the recent advent of 3-D printing
For additional information visit:
https://www.dogonews.com/2013/9/15/how-3d-printing-will-change-medicine
Do you think 3-D printing will change your life? Why or why not?
Annual Hands-on STEM Activity Fair
for students of all ages
When: Saturday, May 19th
Time: 10am to 4pm
Hosted By: Tomorrow’s Women in Science and Technology
Location: Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
6560 Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA 22312
Admission is FREE!
Register today at: tjtechstrav.org
Contact info: Tjtechstrav.org | twistcoordinators@gmail.com
There are some exciting STEM summer camps throughout the region. Here are a few ideas for you to check out:
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