STEM Bulletin May 2018

Dr. Bubar

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.    

 

 

Child with 3D Printed Hand

A child with newly fitted 3D printed hand


Dogo News

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

 


Critical Thinking Challenge

Do you think 3-D printing will change your life? Why or why not?


TECHSTRAVAGANZA 2018

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


STEM Summer Camps


There are some exciting STEM summer camps throughout the region.  Here are a few ideas for you to check out: