Hello, fellow classmates! I thought it would be fun to share a bit more about myself, so here are some facts about me:
1. ME AS A PERSON:
My name is Yimo Gao, a first-year master’s student in Applied Bioengineering. I completed my undergraduate studies in bioengineering at McGill and decided to broaden my perspective by enrolling at Rice. As a newcomer, I haven’t had the chance to be extensively involved in any of the exciting opportunities that Rice has to offer. However, I am looking forward to becoming a part of the vibrant community here.
2. MY PRIDE AND JOY:
During my undergraduate years, I engaged in numerous projects focusing on tissues, cells, and biomolecules, primarily in microscale applications. For instance, when working with proteins, I studied how they respond to external forces, akin to how a mechanical engineer evaluates beam loadings in a structure. In addition, I delved into considering forces such as electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, which, while not as significant at the macroscale, play a crucial role in understanding microscale dynamics.
Gene cloning strategy (left) Protein modeling (right)
3. ME OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM:
I have a fondness for DIY projects and relish the sense of accomplishment that comes with successfully assembling various pieces. With the right manual, I can troubleshoot a range of appliances, from dishwashers to smart locks. It’s through this experience that I learned the importance of not putting oily dishes directly into the dishwasher.
4. MY GOAL:
I’ve always been fascinated by automated machinery and mechanisms. My goal is to construct systems that run autonomously without manual input. One example is an automatic fish feeder that employs computer vision to assess the tank level and instructs the storage compartment to dispense feed as needed. This ensures I won’t risk starving my bettas.
5. MY HOPE FOR BIOE 555:
I’m excited about learning the operation and gaining proficiency in all the prototyping equipment in the class. What excites me the most is 3D printing. With proper design, this technology has the potential to deposit bioink mixed with living cells, creating tissue microenvironments and even organs—both of which are highly relevant to my field of study.
