Each year, Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering asks our students engaged in summer research to tell us about themselves, their work and the goals of the research they are working with professors on. This year, the questionnaire was completed by intrepid scientists, mathematicians, engineers and tech experts on campus at Loyola Marymount University — and beyond the bluff!
Joshua Amador ‘27, a mechanical engineering student whose research was overseen by professor Brendan Smith, worked this summer on a device that measured muscle force, in order to pinpoint ways to rehabilitate patients with motor function issues.
Can you describe your research for those outside your field of study?
Researching a phenomenon where the brain subconsciously relaxes muscles when it determines it doesn’t need to be outputting as much force, even if the person is trying to hold a constant force.
What do you think readers will find most interesting about your project?
It is based in furthering the effectiveness of rehabilitation robots for patients who suffered a stroke, or other injury that impacts motor function.
In your experience, how does doing research complement coursework?
I’ve used tools and programs I learned from class, such as SolidWorks and various machining tools.
What advice would you give to someone on the fence about doing research?
If you have the drive to do something, it will show. Not feeling fully confident in what you’re doing is ok, what matters is that you will take initiative to figure something out and teach yourself everything you need to know to be successful. If you enjoy learning, do it.