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!
Nathaniel Pierre-Louis ’28, a mechanical engineering student whose research was overseen by professor Xiangyi Cheng, worked this summer on a project building a glove that helps hands with the rehabilitation process after injuries.
Can you describe your research for those outside your field of study?
Our group is aiming to create a rehabilitation glove able to replicate hand movements to speed up the rehabilitation process.
What do you think readers will find most interesting about your project?
Someone outside of my field would be interested as it pertains to medical care, something all people need regardless of their field of study.
What have you learned about doing research that other students might benefit from?
While working on research students learn the importance of communication with their group, accepting setbacks as opportunities to grow, and that working in a group with people who possess different viewpoints than you do is valuable. It exposes one to a realm of new possibilities in thought.
What advice would you give to someone on the fence about doing research?
I would tell them to do it – expand their horizon and academic experience. I myself was on the fence and decided to take a chance with a research project, and I am glad I did as it has allowed me to better understand how to conduct research. I’ve learned that it is an ongoing process, so not all goals will be accomplished in an allotted time.