Making an Impact

After an upperclassman in the materials science and engineering program at Ohio State described the laboratory classes required to complete the major, Oliver Hesmondhalgh set out to connect the dots. 

With advice from his academic advisor, Hesmondhalgh started exploring the opportunities available to undergraduate students at the Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis (CEMAS) at The Ohio State University. He quickly realized that becoming part of CEMAS would enrich his “understanding of both concepts and applications.”

Now, Hesmondhalgh is beginning his final year of undergraduate studies at Ohio State. He plans to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in materials science and engineering while completing a business minor through the Fisher College of Business. 

Hesmondhalgh has been working as an undergraduate research assistant under the direction of Dr. Daniel Huber, the assistant director of infrastructure at CEMAS, since May 2018. Since that time, Hesmondhalgh has worked alongside various groups at CEMAS to advance research initiatives. 

Like so many others, Hesmondhalgh has shifted to work remotely during the global pandemic. Although CEMAS has re-opened to users, Hesmondhalgh can continue analyzing datasets and collaborating with team members virtually. 

We recently had the opportunity to check-in with Hesmondhalgh as he begins the final year of his undergraduate studies. Gain insight into that conversation and learn more about the projects Hesmondhalgh has impacted at CEMAS below:

What was the transition to remote work at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic like for you as a student research assistant at CEMAS?

“Transitioning from working in-person to at-home due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been remarkably seamless. With help from supervisors, peers, and Engineering Technology Services, I have continued working on analyzing datasets and communicating with team members with relative ease. Although working from home hinders in-person collaboration and hands-on experiences, I have found that it challenges me to solve issues individually. I was looking forward to learning how to operate more instruments at CEMAS. Still, the additional experience I have developed by working more on the image analysis programs throughout this summer has been substantial.”

Tell us about some of the highlight projects or learning experiences you’ve had at CEMAS. 

“One of the most impactful projects I have had the opportunity to work on was analyzing a nasal spray applicator. Carley Goodwin acquired the dataset on the Thermo Scientific HeliScan microCT machine. Due to the x-ray imaging, I was able to view and understand the inner mechanisms of the applicator in both 2D and 3D views. This project and many others, also allowed me to interact with both technical and non-technical audiences by explaining the data and results to the group that requested the analysis.

Like the previous project, I was also able to work on analyzing a portion of a circuit board. This device was meant to control lights on a bus, but it tended to fail. By examining the microCT dataset, I was able to visualize where and how the mechanism was failing. This project allowed me to see the versatility of the machines at CEMAS and their usefulness to solve a myriad of issues.

Another valuable experience was learning how to prepare and mount samples and acquire data from these samples via the microCT machine. Since I have experience analyzing data sets from this device, learning how to collect the information correctly was an invaluable development of my skill set.”

What instruments or programs at CEMAS have you had the opportunity to work with?

“As aforementioned, I have had the opportunity to learn how to prepare samples for and operate the microCT machine. I have also had rudimentary experience on the operation of the scanning electron microscopes (SEM), which was unfortunately delayed due to the current pandemic. Additionally, throughout multiple lab classes for my major, I have operated and analyzed data from the X-ray diffraction (XRD) machine.

To evaluate the data sets from such machines, I have utilized the image analysis programs Avizo, MIPAR, and imageJ. After using each software, it has become apparent that each has its strengths and weaknesses, thus allowing me to combine outcomes from each program to develop the most accurate results. This skill has not only helped me become a more efficient and accurate undergraduate researcher, but it has also allowed me to excel in multiple classes.”

From a professional development perspective, what has it been like to collaborate with the experts at CEMAS?

“Working alongside my mentors at CEMAS has made me think more outside of the box than I ever have. The wide range of backgrounds and personalities of the staff at CEMAS creates a unique plethora of learning opportunities. My colleagues at CEMAS have taught me to question every result and discover deeper meanings behind the data. The diverse array of projects and opportunities supplied by my CEMAS mentors are beyond what is available in classrooms and textbooks, allowing me to look deeper into concepts to solve problems in the real world. My mentors have always made me feel a part of the CEMAS family by providing me with constructive feedback to improve myself further personally, academically, and professionally.”

How does that collaboration extend to the student staff at CEMAS?

“Working alongside other undergraduate students has enhanced my research and academic experience. It is fantastic to collaborate with my peers because it allows me to gain additional problem-solving perspectives. These interactions inspire me to challenge myself to approach problems with a wider range of possible solutions. Furthermore, it is easier to determine the most effective approach to a problem when collaborating with other undergraduate students. Having a peer with a common goal also makes it easier to learn new skills. For example, Emmanuel Chen and I have been working on the Deep Learning training in MIPAR; by building off one another’s successes and failures, we have been able to accomplish more accurate results.”

Do you have any advice for other students interested in exploring electron microscopy or research?

“Absolutely try undergraduate research if you are interested! Everyone I have had the pleasure of meeting has been exceptionally nice and welcoming. My advice is to investigate what each staff member or group is working on to narrow down what seems most interesting to you. Curiosity and passion for what you would like to research are important. Then contact those staff members with your questions; they would love to talk about their research because it is what they are enthusiastic about too!”

How do you think the skills you’re gaining at CEMAS will help you in the future?

“After my undergraduate career, I hope to further my education by using the skills and knowledge I have gained by working at CEMAS. I believe my CEMAS mentors have prepared me for further education through the varied projects and insights I may not have experienced in the classroom alone. After my education, I hope to work in the research and development area of materials engineering because of the encounters throughout my time at CEMAS.”