This week has actually flown by. It’s crazy to think that one week ago we had just met with our clients and had just started to think about the project. And now, it feels like we’re knee deep Post-It notes. But before we get to the colorful Post-It notes, let’s go to a simpler time… when we just wanted to find syringes.
As the Syringe Calibration Team, AKA S-Caliber, we naturally needed to get some syringes. But we soon realized it’s not as easy as it sounds. They’re not lying around, and if you want to order them, they come in batches of hundreds or even thousands. Our goal was to get data on the sizes and lengths of syringes to see if we can use one measurement as a proxy for another, in order to calibrate. But without syringes, we seemed lost.
Then in one of our morning meetings, the clouds cleared! Dr. Wettergreen asked if we wanted to go to the lab to scavenge some syringes, and of course, we were thrilled. We got SO many syringes. Different sizes, different brands, and enough of each to get enough data.
So many syringes!
After gathering some initial data from the awesome syringes (among other research), we realized it was time to move on to defining our design criteria. So we spent a morning or so on that, and then it was time to get to brainstorming. And trust me, we really brought out the “storm” in “brainstorming.” This is the part where I felt knee deep in Post-It notes. And to be completely honest, if we gathered them all up in one pile, they probably would’ve reached my knees. There were just so many, which is a good sign!
Brainstorming on Post-It notes, just some of the ideas
Overall this week flew by. We’re definitely getting into a routine now, but at the same time, we’re getting to know the project way better. I’m normally exhausted by the end of the day and my brain is so ~fried~ I can only watch Food Network once I get home. But I’d rather have it this way than watching Food Network all day long. So far, SEED has been super fun, mentally stimulating, and a great way to spend my summer. I’m excited to see what next week brings! Hopefully by this time next week, we will have a solution to share!
From a pile of Post-It notes…. Arisa
P.S. Here’s a good knock- knock joke (relating to syringes, of course):
“Knock knock”
“Who’s there?”
“Needle”
“Needle who?”
“Needle-little money?”
Oh my goodness! This is one of the clearest, most clever, interesting, and humorous posts by a SEED participant I have read! You are so gifted to have excellent verbal skills as well as your super technical ones.
Harrell and I enjoyed meeting you and your team members yesterday. We appreciate the explanation and personal demonstration of what you are doing with an existing device. I am so glad you are energized rather than exhausted from the demanding “storming” and near drowning in syringes and Post-it notes.
Thank you so much Mrs. Huff. It was great meeting you the other day and being able to tell you a little about the project!
You are welcome. I look forward to hearing more about your progress and enjoying the interesting way you write about it.