This week was another week of working hard and learning a lot at my internship. I finished my first big task, which was to correlate the product specifications, to the test methods, to the design verification evidence for the Renegade and Direxion microcatheter families that are being transferred from Cork, Ireland. I also continued working on the test method project for the lead placement guidewire. I read quite a few papers about characterizing different properties of guidewires, including tip shape and lubricity. I also read through some clinical studies which described how optimized lead placement is correlated with better patient outcomes. The guidewire that Annie and I are working with is used to facilitate proper lead placement, which is why these clinical studies were applicable to our project. We will continue to work on this project and will have meetings with several other BSC employees next week to get their input on the test method options.
Annie and I also had a meeting with one of the R&D engineers to talk about the relationships between companies and universities in the United States. We concluded that in Costa Rica, there is a larger focus on taking time off of school to gain industry experience, and that the U.S. is more focused on completing research while attending college. While both are important, I like that Costa Rica has a stronger focus on getting the students experience in industry before they graduate. I think it is really important to get that sort of perspective before graduating and finding a job.
Over the weekend, we traveled to a few beaches in Tamarindo. Playa Conchal was especially beautiful, with shells for sand and crystal clear water. I got sunburned, but had a lot of fun. It was a very relaxing weekend spent in the warm Costa Rican sun.
Playa Conchale, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
GMI Group Dinner at the Airbnb