Welcome back y’all! During my 4th week at Medevice, I continued working on the circuit simulations for my pulse oximeter design. I have gotten to test different layouts and circuit components to determine how my prototype should function. In addition, I was able to finalize my parts list. Since the goal of the project is for the oximeter to be affordable in addition to accurate, I made my parts list using only local Kenyan companies. Searching for parts has helped me understand some of the difficulties of prototyping and manufacturing medical devices in developing countries. Originally, I had wanted to test out a prototype that uses three LEDs: one red, one infrared, and one in the near-infrared range. However, after hours of searching, I could not find any local vendors selling a near-infrared LED with the correct wavelength, and it would cost at minimum $100 USD to ship just one $4 LED from the U.S. or Europe. Instead of paying such a high cost to make a prototype I was not even certain would work, I instead decided to shift my focus to potential algorithm modifications for the pulse oximeter instead. This will allow me to create a low-cost prototype using an Arduino and readily available electronic components. Medevice will help me purchase the parts this week, and then I can start my breadboard prototype. We also had a lizard get stuck in the bathroom for a couple of days, but he was finally able to make it back outside.
During the week, I have a pretty set routine–wake up at 5am, go to the gym, prepare for work, go to work from 9am to 5pm, eat dinner, relax, and go to sleep by 9pm. During the weekends, I have been enjoying getting to see more of Nairobi. On Saturday, the weather app said thunderstorms were likely, so we planned some fun indoor activities. Colin, Jasmine, and I went to the Nairobi Gallery, an art museum showcasing art from African artists across the continent. The gallery was fairly small, but it was full of interesting art as well as historical artifacts such as jewelry and furniture. One of my favorite pieces blended electronic components and PCBs with painted details on a canvas.
After the art gallery, we took a break for lunch and tried out CJ’s Restaurant, best described as the American restaurant BJ’s with the interior design of a French-style cafe and a bit of Kenyan flair. Ironically, this self-described American restaurant proudly advertised its giant portion sizes. I enjoyed a chipotle fish bowl and an iced latte. After lunch, we headed to the National Museum of Kenya. The exhibits had a mix of science and history, including a room with over 1000 species of taxidermied birds, a history of the currency system in Kenya, and replicated skulls of pre-human hominins. The museum also contained a snake park with several species of snakes, where I got to hold a one-year-old python (quite a strange sensation to feel how they move). We also never ended up getting those thunderstorms that were promised.
Finally, I ended my weekend with another relaxing hike at Karura forest with Jasmine. We enjoyed the beautiful weather and scenery and packed a nice picnic lunch to eat by the river. Even after two visits to Karura, I still haven’t made my way around all of the expansive trails, so I’m sure I’ll go for a third visit before the summer is over (especially since the $5 entry fee and 15 minute Uber is much more tempting than paying $100+ and driving 2+ hours to reach any of the larger parks). Until next time!
