By Fatima Magana '22

NOTE: This is the first of three stories highlighting the work done by student researchers in the Sit Lux summer program.

ALLIANCE, OH- On Tuesday July 5, the University of Mount Union hosted a Sit Lux Initiative for Interdisciplinary Innovation Projects (Sit Lux) reception and presentations where three groups showcased their research on a variety of topics. 

One of the three groups, comprised of participants, Madison Luthy '23, Axel Magarrell '24 and Samuel Nucerino '23, presented on the biomedical engineering and nursing Clinical Immersion Program they researched by attending different hospitals. The purpose of their research was to investigate the factors that affect biomedical engineering students’ readiness and ability to identify healthcare providers' clinical needs so that solutions and products can be developed that address those needs. 

“My experience in the biomedical engineering and Nursing Clinical Immersion Program was exceptional,” stated Luthy. “I feel that through participating in this research opportunity, I was able to gain insight into the real-world problems that are occurring in hospitals.” 

Prior to beginning their hands-on research at the hospitals, Luthy, Magarrell and Nucerino had to learn about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) to gain insight of the rules they needed to follow within the hospitals, and the product design process which helped them understand what was needed to create long-lasting and worthwhile products.  

Luthy explained that learning about these topics was valuable and “extremely important” as they were needed to be able to observe hospital nurses. 

“After identifying these problems, my fellow researchers and I have been finding solutions. I am very excited to see some of these solutions be engineered so that they can help those in the healthcare field,” Luthy said. 

“I am also extremely grateful for our advisor in this research, Dr. Loay Al-Zube, as he has helped us in every aspect of this experience. This research would not have taken place without him,” exclaimed Luthy. 

The Sit Lux program is in its second year, and each project was centered on Mount Union’s core values of service and student learning. All submissions stemmed from, “a community need, a novel curriculum, or a wicked problem” and each group collaborated with a community partner. The initiative seeks to seed ideas that can lead to tangible outcomes, such as a new course, interdisciplinary curriculum or a sustainable program for student engagement with a community partner.