During Jasmine Conner’s internship with the Student Mentoring and Research Training (SMaRT) program, she learned how the world of robots is growing and being used in various ways, especially when it comes to the medical field.
“Robots can be used to assist with different tests from patient samples and help with reading results,” Conner said. “Robots have also helped perform surgeries. I found out when my dad had his surgery last month that a robot did his surgery. I thought, and still do think, that was cool.”
Many of the University of Tennessee’s faculty work with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and contribute to the world-class research being done there. The SMaRT program seeks to further promote research and utilize UT’s partnership with ORNL by funding multiple paid 10-week undergraduate internships that focus on ORNL-related research with a UT faculty member.
Conner is currently a student at Mississippi State University. She is working towards obtaining her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and medical technology.
Conner was advised by UT professor Tony Schmitz throughout her SMaRT internship. “I mentored Ms. Conner during the summer of 2023. I served as faculty coach for a team composed of three students,” Schmitz said. “I challenged the team to program a six degree of freedom robot for manufacturing-related activities.”
While working with Schmitz, Conner got the chance to meet his wife. “They were both talking to me about how a robot was going to do her surgery,” Conner said. “It helped me do my best to perform well in his lab and understand how robots can be used.”
When it comes to Conner and her efforts, Schmitz said, “Despite no experience with industrial robots, Ms. Conner enthusiastically learned the required software and hardware due to her future interest in the use of robotics for surgical applications. She was a true asset to the team, and it was a pleasure to work with her. She was clearly committed to expanding her research experience in biomedical technology.”
Conner advises any students considering the SMaRT program to take the opportunity.
“Whether you had an internship before or this is your first internship, the SMaRT program is a great experience in building connections with faculty that can advise and communicate information to you,” she said. “The tour at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a definite must-attend because it was so interesting and informative.”
Starting in the fall of 2024, Conner will be an intern for a medical laboratory sciences program. In the future, she wants to earn her master’s degree and work as a medical laboratory scientist to further learn and experience working in healthcare.
“The SMaRT program was my first internship. I experienced the technological side of exploring and learning different techniques and strategies,” said Conner. “It gave me a start on building connections with faculty – I learned how important it is because it can help you in your career field, even if it is a letter of recommendation. I am more outspoken now than before since I attended the SMaRT program.”
Contact
Lilly Tran (tce@utk.edu)